Nas "Daughters" (prod. No I.D.)

Yes. New Nas called "Daughters" produced by No I.D.. He just released the official version after it the radio waves just moments ago. And for that, we thank him. Instant *TIBS FAV.™ status. Hmm mmm, that's all-caps.

So this is what Nas was talking about at SXSW when he gets more personal on the new album, Life Is Good. "Daughters" is dedicated to "my brothers with daughters... I call this... (not sayin' that our sons are less important). Hah, I love the disclaimer but Nas' point is in drawing parallels between the relationship between mothers and sons to fathers and daughters - of which he speaks of personally being a single father to a 17-year-old daughter. The verses are Nas' signature storytelling at its finest. His engaging words paint the picture of issues like his daughter writing to a boyfriend in jail and being looked at from her that he's not the best father figure. As I'd imagine with many fathers with daughters, Nas tries to find the fine line between protecting her daughter and letting her grow up and find her independence and that common theme is present in verse 1 and 2. He even brings a 2012 realness to it with this line: "A box of condoms on the dresser, then she Instagram'd it. At this point I realize I ain't the strictest parent." ...And I just want to go on and quote damn near every line from both verses, but I'll hold back so you can digest these lyrics for yourself. Lastly, it's Nas' concluding bridge that brings the song full circle - summarizing the feelings up above and conveying that good, above-all mentality:

"The way mothers feel for their sons, how fathers feel for their daughters. When he date, he straight. Chip off his own poppa. When she date, we wait behind the door with a sawed-off. Cause we think no one is good enough for our daughters. Love!"
- Nas

Simply put, "Daughters" is a powerful, impactful song that comes from the heart. I can't relate personally but for me to feel such an impact really speaks to how well Nas delivered this song and concept. I can only imagine how fathers and daughters out there may feel as they hear the words to this one. Once again, this is a must-listen/download as Nas' words and the masterful No I.D. production will be a welcome addition to your hip hop catalogue. Trust me.