Jimmy Valentime - Take It In Blood (Nas Salute)… ...

11:55 am - Tue, Sep 13, 2011: 4 notes

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Jimmy Valentime - Take It In Blood (Nas Salute)…

I found this over at Bol’s and I gotta say that it’s a nice gesture. But that’s all I can offer. Mr Valentime probably should have just left this alone. I don’t think I’m being overly dramatic when I say that it’s probably impossible to top what Nas did on this sample back in 1996. I mean, this might (note the ‘might’ and approach your keyboards with caution) be the most lyrically and technically dense song done by an MC of major significance ever (I’m sure Canibus has a ton of shit to rival this, but if a tree falls in a forest and loses a battle to a guy that’s now on NCIS or whatever, does the tree make a sound?). I still catch new shit every time I gave Nas’ Take It In Blood a thorough listen.

The imagery on that song is astounding - even 15 years later. He’s only ever really approached this combination of gangsta shit-talking, bragging, mafioso tropes, vague social commentary, mysticism and technique on 3 or 4 songs since then (‘You’re Da Man’ is the only track that comes to mind at the moment - maybe ‘Money Over Bullshit’ too).

Chip Tha Ripper also did something over this sample a year or two ago (hey bitches! how ya doin?), but it was maybe slightly better than this shit. Both “new jacks” get credit for altering the beat ever so slightly. In any event, y’all rapping ass niggas need to leave well enough alone. You have good taste, but good taste ain’t shit without restraint.

But on the bright side, I don’t have to worry about writing a tribute to the Gawd’s birthday tomorrow. This should cover it. But until tomorrow comes, I’ll be listening to Tupac records in celebration of one we lost too soon (this isn’t an afterthought, I just figure there’ll be better stuff floating around today and I’m pressed for time).

R.I.P. Tupac…