Meaning of New Podcast (67): Nas and Illmatic by Nas

In the Nas song titled "New Podcast (67): Nas and Illmatic," the overall theme revolves around the significance and impact of Nas' iconic album, Illmatic. This theme is presented through a podcast interview where Nas delves into the deep thematic chords that run throughout the album while sharing personal stories from his childhood and come up in Queensbridge, New York. As we explore the standout and important lyrics from the song, let's delve into unexpected and imaginative themes that tie back to the overarching theme of the song.One standout lyric that helps develop the theme is "I never sleep, 'cause sleep is the cousin of death." This line, often quoted and celebrated, serves as a powerful metaphor for the relentless pursuit of success and staying awake to the realities of life. It highlights the theme of resilience and survival in the face of adversity. The unexpected theme that arises from this lyric is the idea that sleep represents complacency and death represents stagnation. By rejecting sleep, Nas conveys the need to constantly be aware and active, both in his music and his life. This theme of perpetual movement and growth is essential not only to Nas' artistic journey but also to his success as an individual.Another important lyric that aids in the development of the theme is "It ain't hard to tell, I excel, then prevail." This line reflects Nas' confidence in his abilities and his determination to rise above challenges. It develops the theme of self-belief and the pursuit of excellence. The unexpected theme that emerges from this lyric is the notion of divine intervention. Nas suggests that his success is not solely attributed to his own talents but also to a higher power guiding him towards greatness. This theme adds a touch of spirituality and destiny to the narrative, emphasizing the idea that talent alone isn't enough and that there are external forces at play shaping Nas' journey.Further exploring the lyrics, we come across the line "Street's disciple, my raps are trifle." This lyric showcases Nas' self-awareness and his acknowledgement of the harsh realities of his surroundings. It contributes to the theme of authenticity and honesty in his music. The unexpected theme that emerges from this lyric is the transformative power of words. Nas, as a street disciple, recognizes that his raps may seem insignificant or inconsequential to some, but they possess the potential to ignite change and offer a voice to the marginalized. This theme underscores the importance of storytelling and art as catalysts for social and cultural transformation.Moving forward, we encounter the lyrics "Half-black, half-manie the game, not to be fucked with." This line highlights Nas' mixed heritage and how it shapes his identity within the music industry. It develops the theme of embracing one's uniqueness and defying expectations. The unexpected theme that unfolds from this lyric is the celebration of hybridity and fusion. Nas symbolizes the merging of different influences, styles, and perspectives, demonstrating that diversity and hybrid identities contribute to the richness and innovation of artistic expression. This theme reinforces the idea that embracing one's heritage and cultural diversity can be a powerful asset in one's creative journey.To conclude, the Nas song "New Podcast (67): Nas and Illmatic)" encompasses various compelling themes. From themes of resilience and self-belief to the transformative power of words and embracing one's uniqueness, Nas weaves a rich narrative through his lyrics. Each standout lyric contributes to the development of unexpected and imaginative themes, ultimately tying back to the overarching theme of the song—the enduring significance of Nas' seminal album, Illmatic. Through thoughtful analysis and interpretation, we gain a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted layers of meaning present in this captivating piece of music.