Nas & Nujabes made NuMatic in 2021, and it still sounds like two artists talking across decades instead of labels. The album pairs Nas’s sharp bars with Nujabes’s dreamy instrumental loops, and mostly it works.
Opening With The Genesis
The record opens with “The Genesis (Moon Strut),” a short instrumental intro that sets the tone before Nas steps in. “NY State of Mind (Voice of Autumn)” follows, and it’s one of the best tracks here — Nas’s verses land on top of Nujabes’s warm piano loop, and the chemistry is immediate.
“Life’s a Bitch (Counting Stars)” slows things down without losing edge. The hook is simple, but it sticks.
Halftime Through Memory Lane
“Halftime (Waiting for Clouds)” is a quiet standout — Nas raps over a hazy beat that feels like a memory rather than a boast. It’s patient where most rap records rush, and it earns its place.
“Memory Lane (Luv (Sic) Part 2)” closes this stretch on a lighter note. It’s pleasant rather than essential, but it keeps the mood consistent.
One Love And The Final Stretch
“One Love (Mystline)” runs the longest on the record at 5:32, and it shows. The song builds slowly, letting Nas’s delivery carry the weight while Nujabes’s production drifts underneath. It’s ambitious, and mostly it lands.
“One Time for Your Mind (Spiral)” is shorter and tighter, a quick burst of energy after the slow middle stretch. It doesn’t reach the heights of what came before it, but it moves the record along.
“Represent (Blessing It)” is solid without being memorable — a steady, competent track that fills space rather than defining it.
“It Ain’t Hard to Tell (Peaceland)” closes the album on a gentle note. The title track is a fitting closer, ending the record on a soft, reflective loop.
The Verdict On NuMatic
NuMatic isn’t perfect. Some tracks drift, and the middle stretch drags slightly. But the best moments — “NY State of Mind,” “Halftime,” “One Love” — are genuinely excellent, and they’re enough to carry the whole record.
| Track | Length | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| “The Genesis (Moon Strut)” | 1:56 | Intro |
| “NY State of Mind (Voice of Autumn)” | 4:51 | Standout |
| “Life’s a Bitch (Counting Stars)” | 4:00 | Strong |
| “The World Is Yours (Another Reflection)” | 4:51 | Solid |
| “Halftime (Waiting for Clouds)” | 4:22 | Best of the record |
| “Memory Lane (Luv (Sic) Part 2)” | 4:22 | Pleasant |
| “One Love (Mystline)” | 5:32 | Ambitious |
| “One Time for Your Mind (Spiral)” | 3:08 | Quick |
| “Represent (Blessing It)” | 4:13 | Solid |
| “It Ain’t Hard to Tell (Peaceland)” | 3:36 | Soft closer |
“NY State of Mind (Voice of Autumn)”
That’s the track that sums up what this record does best — Nas’s voice over Nujabes’s piano, both locked in step. The rest of the album mostly lives off that momentum.
NuMatic isn’t a classic, but it’s a strong album from two artists who clearly respect each other’s craft. The peaks are high, and the valleys are short.
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- The Genesis (Moon Strut)1:56
- NY State of Mind (Voice of Autumn)4:51
- Life's a Bitch (Counting Stars)4:00
- The World Is Yours (Another Reflection)4:51
- Halftime (Waiting for Clouds)4:22
- Memory Lane (Luv (Sic) Part 2)4:22
- One Love (Mystline)5:32
- One Time for Your Mind (Spiral)3:08
- Represent (Blessing It)4:13
- It Ain't Hard to Tell (Peaceland)3:36
