BEAT 010: HIP HOP 50
Legendary rapper Nas and pioneering artist Futura have collaborated with 12on12 to produce a limited-edition vinyl celebrating 50 years of the groundbreaking genre. Here, we uncover the story behind the tracks, the artwork and the three-piece release, available exclusively via FARFETCH BEAT 010.
Nas and the tracks
Since the release of his era-defining 1994 debut 'Illmatic', Nas has stood out as one of hip-hop's most prominent voices. For BEAT 010, he curated 12 influential hip-hop tracks from the past five decades. These tracks not only inspired, affected and influenced him, they also shaped the trajectory of the genre itself.
12on12 and the role of vinyl
Found at the intersection of music and art, 12on12 invites cultural icons to curate a soundtrack that inspires and influences. Each is preserved on a pressed 12-inch vinyl with the sleeve designed by a visual artist. Hip-hop has embraced turntablism since the early 1970s — by creating original music using records, turntables and microphones, pioneers of the genre developed techniques that are still central to music production today.
Futura on the artwork
A figurehead in the New York graffiti scene since the 1970s, Futura is regarded as one of the world’s most dynamic collaborators across art, music and fashion. The exclusive vinyl set features his seminal 1982 artwork ‘Future Look For Flash’. ‘I’m excited to [work] with Nas on the release of this compilation,’ he says. ‘The artwork is a nod to my past and a reflection of the future.’
The three-piece set
BEAT 010 is made up of three limited-release pieces — an authenticated art print, co-signed by Nas and Futura; the first vinyl in a three-piece set, also signed by the legendary artists; and the Hip Hop 50 Nas X Futura vinyl that features Futura’s ‘Sans Titre 13’ and ‘Future Look For Flash’ artwork.
