Welcome to episode 009 of NS RADAR! In this episode, we have the pleasure of diving into the artistic journey of the talented Nate Gski. Join us as we explore the profound impact that music has had on his life and the deep connection he shares with his craft. Nate Gski's playlist for NS Radio is more than just a collection of songs; it is a reflection of his personal experiences and a testament to the power of music in shaping his own artistic style. Each track holds a special place in his heart, marking significant moments in his life and expanding his horizons within the art of rhyme. As we delve deeper into the conversation, Nate Gski reveals his intention behind his upcoming album, "The Mary J Blige Tape." He aims to create a body of work that showcases lyrical mastery, storytelling, and feel-good vibes. By making a perfect marriage of rap and R&B, Nate Gski aspires to craft an album that resonates with his audience on a profound level.Throughout the discussion, Nate Gski shares how specific artists and their music have influenced his own approach to songwriting and performance. He draws inspiration from the introspective storytelling of Jay Z's "Dead Presidents II" and Nas' "Affirmative Action," which have played a pivotal role in shaping his lyrical approach and ability to connect with listeners.
Moreover, Nate Gski highlights the impact of Ghostface Killah's "Malcolm" and Nas' "2nd Childhood" on his ability to craft compelling narratives in his music. These songs have not only inspired him creatively but have also influenced his song structure and the way he lets the beat guide his creativity. The timeless R&B classics of Mary J Blige, such as "Be With You" and "Be Happy," hold a special place in Nate Gski's heart. They were a staple in his childhood, creating a vibrant and nostalgic atmosphere that left a lasting impression on him. Dedicating an entire tape to Mary J Blige's music is both a homage to her influence and a way for Nate Gski to tap into something familiar and deeply personal. Collaborations have also played a significant role in shaping Nate Gski's music. He draws inspiration from Method Man's collaboration with Mary J Blige on "I'll Be There/You're All I Need to Get By," which seamlessly blends rap and R&B. These collaborations have influenced Nate Gski's own approach to blending genres and creating a unique sonic fusion, providing a refreshing and captivating sound for his audience. As we conclude the conversation, Nate Gski emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between paying homage to his influences and bringing his own unique style and perspective to his music. His aim is to ensure that his songs stand out and offer something fresh to his audience, while still showcasing the profound impact that his musical inspirations have had on his artistic journey.
Your playlist for NS Radio features a diverse range of artists and songs that have inspired you. Can you delve deeper into how these songs have influenced your own music and artistic style? Do you see any specific themes or elements from these songs that you have incorporated into your upcoming album, "The Mary J Blige Tape"?
Every song on the playlist is canon to me. Every song not only marks significant moments in my life but also expanded my heart & mind into what was possible withing this art of rhyme. I aimed to make an album full of lyrical mastery, storytelling and feel good vibes. I wanted to make a perfect marriage of rap that felt like r&b without flooding the tape with singing.
Jay Z's "Dead Presidents II" and Nas' "Affirmative Action" are both iconic tracks in hip-hop. How have these songs impacted your lyrical approach and storytelling abilities? In what ways do you draw inspiration from these tracks and incorporate their energy into your own music?
These two songs in particular represent two types of storytelling. Jay’s “Dead Presidents II “ was an introspective look into his experiences,delving deep into how these things impacted him. It was more like an inner narration: weaving in between rhymes where u cant tell if he’s talking to you or he’s reflecting on his own feelings, which is why Jay-Z’s music often feels like a conversation. Nasir’s verse in particular on “Affirmative Action” was a beautiful 16 painting a descriptive picture of his environment and the inner workings of his world. They both are major examples of storytelling through flipping and bouncing syllables while making it sound like a conversation. Supreme.
Ghostface Killah's "Malcolm" and Nas' "2nd Childhood" are known for their vivid storytelling and introspective lyrics. How have these songs influenced your approach to crafting narratives in your music? Can you share any instances where you have drawn inspiration from these tracks to create your own compelling stories?
Malcolm is my all time favorite GFK song! Its also the perfect setup for a performance track in my opinion & ive used that song structure in many of my songs. Long verse,short hook at the end,boom. Its butter. Many times i dont plan where a song is going i let the beat guide my creativity and do my best to keep it together & cohesive. The creative vibe is always out of my control, its like adjusting the sails out on the open Ocean.
Mary J Blige's "Be With You" and "Be Happy" are timeless R&B classics. How have her music and vocal style influenced your sound and the way you approach melody and emotion in your songs? Can you share any specific ways that her songs have inspired and shaped your own music projects?
Mary J was a staple in my childhood. My older sister Zaria use to play Mary J all the time! During her break-ups, pregaming for parties, when her home girls came through- it was always a vibe. Dedicating a whole tape to her music is a way of me paying homage while also tapping into something that is very familiar to me. I’ve been using that formula since my first album back in 2006. Ive done a Purple Rain tape, Sade tape, 2 Anita Baker tapes & now Mary J Blige.
Raekwon's "Ice Water" and "Nutmeg" are examples of his unique flow and wordplay. How have these songs influenced your own rhyming style? Do you find yourself incorporating similar techniques or approaches when crafting your own lyrics?
Raekwon is my favorite rapper, second to Nasir. His flow has always had a since of hunger and elevated braggadocio that seems to eclipse other styles of rap. My style is heavily influenced by the early-mid 90’s NYC flows that came from Queens & Staten Island, and its not really hard to tell that style heavily influenced how I write.
The collaborations between Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, and Cappadonna on various tracks in your playlist showcase the chemistry and camaraderie of these artists. How have these collaborations influenced your own approach to working with other artists? Do you strive to create similar synergies and connections when collaborating on your own music projects?
Mannn Wu-Tang, 9 Alpha Male rappers, able to collaborate & make songs the way they do is not the norm. The fact that they came up together is a big part of the formula as to why they are so great. Most of the rappers on the MJB album I’ve known since High-School, Jr. High, or 10 years or so. Our rhyme styles compliment each other and thats why I invited those rappers in particular: USA Hadi, MoneyFourDrugs, St.Michael & Al-Jedi the producer.
Mary J Blige's "Seven Days" and Aaliyah's "One In a Million" are both soulful and emotionally resonant tracks. How have these songs influenced your ability to convey emotions and connect with your audience on a deeper level? Can you share any specific instances where you have drawn inspiration from these songs to create your own impactful and heartfelt music?
Seven Days, one of the tracks Al-Jedi sampled and produced for the album, was one of the more vulnerable songs on the album. I didn’t know how he would approach the production, but i knew i wanted it to be like the rap version of an R&B slow song. I dug deep for the lyrics.
Method Man's collaboration with Mary J Blige on "I'll Be There/You're All I Need to Get By" is a classic example of blending rap and R&B. How have collaborations like this influenced your own approach to blending genres and creating a unique sonic fusion? Can you share any ways in which these collaborations have shaped the overall sound and concept of "The Mary J Blige Tape"?
Yo Mary J & Method Man single “Your All I Need” is ji the direction I wanted the tape to go, like a blend of grimey and soulful. I was able to achieve blends like this with Kadii, Jordan Curls, & Soraya along with Promise Kept rhyming giving the tape an new stratosphere. Her rhymes gave the album a new paradigm entirely.
Your playlist includes a mix of classic hip-hop and R&B tracks. How do you strike a balance between paying homage to the artists who have influenced you while also bringing your own unique style and perspective to the music? How do you ensure that your songs stand out and offer something fresh to your audience?
If Ima be completely honest ima R&B cat at heart. Before my adams apple dropped I use to sing Usher, R. Kelly, Tevin Campbell, 112. That was my steez. I use to rock the braids on top of the fade with my sideburns laid down like Ginuwine lol. That was my style. I believe that having that as a base before I got into rapping just carried over. This album is like a cool breeze on a nice day. Its really about staying in your bag and doing your best, without comparison of whats going on around you.
Looking specifically at the songs on your playlist, how do you envision these tracks fitting into the overall narrative and sonic landscape of "The Mary J Blige Tape"? Can you provide any insights into how these songs have informed and shaped the direction of your upcoming album?
Its like this. Al-Jedi and I spent a couple weeks sharing pics of fits from the 90’s, videos by Hype Williams, & spoke about how the album should feel. How should it look when you close your eyes. After that I had a direction of which songs from her catalogue would translate that. The master play was assembling the feature artist that made the album the gem it is. The MJB tape is like Nate G. featuring DC Avengers type vibe. MoneyFourDrugs, St.Michael, Cee-Major, Promise Kept, Jordan Curls, Kadii, Soraya, Logan & Al-Jedi were essential in reaching this level of excellence with this album.