Public Chalk

I’m late, but I’m here, and feeling especially blessed this time around.  Sorry sample fiends for the delayed fix, but this weekend has been dedicated thus far to the presence of a new life in my world, my niece Maggie Elaine.  The music “game” tends to occupy my entire thinking sometimes and obscures my perspective on life, family, and those around me really going through the struggle.  My sister is healthy, my niece is healthy, and any problems of mine pale in comparison to those friends who may be fighting overseas, mourning the recent loss of a loved one, and simply trying to overcome the lack of opportunity they’ve been given from the start.  Battles in life like these are the focus of this week’s record courtesy of Nas and his onetime protege Quan.  I can’t always fight these battles for the people I love, or bring back those we’ve lost, but I can acknowledge my own blessings, and respect their present and past struggles with these words… this is just a moment.

Trapped in the game, not knowin’ how to stop and get by… To live it alive, so instead they live it to die.  Can we please have a moment of peace?” – Nas

As the case with many of my favorite Nas records, L.E.S. is on the beat.  The two bar sample only needed a little pitch adjustment to bring it up to a good speed for some introspective hip-hop.  The sample really does the work and clearly sets the feel for the record.  As the third single off of Street’s Disciple, “Just a Moment” left the biggest impression on me from the album, and provided a taste of what Nas is able to do often better than anyone.  Moment of silence, moment of respect, however you want to look at it, take some time to appreciate what and who we have in our lives.  Raise a glass EMPT’ers and ride out to this one.  Special s/o to the homey Luke Mesanko that I met at Noctambule!

Chic – Will You Cry (When You Hear This Song)

Nas ft. Quan – Just A Moment