“Preem and Nas” are rap music legends; two of the best at what they do to this day; so fresh beats and rhymes are a given. Where their songs and this album falter is at the breaks. A DJ scratching-in familiar, sometimes trite, vocal samples; Premier’s signature; might sound nice in the background, but it can’t take the place of a good hook.

Light-Years, which should be credited to vocalist Nas alone as the tradition goes, is about looking back at not just his career but hip-hop in general. He gives a Bouquet to seemingly every female MC he can think of. Writers, like KRS-One’s Out For Fame, salutes graffiti artists. There are also sequels to 2nd Childhood and NY State Of Mind.

my rating : 3 of 5

2025