Phife Dawg, “Nutshell Pt. 2” | Rap BNGRZ 🔥

On the 11^th edition of Rap BNGRZ 🔥 (2022), we break down the banger status of “Nutshell Pt. 2” performed by the late, great Phife Dawg.

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ring on the braggadocio, drip, sex, and kick-a$$ery – is that even a real word?  Regardless of whether it is or isn’t, you’ve entered Rap BNGRZ 🔥 territory! On Rap BNGRZ 🔥 (bangers, spelled properly), the premise is simple and like other columns gracing The Musical Hype (Outlandish Rock 🎸🤘 is its rock brotha from a different motha). BNGRZ provides background info and commentary on cocky, confident, ferocious hip-hop/rap songs. The bangers featured on BNGRZ can be brand-spanking-new or certified classics. On the 11^th edition of Rap BNGRZ 🔥 (2022), we break down the banger status of 🎵 “Nutshell Pt. 2” performed by 🎙 Phife Dawg.

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Theme & Lyrics ✍ 

The original 🎵 “Nutshell” arrived as a posthumous single by renowned 🎙 A Tribe Called Quest rapper, 🎙 Phife Dawg (1970 – 2016).  Also notably, “Nutshell” was produced by another deceased hip-hop titan, 🎛 J Dilla (1974 – 2006), who predeceased Phife by a decade.  In 2022, a posthumous Phife album materializes in 💿 Forever, comprised of 13 tracks.  Notably, a remix of “Nutshell” arrives entitled 🎵 “Nutshell Pt. 2”.  The late, great rapper is assisted by two of his friends, 🎙 Busta Rhymes and 🎙 Redman.  Posthumous singles and albums can be hairy, controversial territory, but “Nutshell Pt. 2” is a must-hear.  It’s a throwback to the hip-hop of old, which is refreshing in 2022.

🎛 DJ Rasta Root assists behind the boards on “Nutshell Pt. 2.”  Like the original, Phife Dawg spits the first verse, chocked-full of confidence, delivering some kickass wordplay.  “Peep the rebirth of the reborn as I rebuild / Reconnect with this rebel, redefining raw skill,” he asserts in the first verse, later adding, “Had to refuel, reactivate to reemerge / Reevaluate, recalculate, bitch I return.” Woo! The ‘R’ words fuel the fire for the legendary MC. Over a hella funky, old-school beat, Phife is on fire, something that continues in the chorus which features the word “nutshell” five times.

From there, in the second verse, Busta Rhymes keeps the same energy, focused on U words.  “Look / Unpredictable, I’m so unfuckwittable / Unfathomable, the love I get, unconditional / Unequivocal, undestructable, unthinkable” – you get the idea! In his ever colorful, distinct flow, Busta Bust eats the beat up, following with a “nutshell” chorus of his own.  Then it’s Redman to the mic, with a focus on “I” – “Yo, I keep moving, I keep bud, I keep fire / I keep an attitude for niggas to keep tryin’!” Woo! He also shouts out his buds: “Phife and Bus’, that’s my brothers, keeper, keeper.”  All three join for the final extended chorus with Red delivering the spirited outro.  Notably, “Nutshell, Pt. 2” gets a music video 🎶📼.

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Final Thoughts 💭

🎵 “Nutshell Pt. 2” is built differently than other posthumous records – NO CAP! There is plenty to sink one’s teeth into here.  Phife Dawg, of course, is the biggest draw.  May his legacy live on forever.  The same can be said of the genius of J Dilla.  “Nutshell Pt. 2” = surefire rap banger.

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🎙 Phife Dawg • 💿 Forever • 🏷 Smokin’ Needles / AWAL Recordings America, Inc. • 🗓 2022

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Phife Dawg, “Nutshell Pt. 2”: Rap BNGRZ 🔥 No. 11 (2022) [📷: AWAL Recordings America, Inc., Brent Faulkner, cottonbro, The Musical Hype, Pexels, RODNAE Productions, Smokin’ Needles, WoodysMedia]

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