"ECHO" PREMIERE - IPIC THEATER, SOUTH STREET SEAPORT, NYC (12.12.18)
5/17/23
In the spirit of continuing to adhere to the signs the universe sends, and to stay in my current momentum swing, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate and give flowers on a current achievement, as well as a moment from the past.
Almost a month ago, on April 21, 2023, the world got another installment from one of the world’s top music producers, Swizz Beatz. “HIP HOP 50 : VOL. 2” (Mass Appeal), is a 6-track ep, showcasing a mix of artists of today, accompanied by Swizz’s signature sound. Artists include Lil Wayne, Jadakiss, Benny the Butcher, Lil Durk, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, Fivio Foreign, Jay Electronica, as well as new artists Bandmanrill and Scar Lip!
Of course, with the project being on Mass Appeal, we get another Nas/Swizz collab, following up their song, “ECHO”(produced by DJ Scratch & Musicman Ty), that appeared on Beatz’s last album “POISON” (2018). With Nas’ “King’s Disease” trilogy (2020-2022), (including the grammy-winning “King’s Disease”), and the project “Magic”(2021), the Esco/Hit-Boy duo have been on a classic run, extending the Queensbridge rapper’s legacy well into the future, while solidifying Hit-Boy as one of this generations elite talents. The new selection, titled “RUNAWAY” (prod. by Swizz Beatz), serves as the introduction to “HH50: Vol. 2”. Do yourself a favor, and go check it out!
The project is part of an activation that the people over at Mass Appeal are doing in celebration of Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary. Each volume is curated by one of the cultures contributing DJ/Producers— “HIP HOP 50 : VOL. 1” was done by DJ Premier, with more volumes on the way.
While I’ve been enjoying this new body of work - the intro track, “RUNAWAY”, made me revisit the last time Swizz & Nas connected — I have to admit, “ECHO” has been a favorite of mine since its release. The vibe created by the production immediately transports me back to, what us New Yorkers that knew the city before the year 2000, would now call “Old New York”(…lol). In my opinion, this gets added to the list of Nas tracks that invoke the feeling of lyrical cinema —reminiscent of an obscure joint like “FILM”, to the Large Professor produced “LOCO-MOTIVE” (The New York State of Mind joints and “Blaze of 50”, are also on the list). It’s an important quality that music has the ability to paint vivid images, creating a feeling of being in that very moment for the listener. It’s an iconic moment when you can do that lyrically, and also create an accompanying visual, as striking and captivating as the music.
Shot in Japan, at the MORI Building Digital Art Museum, the duo turned the “Borderless” exhibition into the video set — giving us a glimpse of some amazing works of art, designed by teamLab, using light & set design to transform spaces into immersive experiences. These were my favorite scenes from the video.
Premiering on December 13, 2018, the evening prior, a private viewing was held at the IPIC theater at South Street Seaport, in NYC. Beatz & Nas, hosted an intimate group of friends, collaborators, and influencers to unveil the work —treating the guests to a short Q&A with the pair after showtime!
It was definitely a special night, and I was blessed to be in attendance. My wife and I made it a date night, but because she knew how big of a fan I am, of both artists, she didn’t mind that I brought my camera! As you know by now, the video is a masterpiece! If you haven’t seen it before, you are simply missing out! Watch ECHO here!
Circling back to my initial point, about signs from the universe, (and bringing a deeper meaning to this story) — about 5 days later, my wife and I would find out we were going to be parents! 9 months later we would meet our echo! Our lives have never been better!
Hope you enjoy some of the moments I captured from the evening!!!
1LoV3✌🏽🖤💯
Swizz explains his thought behind bringing Nas to Japan to shoot the vid.