Elzhi Announces Release Date for ‘ELmatic’, Interpolation of Nas’ ‘Illmatic’
The Detroit MC is readying the release of his own interpretation of Nas’ classic debut.
Elzhi, formerly of Slum Village, announced today that he will be finally releasing his free album, ELmatic, an interpolation of Nas’ 1994 debut album, Illmatic. The new release will feature all live instrumentation, re-interpreting the work of each of the legendary producers who had a hand in the closely-titled original album.
“Rather then expressing himself over Nas’ original instrumentals, Elzhi enlisted the famous Detroit ensemble Will Sessions,” read the announcement for the album’s release. “[Elzhi] recorded the entire project with only live-instrumentation, which gives the project an undeniably plush and unique sound and dare we say even adds an updated flair to the original’s hall-of-fame lineup of producers.”
The album will re-imagine each of the instrumental tracks from the original album, which is held up by many critics and fans as a pinnacle of classic, golden-era hip hop. Among the legendary producers to have their sounds recreated by the six-piece Will Sessions ensemble are well-known names such as Large Professor, DJ Premier, Pete Rock and Q-Tip.
Elzhi will offer his own, original verses in place of the classic Nas verses that birthed such lines as, “I don’t sleep, ’cause sleep is the cousin of death.” In addition to his own contribution, two guests will make vocal appearances. Both Royce 5’9″ and Stokely (Mint Condition) will make appearances on the new version of “Life’s A Bitch”.
Although many artists have created Nas tributes and covers — including California MC, Fashawn’s 2010 Ode To Illmatic with DJ Green Lantern — ELmatic marks the first time that the original album’s 10 tracks have been entirely recreated. And, in addition to these recreated instrumentals, the album will feature new instrumental interludes from producers such as Pete Rock and DJ House Shoes.
The album will mark the first in a number of forth-coming projects as the former member of Slum Village attempts to “rebuild” his solo career following a public falling out that occured between the Detroit group’s members, management and record label.
Elzhi’s ELmatic is scheduled for a free release from his own website, Elzhi.com, on May 10, 2011.
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