Hip-hop producer Hit-Boy and rap legend Nas have joined forces once again for a new track titled “The Tide,” featured on Hit-Boy’s new album, Surf or Drown, which was released on Friday. The track opens with a soulful sample, while Hit-Boy pays homage to Takeoff and PnB Rock, and Nas shouts out his children in his verse.
In the song, Nas raps about the importance of legacy and leaving a positive impact on the world, stating, “All I gotta do is keep moving immensely / If I go today, I live through Knight and Destiny.” The beat then switches up, showcasing the duo’s skillful production and lyricism.
To accompany the release of “The Tide,” a video was also dropped featuring Hit-Boy and Nas rapping in an art museum, with a special cameo from Hit-Boy’s son. In addition to Nas, Surf or Drown also features collaborations with Curren$y, Dom Kennedy, and James Fauntleroy. Hit-Boy also collaborated with Alchemist on the previously-released “Slipping Into Darkness,” on which he calls out his fellow producers.
During a recent Twitter Spaces chat with Elliott Wilson, Hit-Boy expressed his excitement about the new album and its versatility, saying, “It’s not all… soul chops and sh*t, it’s like modern sounds, it’s everything, it’s a world to come into.”
Hit-Boy and Nas are not only working together on Surf or Drown, but they are also collaborating on the fourth installment of the King’s Disease album series, which has already won a Grammy award. Recently, rapper and actor 50 Cent announced that he will also be featured on the upcoming album, further adding to the anticipation of fans.
Hit-Boy and Nas have been a powerful duo since their first collaboration on “Clique” in 2012. Their chemistry in the studio has led to numerous hits, including “Ultra Black” and “Replace Me.” With the release of Surf or Drown, they continue to showcase their talent and cement their status as hip-hop heavyweights.
In conclusion, “The Tide” is another impressive collaboration between Hit-Boy and Nas, showcasing their skills in production and lyricism. With the release of Surf or Drown, fans can expect a versatile and exciting album that showcases the duo’s range and ability to create meaningful music.
