Intro
1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.
2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.
Nas became a hip-hop legend immediately after dropping his first album, Illmatic. The album was full of authentic stories of a young hustler trying to make his way in the world. Nas’ poetic lyrics captured people’s attention and the groove of Illmatic music had rap fans bobbing their heads.
Since then, Nas hasn’t produced another album of Illmatic’s quality. However, he did recently release a new album that comes close. Read on to learn more about God’s Son and the albums latest hit, “I Can.”
Dialog
1. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.
God’s Son features three stand-out selections: “Made You Look,” “Thugz Mansion (featuring Tupac Shakur) and “I Can.” “I Can” is a hopeful song that reminds children that they can be successful in life. In a time when most popular rap music is about money, jewelry, cars and women, “I Can” is a welcome addition. The song asks people to think about their lives and realize that they can make a positive contribution. Check out some of the lyrics:
Be, B-Boys and girls, listen up
You can be anything in the world, in God we trust
An architect, doctor, maybe an actress
But nothing comes easy it takes much practice
I know I can (I know I can)
Be what I wanna be (be what I wanna be)
If I work hard at it (If I work hard it)
I’ll be where I wanna be (I’ll be where I wanna be)
Quizzes
Lesson MP3
The iTEP® test
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Discussion
I love Illmatic. I’ve loved it since I first heard it, almost ten years ago. But I haven’t loved the music Nas has made since then. I’ve pretty much agreed with the rapper Jay-Z, who said Nas “had a spark when [he] started/But now [he’s] just garbage.” God’s Son changes that. It’s good to know that Nas is still capable of making great music. Hopefully he’ll continue for many years in the future.
If you’re a hip-hop fan, you should definitely check out God’s Son – and if you haven’t heard Illmatic yet, go get it immediately!
Rock on,
Migs
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