Latest news with #Illmatic
Daily Maverick
06-05-2025
- General
- Daily Maverick
Sadly, the will to live – and live well – isn't always ours to choose
Life expectancy in any given country says a lot about how its society values, supports and nurtures its people. Before you were born, you were dead – no one we can imagine wasn't void of feeling, of thought, of senses, existing only in a state of nothingness, inside a silent void. After death, we're all headed to that same insensate, unconscious destination of non-being, properly referred to as inexistence. I think this is reason enough to make the most of the short time – a little more than half a century for most of us – that we get to spend on this planet as cognisant, conscious beings. But certain groups of our species, guided by religious belief and hoped-for after-life destinations, may hold back and decide to live guardedly, as they await a paradise they're taught is just beyond the grave. Whether this gives them comfort or not, it is their absolute right. But for those who acknowledge that this might be a one-off stab at living, there's an urgency to live the half-century we've got fully: to love, dance, fall, then get up; for this is, much more than just living, a unique experience. As Samuel Beckett advised us: 'Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.' We get one shot at being alive. But time doesn't always let us choose how or how long we live. Circumstance, chance, suffering often get in the way. The body or the mind sometimes fails us. Disease intrudes. Yet even within those constraints we must strive to remain sentient – noticing sunlight through tree leaves, reacting to laughter or the wild beating of a lover's heart. As one streetwise aphorism puts it: 'Life's a bitch, and then you die.' Its origin is hazy, but the line found a place in Nas's 1994 classic, Illmatic. Looking at life expectancy worldwide tells us a lot about how we live and sustain ourselves in different countries. According to Wikipedia's longevity chart by country, Hong Kong tops the list at 86 years. Japan follows at 85. France ranks 12th at 83, while the US lags, at number 55, with just 79 years. South Africa is at 66 years and Lesotho trails near the bottom at 57 years. Healthcare is a key driver of these numbers: the poorer the system, the shorter the lives. But that's not the only factor: diet, physical activity, education, environment, political stability and social support all play vital roles. Which raises the question why the US – often called the richest country in the world – is far behind other high-income nations in life expectancy. Even with gun violence set aside, there are serious systemic flaws in the US, which spends more per capita on healthcare than any other country, yet its system is among the least efficient. It's largely privatised, expensive and befuddling. Millions are uninsured or underinsured, forced to delay or forgo essential care. Preventive medicine is often overshadowed by costly, treatment-heavy approaches. Chronic health issues such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease are rampant, driven by ultra-processed foods and sedentary lifestyles. The US also falls behind in social protections: minimal maternity leave, costly childcare, inadequate housing and limited education support. In these fields, Europe is quite ahead, offering stronger foundations for long-term health. These disparities point to a broader need for systemic change. Addressing public health crises requires not only better access to nutritious food and more active living, but also comprehensive social policies that support families to reduce stress and promote equity. The US model, with its emphasis on individual responsibility, could benefit from integrating some of the social safety nets found in European systems. Ultimately, a healthier population begins with policies that prioritise wellbeing in all stages of life. In the end, life expectancy is more than just a number – it reflects how a society values and supports its people, especially its most vulnerable. We do not get forever – no one does. For many, there isn't even fair, let alone far. Yet there's enough money to go around, if only it wasn't being hogged by the top 1% (in most countries). Low-income countries like Lesotho can't even boast a functioning health system. Sickness prevails and often inspires the poet: ' When I wake, this is what I tell myself: / I belong to this, to all the ghosts present / in the DNA. Diabetes, / an ancient Greek consort, sweeps through the halls // of my body.' (From the poem Type 2 by Sjohnna McCray.) We are programmed to die. Sorry to burst your bubble. The clock is ticking and there are no exceptions, not in the plant and animal kingdoms. Those who practise community-inspired humanity inherit from their forebears the capacity to be altruistic. Those who practise humanity that's based on religious dogma often cherry-pick the naturally meaningful bits and discard the mindless smiting and lapidation often mentioned as punishment for adultery, homosexuality, disobedience and so on. They, too, do know right from wrong without needing dogma. We have come this far as a species in large part because of selflessness and generosity. They're wired into us. One could argue that greed isn't. Greed is a short circuit in the system. The day we realise that no one has to go without medical care, or live under a bridge, or eat from a dumpster, even as others take 10-minute joy-rides into space at billions of rands per jaunt, we will have arrived at maturity as a species. As things stand, there remain many long ways we have yet to come up, babe. DM Rethabile Masilo is a Mosotho poet from Lesotho who lives in Paris, France. Life By Rethabile Masilo When at peace, feeling like the best of your body, it is impossible to imagine some muscle twitching, wrecked by the increase in years, a shoulder loose every time you run for the bus, God inching nearer with each tremor of the hand, though it will not be till the lungs draw dust in and your voice rasps, as in a hopeless dream, that you will understand how evil all of this is, after a ligament has waned and atrophied. And if ever the flank gives, you pray for release from terror that makes you recall past acts, and you ask your family to find the courage to bring Doctor Death to your bedside. You don't like the urine balloon tied to your waist. You never wanted to die with tubes up your nose. Besides, how cruel it is to let somebody rot, when they used to wear their body so sensual? 24 hours By Rethabile Masilo The hand of my mother holds nothing now, except the past, this is what a child must accept. I touch the lumps of her finger-joints and rub balm in, moving from one to the next and feeding the spaces in there. I tell my father I know he's in the room. I tell him to stay with us forever. My mother says she sees her son and grandson as well, holding hands on account of having had to share a grave. Today has been a day of miracles. Mme drank her porridge with the good hand and finished it, then read from her bible a little, her eyes moistening where Jesus asks his father why he has forsaken him so. But it is time for her nap, so, she sleeps, till I get back from town and turn the knob on her TV set, adjust the volume, and leave to go pound some meat to serve with lepu. She watches the evening news. The days are usually the same. The doctor comes sometimes for a quick check-up. 'We are proud of her,' he likes to say, as if we were supposed to harbour some kind of shame.
CBS News
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Nas to perform with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in July
Songwriter and hip-hop icon Nas will perform with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in July. The performance will take place on July 23 at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. The event, titled "NAS: Illmatic Live with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra," celebrates the 30th anniversary of the acclaimed album by pairing Nas's pioneering lyrics with full orchestral arrangements. The collaboration bridges classical music with hip-hop, reimagining tracks like "N.Y. State of Mind" and "The World Is Yours" with symphonic accompaniment. "Welcoming Nas to perform alongside the BSO will be a highlight of the year," said Mark Hanson, President and CEO of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. "This collaboration speaks to our commitment to breaking boundaries and creating a space where all audiences feel connected to the power of live orchestral music." Nas, since releasing "Illmatic" in 1994, has produced 14 critically acclaimed albums and received 16 GRAMMY nominations, winning Best Rap Album in 2020 for "King's Disease." His recent work includes collaborations with producer Hit-Boy on "King's Disease III" and "Magic 3." The concert will be conducted by Steven Reineke. Tickets range from $75 to $299 and are available now through the BSO website and the Meyerhoff box office. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performs annually for more than 275,000 people throughout Maryland and is currently under the direction of Music Director Jonathon Heyward, who began his inaugural season in September 2023.
What's On
24-02-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Nas in Abu Dhabi: Headlining BRED festival this April
Nas in Abu Dhabi, a major hip-hop moment… BRED Abu Dhabi is back, and it's about to take over Yas Island from April 23-27 with a whole week of music, culture, streetwear, and everything in between. This year, the festival is centered around an all-star line-up, but it's Nas who's making the biggest splash. He's one of the most influential artists in hip-hop, and he's taking centre stage on Friday, April 25. Nas in Abu Dhabi is going to be a masterclass in storytelling, beats, and everything that makes Nas a living legend, and we're here for it. Nas, the icon who defined Hip-Hop If you're into hip-hop, Nas is a name you know. His debut album Illmatic (1994) is a classic, and its tracks – like 'N.Y. State of Mind' and 'The World Is Yours' – are etched into hip-hop history. Nas' storytelling and razor-sharp lyrics have made him a staple in the game, and he's kept the fire burning with albums like It Was Written and God's Son . Expect to hear hits that have defined the genre, from 'If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)' featuring Lauryn Hill, to 'Made You Look'. Nas is a master storyteller, and his live shows are legendary. Now, Abu Dhabi gets the chance to experience it firsthand. Local talent, global beats Nas won't be the only one bringing heat to the stage. The opening night on Thursday, April 24 will feature Egypt's Cairokee, a band known for their electric rock vibes, and Lebanese indie rockers Adonis. It's a perfect mix of regional talent setting the tone for the festival. And the buzz doesn't stop there – Canadian artist PARTYNEXTDOOR will also join the line-up on Saturday, April 26. Expect a smooth blend of his signature R&B and electronic beats to keep the vibes rolling. About BRED BRED isn't just about who's on stage; it's about everything that makes urban culture so powerful. The festival in Abu Dhabi will be a playground for music, fashion, art, with streetwear pop-ups from global brands, food from across the region, gaming, basketball showdowns, and immersive art installations. It's where hip-hop, fashion, food, and art collide, and this year it's all going down at a brand-new location at Yas Marina Circuit. Stay in the loop Tickets are already on sale with general admission starting at Dhs245, and for those who want to get a little closer to the action, Golden Circle tickets are going for Dhs545. The full line-up is still being revealed, so stay tuned. Bred Festival Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Images: Instagram > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
FACT
24-02-2025
- Entertainment
- FACT
Nas and PARTYNEXTDOOR will headline BRED Abu Dhabi 2025
Last month, we reported on the return of the region's neo-culture festival. BRED – named after the idiom 'born and bred' – will celebrate the region's urban scene on Yas Island from 23 to 27 April 2025. Visitors can expect a packed agenda of performances by regional and international Hip-Hop and R&B artists, a curated retail experience featuring designs by global streetwear brands, popular street food concepts from across the region, gaming, basketball showdowns, and immersive art displays. Now, the first headline artists have been announced, including a performance from PARTYNEXTDOOR and Nas in Abu Dhabi. Hip-hop heavyweight Nas will headline on Friday, 25 April. Born Nasir Jones, the American rapper is known for his profound impact on the hip-hop scene. Emerging from Queensbridge, New York, Nas gained critical acclaim with his 1994 debut album, Illmatic , celebrated for its intricate lyrics and vivid storytelling and the tracks 'N.Y. State of Mind' and 'The World Is Yours.' Throughout his career, Nas has released several successful albums, including It Was Written (1996), which features the hit single 'If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)' featuring Lauryn Hill, which has been lauded as one of the greatest rap songs of all time. In 2002, he released 'Made You Look,' a single from the album God's Son , which achieved significant commercial success and remains one of his most popular tracks. PARTYNEXTDOOR will headline on Saturday, 26 April. The Canadian singer, songwriter, and producer was the first artist signed to Drake's OVO Sound label. His self-titled debut mixtape, PARTYNEXTDOOR , introduced his unique blend of R&B and electronic music, featuring tracks like 'Break from Toronto.' In February 2025, PARTYNEXTDOOR and Drake released a collaborative album titled $ome $exy $ongs 4 U . This project showcases their synergy, blending smooth R&B melodies with hip-hop elements. The album features standout tracks like 'Gimme a Hug,' where Drake addresses his ongoing feud with Kendrick Lamar, and 'Nokia,' praised for its playful and energetic vibe. Nas and PARTYNEXTDOOR will be joined at BRED Abu Dhabi by the Egyptian rock band Cairokee and Lebanese indie rock band Adonis. The regional talents will headline the opening night on Thursday, 24 April 2025. View this post on Instagram A post shared by BRED Abu Dhabi (@bredabudhabi) BRED Abu Dhabi is produced by Brag in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and presented by Hypebeast. The festival first started in 2023 and is now in its third edition. Neo-culture is all about the intermingling of separate cultures to create a new one. Tickets to see Nas in Abu Dhabi are now available through BRED's official website. General admission tickets start at AED 245, while Golden Circle tickets are priced at AED 545. Check in with FACT for the latest things to do in Abu Dhabi. GO: Visit for more information.
