Nas, the hip hop royalty who continues to make waves in the modern era, has once again proven what it is that makes him standout amongst mainstream rappers.
Always one to experiment with sounds, textures and cultural influences in his music, the artist has enlisted collaborators that are as diverse as they are talented. We’re talking about none other than Sid Sriram and Steel Banglez.
Sid Sriram, who came into the limelight with his unique fusion of elements of Indian Classical Carantic music with influences from jazz, RnB and rock, shines through on the record, ‘TIMES’ — lending it a timeless soulful quality. Nas, who was impressed by Sid’s and Steel Banglez’ discovery, decided to give the two a shot on a record with him, understanding that they were onto something special.
What started out as a Sid Sriram and Steel Banglez collaboration, now has a significant co-sign in Nas — a huge pat on the back from the culture to the upcoming artists.
Banglez, too, successfully draws on his Indian and British heritage, in order to craft a soundscape that is an amalgamation of the east and west, and a sign of what’s to come internationally in hip hop from diverse corners of the world. Released via Mass Appeal, the song has also left fans wondering if this is indeed the start of a rollout for Nas’ long awaited project with Premo. Banglez’ album One Day It Will All Make Sense also features the likes of AP Dhillon, Pheelz, Omah Lay, Talwiinder, Afsana Khan, Stefflon Don and more.
