Royce 5’9″ Annihilates Nas’ “New York State of Mind” in New Freestyle
Just about one week before the release of PRhyme 2, Royce 5'9" has once again reminded the world that he and DJ Premier have untouchable chemistry. This time, that reminder comes in the form of a freestyle over Nas' Preemo-produced Illmatic classic, "New York State of Mind."
Stepping to the mic in Funkmaster Flex's Hot 97 studio, Royce unloads a barrage of impeccably well-rhymed stanzas while inserting bits and pieces of clever wordplay at every step. If you fancy yourself a rap classicist, it's definitely worth a listen. It's probably worth it even if you're not one.
"Question? Are we bitter rivals, 'cause we can shoot the k's or the fade till both of our arms get vitiligo/I stay in my prime, y'all niggas just sipping on scotch/I stay with my nine, y'all niggas just live with your pops/I sit in the original, lyrical, pivotal spot/Even though I change with the time like digital clocks," spits the Detroit rhymer.
If this freestyle has you wanting to hear more Royce and Preemo, take heart, because you won't have to wait too much longer. PRhyme 2, which is the sequel project to the pair's eponymous 2014 effort, PRhyme, drops Fri., March 16.
Watch Royce's black out, which feels like a preview of PRhyme 2, for yourself below.
See New Music Releases for March 2018