Following volumes from Slick Rick, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Mobb Deep, Big L, and De La Soul, Mass Appeals Legend Has It series concluded with an entry from label co-founder Nas and DJ Premier. Rap fans of a certain age began clamoring for an album from these two legends not long after the release of Illmatic, for which Premier produced three tracks, and Nas acknowledges them in the lean and tense "Madman," noting "Almost 30 years -- people wont leave us alone." Light-Years doesnt come across as an act of capitulation, nor does it sound burdened by the weight of expectation. This is a solid showing from two still-prolific artists, and while none of it is as momentous as duo classics like "N.Y. State of Mind," "I Gave You Power," or "Nas Is Like," its substantive comfort listening in the form of highly distilled boom bap. ~ TiVo Staff
Rovi
NYファイネストな両雄によるタッグ作がついに実現! 2024年の共演曲"Define My Name"は未収ながら、近年もロック・マルシアーノやランサムとのコラボ作で気を吐いていたプリモの武骨なファンクネスは絶好調。ビリー・ジョエルの同名曲を用いた"N.Y. State of Mind Pt. 3"やスティーヴ・ミラー・バンドの定番ネタを敷いた"It's Time"からも気合いの程が伝わるし、ナズも"Git Ready"でビギーのラインを引用するなどサーヴィス満点。客演はAZだけというのもニヤリとなるし、プリモ製の名曲"2nd Childhood"(2001年)の続編"3rd Childhood"で締める構成も含めて完璧です!
bounce (C)北野 創
タワーレコード(vol.507(2026年2月25日発行号)掲載)