This song came on while i was on the county bus with about 50+ other guys on our way to Miami Dade County court to hear a judge decide our future. Complete silence, early morning bus ride, before the break of dawn, dark, no sun. Just a glimpse of street lights and headlights bypassing. I felt like i could feel everyones hearts on the bus inside my chest. Felt like I could feel everybodys pain. IT WAS HEAVY! Hard to fathom, young kid next to me 18, looking at up to 30 years just from hanging around the wrong people. Was articulate, soft spoken, and made a bad decision 1 day out of his life 💔 Wish him well and everyone else who has made mistakes and are in need of guidance.
"Black Diamonds and Pearls" is clearly a stand in for black men and women. Diamonds being "hard" and angular (masculine), and Pearl's being coveted and curved (feminine). NAS ALWAYS DROPS GEMS IN HIS MUSIC.
@@thegoat0526 Maybe, but I don't see Lauren received a songwriter credit on the track. The point remains regardless of who wrote it cuz its on Nas' album.
You're dad is awesome! Whether he likes or dislikes certain songs is irrelevant, the fact he cares enough to spend time with you is where it's at. I miss my dad everyday since he passed. Enjoy the time with yours. ✌️
@primoxxl71 This comment is everything. I miss my dad every single day and he LOVED music, and was always excited to play his favorite tunes, it wasnt until right before he passed that I realized just how much he loved music and how he used it to express what he was sometimes too sick to say
Great content! Your dad really is an openminded and sympathetic person, highly appreciate his reactions and interest in this. You're just a lucky dud to call him your dad. And your first name is exactly like mine.😊 I have to dig deeper in your channel. I hope I can find some Public Enemy and KRS. There's so much to discover. ❤
This is one of the greatest songs ever. Illmatic is pretty much untouchable as a whole album, but the impact of this song is far greater. I get shivers just upon the opening of the song with Lauryn crooning.
@@avon_mack I think he knows that actually, he was just comparing this song to the album Illmatic.. I don't agree though, Illmatic had far greater impact.. Love this song though.
Grammy's always shunned Nas because he wasn't in that commercial hip-hop category. He always stayed conscious and true to his poetry. He's made a couple of those commercial tracks throughout his career though. I hated Oochie Wally, but I like You Owe Me.
This song is a HEAVY hood anthem ‼️ It’s literally the voice of us who grew up in the hood…I can actually smell, taste & see (nostalgia!!!!) what life was during that time ❤️🔥
when the hook says,I'll free all my sons. They are talking about the bondage that we as a people are under. Black diamonds and pearls are black men and women. If you could be mine we both shine refers to the black relationship between male and female Coming together and shining In an environment to peacefully raise our children. It can be debated what The meaning of walking to the sun hand-in-hand means. Some says the physical sun, And others say it is the Son of the Most High Yahshua. Love your videos Keep up the good work
The beat is actually "Friends" from the early 80's hip hop group Whodini. He actually makes a couple of references to the original song, which is also a classic.
I played this song as a presentation in my creative literature class during my senior year of high school in 2008. My class was completely white except for me and you can hear a pin drop because of how silent it was. Unbeknownst to me no one has ever heard of this song including my teacher. I then explained what the song meant to me and asked a few of my classmates what they thought about the song and I was truly shocked to their response. They noticed that some of the things he wished for if he ruled the world were an everyday thing for them and some of the struggles he was facing seemed so foreign to them. I got a new perspective of the song from them so I also learned something new.. amazing song and amazing reaction guys.. Much love from Minnesota.
What??? Nobody knew this song on 2008? I am a white girl from KY and graduated in 2004 and I don’t know one kid in my school that didn’t know this song. We had 1.5 black people in our entire school. Crazy how some music makes it way to, and impacts, some people and communities, and others haven’t even heard it. Blows my mind!!!
White guy from South Dakota here. Been listening to Nas since he came out. My daughter was 7 in 2008, and she knows Nas, I made sure of that. Schooled her into sooooo much music. Taught her some stuff from the 50s on up. Different genres. Music is one hell of a tool for us.
Since your Dad appreciated that line where he says "more conscious of the way we raise our daughters" Nas actually has a song called "Daughters". I know he would love it. It's amazing to see Nas's growth and maturity in his artistry over the years.
Nas is profound. He has a way with words and saying them. No one in rap history can duplicate him because of his mind. His ability to write with substance, thoughtfulness, introspective music, with great delivery.
"Biggie's Ready to Die album came out several months after Illmatic, and Biggie was crowned king of New York in the popular culture of Hip Hop heads, Ready to Die unfairly over-shadowed Illmatic, which is truly a classic album. Though they were quite distinct artists, they innovated in analogous ways. Biggie merged language that was high and low, vernacular and vocabulary words, in a way that sounded natural. He did this with a sophisticated understanding of the patterns of black language. When a different or unusual word or phrase could be introduced while still maintaining the aesthetics of black language, he inserted it. NaS, in contrast, merged concepts that were high and low, vernacular and metaphysical, in a manner that was whole rather than pieced together, thus presenting a complex that is unusual in any music outside of jazz. What Biggie started to do with language in 1994, NaS had already begun to do with ideas on Illmatic. He carries us through the "Righteous steps" of the cosmic, oceanic, and literal dimensions of his person. He transcends." - Imany Perry (Born To Use Mics)
yeah, more good songs off that album are street dreams, nas is coming, affirmative action and the message. personally my 2nd favorite album from nas because illmatic is always gonna be nas’ best album
Mannnn...."I gave you power" literally gives me chills!! You're right! One of the greatest rap songs period. Super descriptive and pulls you in immediately! Definitely one that you should react to next if you want to continue with the Nas saga!
I love seeing his eye raise, his smile and his head nod a little when he appreciates a clever line. That’s what all Hip Hop heads love about hip hop. It’s always a joy to be able to just listen to an artist who can come up with something you wouldn’t have thought of. He gets it.
When Lauryn sings “I love em, love em, baby” I feel like she is putting LOVE into the current and ideal situation. It feels uplifting and manifesting positivity. The blimp reference reminded me of ice cube so when you said it’s all connected, I agree! Haha
People forget, that when this song came out, Nas was considered a sellout because of how commercial the song was. It's now considered a hip hop classic.
There was a unique magic and mystique to the style of Illmatic that was scrapped for this more commercial sound. I think that’s the main issue and it still holds true. Don’t get me wrong, It Was Written is a classic but the Illmatic Nas never returned.
Your dad singing the chorus gave me goosebumps! I also loved the reference to "black diamonds and pearls" and that you guys picked up that he was giving value to black people using something normally reserved for the idea of "white purity" or perfection. Many black people don't like being called "black" due to the negative connotation of the word black. Black balled...black listed...black market...black Monday...black and blue, ect.
Yes my dad got upset when I watch Lord of the ing and the Elf turned black when she was being tested by the ring of evil. He thought she ought to turn red or grey 😢 he lived through some rough racial events.
Hull City? Random, but as a retro football kit collector myself, I appreciate the swag 👏 also ...... great song choice, glad Pops finally hearing some Nas 🐐
The beat was sampled from a song called "Friends” by Whodini. They were a very dope 80's Hip Hop group. Check out that song along with "5 Minutes of Funk" & "Freaks come out at night" Another great Nas song Pops would enjoy is "I Can" & "One Mic" 👍
I absolutely love the appreciation both Father and son have for the WORDS in these songs. So many people listen to music, but don’t really hear it. I also appreciate Kai listening to incredible music from before his time… keep going back, it gets better!
"If I Ruled The World” (feat. Lauryn Hill) Life, I wonder Will it take me under? I don't know Imagine smoking weed in the street without cops harassing Imagine going to court with no trial Lifestyle, cruising blue Bahama waters, no welfare supporters More conscious of the way we raise our daughters Days are shorter, nights are colder Feeling like life is over, these snakes strike like a cobra The world's hot, my son got knocked, evidently It's elementary, they want us all gone eventually Trooping out of state for a plate of knowledge If coke was cooked without the garbage We'd all have the top dollars Imagine everybody flashing fashion, designer clothes Lacing your clique up with diamond Roles Your people holding dough, no parole, no rubbers Go in raw, imagine law with no undercovers Just some thoughts for the mind I take a glimpse into time Watch the blimp read "The World Is Mine" If I ruled the world (Imagine that) I'd free all my sons, I love 'em, love 'em, baby Black diamonds and pearls (Could it be, if you could be mine, we'd both shine?) If I ruled the world (Still living for today, in these last days and times) The way to be: Paradise life, relaxin' Black, Latino and Anglo-Saxon Armani Exchange, the Range Cash, Lost Tribe of Shabazz, free at last Brand new whips to crash, then we laugh in a iller path The Villa house is for the crew, how we do Trees for breakfast, dime sexes and Benz stretches So many years of depression make me vision The better living, type of place to raise kids in Open they eyes to the lies, history's told foul But I'm as wise as the old owl, plus the Gold Child Seeing things like I was controlling, clique rolling Tricking six digits on kicks and still holding Trips to Paris, I'd civilize every savage Give me one shot, I turn trife life to lavish Political prisoners set free, stress free No work release, purple M3's and jet skis Feel the wind breeze in West Indies I'd let Coretta Scott-King mayor the cities And reverse fiends to Willies It sound foul, but every girl I meet'd go down-town I'd open every cell in Attica, send 'em to Africa If I ruled the world (Imagine that) I'd free all my sons, I love 'em, love 'em, baby Black diamonds and pearls (Could it be, if you could be mine, we'd both shine?) If I ruled the world (Still living for today, in these last days and times) And then we'll walk right up to the sun Hand in hand We'll walk right up to the sun We won't land We'll walk right up to the sun Hand in hand We'll walk right up to the sun We won't land You love to hear the story how the thugs live in worry Ducked down in car seats, heat's mandatory Running from Jake, getting chased, hunger for papes These are the breaks, many mistakes go down outta state Wait, I had to let it marinate, we carry weight Trying to get laced, flip the ace, stack the safe Millionaire plan to keep the gat with the cocked hammer Making moves in Atlanta, back-and-forth scrambler 'Cause you could have all the chips, be poor or rich Still, nobody want a nigga having shit If I ruled the world and everything in it, sky's the limit I push a Q-45 Infinit(i) It wouldn't be no such thing as jealousies or B Felony Strictly living longevity to the destiny I thought I'd never see, but reality struck Better find out before your time's out, what the fuck? If I ruled the world (Imagine that) I'd free all my sons, I love 'em, love 'em, baby Black diamonds and pearls (Could it be, if you could be mine, we'd both shine?) If I ruled the world (Still living for today, in these last days and times) If I ruled the world, if I ruled, if I ruled (Imagine that) I'd free all my sons, if I ruled, if I ruled I love 'em, love 'em baby Black diamonds and pearls, black diamonds, black diamonds (Could it be, if you could be mine, we'd both shine) If I ruled the world (Still living for today, in these last days and times) If I ruled the world, if I ruled If I ruled, I'd free all my sons Black diamonds, I love 'em love 'em baby Black diamonds and pearls, if I ruled If I ruled the world If I ruled the world I love 'em, love 'em baby!
The most recent track with both of them is the song "Nobody" off of Nas' Kings Disease II album. Also you should let your dad hear "I Gave You Power" from It Was Written. Great storytelling.
I'm 45 and this is from my prime years. I loved to see this and hear this through your dads eyes/ears. The way it resonates with him is how i feel it... Protect your dad at all costs!!!
I'm loving your channel, you react to all my favourite songs, and I love the whole vibe of father and son bonding over music, this is exquisite it makes me happy🌻
Nobody feat Lauryn is the recent one, great song. those two are soul siblings, they have also toured together multiple times. Nobody was on Obama's recent list of his playlist. Great song.
I’ve always tried to described them as a duel and could never come up with anything and hearing soul siblings is exactly what Ive been looking for! Nice 🙌🏽
Their second song together is Nobody from the King's Disease II album. It was released in 2021 and it is my favorite song on the album. Chilled, mature, and powerful flow from both of them.
Can I just say how cool n refreshing watching you put your dad on n you yourself loving this music & your dad being so open hearted to receiving all this music is. Thank you guys for this. The world needs more of you guys. Wishing ya blessings on this journey. I can see ya going sooo far.
This is just such an awesome video. I love every second, your dad is awesome. these songs are just bringing back so many memories . Just every bar brings me back to a younger self. thank you and keep up the great content.
The powerful lyrics and their meaning didn't require a melody with heavy artillery. Nas has always been a genius with marrying the appropriate instruments with his lyricism.
I think this is by far my favorite episode. So awesome to watch your dad just get completely lost in that mesmerizing baseline incredibly layered with Symbiotic melodies that Nas rides so smoothly smoothe. Classic song, great reaction. The recent track they have together is called Nobody but it doesn't hold a candle to this Gem. My suggestions for more ABSOLUTE MUST LISTENS Nas - The Message Nas - Rule ft Amerie Nas - What goes around Akon - Ghetto Akon - Once in a while Akon - Lonely Mobb Deep - Shook One's pt 2 Mobb Deep - Quiet Storm Do not sleep on any of the above, I promise you'll both love them. Can't wait to see what's next 👍
Dude you guys have became my favorite channel I binge watch you guys an sometimes even fall asleep to you guys playing of my TV! Keep it up this Stuff Is Gold! Wishing you guys the best! An Happy Holidays!
love this channel. love the dynamic, and the clear bond between you is lovely to watch. Young blood you really k ow your Hip-Hop shit, kudos to you, not many people your age deep the old school like this. and Dad, you're just amazing in sharing your son's interest, getting involved and discovering the crure with an open heart and mind. keep up the good work. This is the way ❤
Yeah he'll love this one. Man when this came out, I was like 13 years old. Had the tape, I remember traveling across the US to see old friends and family, I had night the tape the day before I left on the trip, it was just released and my friends loved it, back then, you didn't real know about music until one of your friend's had it. I felt like I was up on everybody lol
One of my all-time favorite hip hop songs! Their Kings Disease II song Nobody showcases Lauryn's lyrical skills and she shuts it down! I've noticed a lot of young men who never really listened to Miseducation have suddenly started to take notice of her as one of hip hop's greats - better late than never!
I love how Dad listens so intently and is so open. You both speak the language of music very well. Also hands up to Dad for acknowledging the way he was treated by police in comparison to what the song expresses. Very refreshing 😌 I look forward to binge watching the rest of these.
I love watching your videos I love everything about it and how you are going through classic songs but for me your fathers reaction to songs is beautiful the way he really brakes down the songs on points most people don’t see. 100% the most awesome reaction videos I enjoy
Love the channel! Ky you rock and your dad is awesome! You can tell he's such a kind soul and would do anything for you! Cherish what you have! Much love fellas! 🤙👍🏻
Love the reaction...so genuine. In 1985 Kurtis Blow released if I Ruled the World.....10 years later (11 to be exact), to see Nas expand on that was POWERFUL for me!! He took it to another level (the evolution of Hip Hop). Put Lauryn in the mix and it took "classic" to another level!!
Kudos to this dude for putting is dad on, I see the passion in this and I can tell he is deeply committed to the study of hiphop. He has done his research and study of the hip-hop history . With in-depth knowledge he explains the beauty of hiphop and they take their time to do this. This is amazing.
Pops is a music lover. There's peeps that think that they like rap, but this track goes over their heads. Big up Pops. Second verse is one of the illest of all times.
Great duo. Love the videos. Pops is a legitimate audiophile. He sees the sounds being built and respects the amazing sentence structure from the artists. If we could see each other the way your dads ears appreciate sound, with almost a child like anticipation of what will unfold next, there would be no wars. Much respect to you both. Peace and love from Hawaii gentlemen.
Great reaction! Your dad is such a vibe, really just enjoying and vibing to the music he never heard and is totally unfamiliar with. Also wanted to ask u what will be the next album you'll gonna react to with your dad, any thoughts? Illmatic was fantastic to watch. Much Love!
God, I loved this reaction and conversation ✨ It’s like I’m a teenager again, reliving the feeling when I first heard it in my fathers van. It captured me so much, I ignored my entire family in the ride because I was so taken by the soundscapes and groove. Great job, fellas!
I told you pops! Nas is hands down one of the greatest story tellers in hip hop. This album and Illmatic are absolute classics. He was a teen when he made both. Difference in our eras are so huge. I think those ascending "shimmering" sounds are either some keys, or a Xylophone.
You have such a cool, open minded, an empathetic heart father. I like that he really listen to the lyrics and the music which he really feels deeply. You guys interacting with each other is priceless. He gets it and it touches me. I feel the same way about music.
I like when Dad started singing. His reactions are priceless. For me whatever I am thinking shows on my face and I can clearly see his feeling through his reactions. The newest one I googled is Nobody on his latest album Kings Disease. I haven't heard it but I would love to listen with you guys.
Kuddos to your dad! What a great bond you two have. It's sooo nice to see the way he just takes in the music. Without judgment, he is open to learn and just enjoy being with his son. Great dad❤❤❤
Keeping in the spirit of groundbreaking hip-hop albums, at some point maybe try an album reaction of DJ Shadow - Endtroducing.. , (it's a cohesive album where it all flows together so an album reaction would suit it I figure) or, if you fancy a single song from it, try Midnight In A Perfect World. Like Illmatic it has a strong legacy and huge impact in hip-hop, instrumental hip-hop in particular, first album created from all samples, consistently appears in top albums of all time lists for all genres, not just hip-hop, also a good introduction to show that hip-hop itself has various subcultures, instrumental hiphop etc
I can only imagine the discourse between you and your father and observations he will make after listening to "I gave you Power" by Nas. Make it happen please 🙂💪🏾
Yo. Another great episode. A couple songs I think you guys would like: Gone til November by Wyclef, All I Need by Method Man, and Thought Process by Goodie MoB. All deep bangers.
