Nas- "Doo Rags"

While me and Mike are still putting the finishing touches on our first legitimate, well though out posts for Woosamonsa Road, I thought I'd go ahead and give you a preview of what kind of music composes the wide array of material we label as 'good shit.' Exhibit A: Nas' undeniably smooth styling on "Doo Rags," the first track off of 2002's The Lost Tapes. While the album, composed mostly of outtakes from the I Am... and Stillmatic recording sessions, was underwhelming overall, 'Doo Rags' is Nas simultaneously at his illest and corniest. But honestly, the immediately recognizable bouncy piano line and catchy beat that follows never fail to get me swaying back and forth.

The doo rags are back, fitted hats, snorkels and furs
Riker's Island buses still packed, what's the word?
The drinkers stay drinkin, or puffin they herb
And I'm, still enjoyin life's ride; one mo' time
The doo rags are back, fitted hats, snorkels and furs
Riker's Island buses still packed, what's the word?
The drinkers stay drinkin, or puffin they herb
And I'm, still enjoyin life's ride; right?

Nasty's nostalgic verses and choruses about everyday life invoke the same lyrical depth of his 1994 classic Illmatic, albeit presented in an entirely different sonic context beat-wise. Even in the current hip-hop climate, where the introspective/body-moving piano line is entirely overused and often executed improperly, "Doo Rags" manages to present Nas in top notch lyrical form while remaining unique, even from anything on Stillmatic. It's a shame that the other 12 tracks on The Lost Tapes are such a disappointment (okay, I can tolerate "Poppa Was A Playa" every once and a while). So put down that cognac, ash your blunt and take a moment to reminisce with the help of "Doo Rags."