Nas’s Kelis-inspired, Life Is Good closer, “Bye Baby,” gets the appropriate personal video that reveals even more details of their breakup. We see images of the wedding, the bitter end at the divorce table, to finally a cathartic Nas toasting a new beginning with his close friends. And of course, since Guy provides the sample, Aaron Hall is on hand for his vocals. Life is indeed good.
After previous lyrical allusions to his divorce from Kelis on tracks like “Strong Will Continue,” Nas finally lets loose all his pent up feelings on the cathartic “Bye Baby.” It isn’t a vicious “Ether” diatribe like some tastemakers had claimed. Instead, it’s a reflective piece that is at times critical of Kelis’ behavior, but also celebratory of the good times shared and their union’s crowning achievement, a healthy son. Kelis likely at times rolled her eyes and smiled at the various lines. Salaam Remi and 40 combine to sample Guy’s “Goodbye Love.” It’s a very smooth track that feels straight out the early-mid 90s. “Bye Baby” is a damn good way to not only close Life Is Good, but close a significant chapter in the life of Nasir Jones.
“You gon’ learn today…”
DJ Omega and Ty Kidd are blessing crate diggers early this year with a 49-song collection of samples from Wale’s career. Instead of testing your knowledge, these guys make things easier by blending the original with Wale’s rendition. From Phil Collins and Aretha Franklin to Angela Bofill and Kut Klose, this tape is a great offering of decades worth of music history. Check the few samples beflow before downloading.
THE MOMENTS X WALE “GIRLS/BACK YARD BAND/PRETTY GIRLS”
ANGELA BOFILL X WALE ”TIME TO SAY GOODBYE
PAUL MCCARTNEY X WALE X MMG ”JET/SELF-MADE”
