Live Instrumental Version of Illmatic
If you’re an ardent reader of The Rap Up, then you probably know how this instrumental came about. A TRU reader mentioned in the comment section that he has a live band version of the illest hip-hop album ever made (imo), Illmatic. So everybody was on some “you better upload that instrumental right now or I’ll remotely hijack it from your hard drive” sh*t. One week later, here we are. Apparently, this is from the Can You Flow series and is also available for purchase via CDUniverse.
I don’t know who’s behind the production on this CD, but I haven’t been able to get it out of my system all morning. (Yes, I gave it a thorough lesson before deciding that it’s worth sharing with you guys.) Part of the reason Illmatic became the magnum opus in Nas’ catalog has to do with the adept production on that album. I’m willing to bet that Nas didn’t pick those beats himself. But if he did, someone needs to lock him up in a room and force him to listen to the beats all over again. I say that because the Nas of today is surprisingly terrible at picking beats.
Major shout out to the supplier of this doozy, Quincy Lovehandles. Go check out his blog, A Cheese Sandwich, after downloading this. It’s the least you can do.
Update: After several spins, I’m starting to get the idea that this isn’t as live as I previously thought it was. They ruined “It Ain’t Hard to Tell” for me. Still makes for a great afternoon soundtrack.
This entry was posted on Monday, December 3rd, 2007 at 12:43 pm and is filed under Nas.
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| 1. |
Adam Says:
Wow, that Memory Lane instrumental is nasty. That was one of my favorite beats anyway, but this one might be even better (although Primo’s scratching on the original was insane).
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| 2. |
Dr. Lincoln Says:
Thanks to Rizoh and Quincy for the music, but this is basically a karaoke CD. I understand that clearing samples would cost too much but they shouldve at least used live instruments instead of a keyboard. There’s no soul to these versions, kind of like those “A Tribute to..” CDs that cover Hip-Hop music.
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| 3. |
T2 Says:
Classic verses claasic beats makes it a classic album The Best Hip Hop Album Of All Time!
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| 4. |
khal Says:
4hero’s Marc Mac has a crew called the Visioneers. They did a “live band” version of “The World Is Yours”; I actually played it a few times on rock the dub radio. If anyone wants it, hit me with an email (khaldub@gmail.com) so I can up it when I get home. I’m not sure if the Visioneers were doing more Illmatic tracks, but that one works well.
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| 5. |
DB Ossi Says:
This ain’t the Roots that’s for sure!
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| 6. |
Rizoh Says:
Man, ?uest and co would murk this shit for sure.
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| 7. |
dre Says:
yeah i have to agree db ossi. seeing roots play instrumental with nas utterly changed my definition of live hip hop. fucking roots they are too damn good.
thanks rizz for the heads up and the dude with the blog for providing though. i remember seeing that one comment that sparked this entire fiasco hahah the hard drive was going to be hacked soon if this didnt come out.
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| 8. |
olie stiles Says:
My old friend, you are still doing positive moves.
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| 9. |
Pronay Says:
any chance of a re-up?
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| 10. |
Pronay Says:
omgggggggggggggggg reup
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| 11. |
Anonymous Says:
re up pleaseeeeeeeeee
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| 12. |
The Rap Up » Tha Carter III - Piano Version Says:
[...] tracks from Lil Wayne’s Carter III (of all albums) on piano. It’s not nearly as good as this (non-live) instrumental rendition of Illmatic. For the most part, his execution is choppy and amateurish. Still, his talent is undeniable. He [...]
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| 13. |
not nas Says:
el michels affair covering illmatic with nas live!
let him know!
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