Nas National Symphony Orchestra
Illmatic (Live From The Kennedy Center)

Our favorite villainous watch-slinger is back with the the 3rd instalment of his "On High Alert" collaboration series released with Tuff Kong Records. This third volume spans six songs just under 20 minutes, enlisting past collaborators like Boldy James, Pink Siifu, Flee Lord and Meyhem Lauren as well as the likes of Kool Kieth, Kool G Rap, CRIMEAPPLE, Mooch and Rigz contributing to the series for the first time. The project is short but undeniably sweet with instrumentals that flawlessly meld old school boom-bap sensibilities with hypnotic and semi-psychedelic touches. When paired with the other two installments, Real Bad Man creates an insular sonic world that taps into hip-hop history and experimentation. All three are well worth the hour total of listening time.