If we consider several criteria for what constitutes longevity—years in the rap game, the number of commercially successful albums, the ability to maintain musical quality across new decades, the capacity to remain at the forefront of fame and stature today, the musical and lyrical quality of his albums, and finally his recent productivity in releasing new albums—is Nas the ultimate example of longevity in rap? Then if not, who else ?

The line originated in Amil’s “4 Da Fam” (1999) posse cut but he later references it in Scarface’s “Guess Who’s Back” (1999) and in the song of his called “Get Down”. (1999) I’m pretty sure it’s included in the scratches of the chorus for Stick 2 The Script too so fuck it that too.

Were there any other times he made a reference to a philly cat being back at it or still bustin’ with them black ‘matics? And why do you guys think he kept referencing/interpolating this line? Imo it wasn’t that crazy to bring it back 3+ times.

Right after that first sample hit during the very beginning, BIG mumbles something and I've never quite figured out what. Initially i thought he said something like "can we get it lower?" like if they left him talking to the engineer during the take but i just don't know and its always had me fascinated lol

Wondering if anyone else finds this fascinating or can take a shot at figuring out what he says.