
On a very rainy Saturday, I felt the need to make a much anticipated trip to Massachusetts. The reason why am I here? His name is Estee Nack of Lynn, MA by way of Republica Dominicana. The “Welcome Home Summer” show is happening tonight to celebrate the journey to his official debut album release on arguably 1 of hip-hop’s top 3 record labels today, Griselda Records. Curated by Westside Gunn, this Dominican God (knows he’s a Blackman) might not be notable as of yet to the pop commercial world, but very well known in our underworld hip-hop circuit for a bit over a decade now.
In the past Estee is known for the work put in with his group, Tragic Allies. But in recent years, Nack’s been on a crazy frenzy, dropping so many projects, from albums to EPs, growing his endless catalog. Plus entire LP’s produced by Superior, Grubby Paws, VDon, Sadhugold and way too many others. With a bunch of back to back duo projects with his young protege, al.divino, these two are like Batman and Robin. Them along with Nack’s Mini Mansion frequent collaborative army of primos, Mr Rose, The Mellos, The Hidden Character, Bori Rock, Code Nine, among others, make them all a new strong force unlocking these characters like a new Wu vibration of numerous personalities.
Estee has a slew of tracks with the cultures finest from Rome Streetz, VDon, Rigz, Eto, Daniel Son, Starker, Raz Fresco, Sauce Heist, to numerous appearances on Westside Gunn’s latest projects (from HWH7 from 3 years ago) til now. So it’s no surprise to Griselda fans they’d witness a full album project see the light of day from this duo of masterminds entitled “NACKSAW” (named after popular wrestler Hacksaw Jim Duggan). They’ve apparently maintained a great relationship and chemistry over the years, plus for the culture’s sake, we definitely needed this type of rawness.
Upon entering the performing arts building on Exchange Street, I met a young photographer, from Story To Tell Prod., who was like me in there, lost. The flyer said parking entrance at the back but didn’t mean the doors to the event was there too. We learnt the hard way as entering probably 3 or 4 different rooms, that obviously wasn’t what we came here for. It got to the point he said, “let me ask them” and I stopped him like, nah don’t even do it. That’s just how different these people appeared as they were drapped in weird attire settings.
The openers all rocked the stage from the event’s amazing DJ, Slip Wax, who totally destroyed his set in a very great way from beginning to the end, to the MC’s, Tyler Lovett, TeaTheTruth, Kashi2x, The Mellos, Bori Rock, The Musalini, Starker, al.divino, and can’t forget the host with the most, Mr PSA, who kept the energy going all night long. One of the highlights of the night came during Bori’s set when the FLY GOD, Westside Gunn, known nowadays as SUPERFLYGOD, had the crowd buggin’, shouting “CONO”. Gunn didn’t have to perform as he chilled amongst the crowd watching the NACKMAN demolish that microphone during his performance with young divino. Although Nack’s on the more chubby side, he moves like us skinny brothers on that stage. Both him and divino’s verbal gymnastics had the packed audience flippin’ til wee hours of the morning.
The vibes didn’t start nor end there either, as they stood til probably pass 3-4am shooting music videos off NACKSAW in back of the performing arts parking lot. Prior to their gig in Lynn, they just flew in fresh from Miami, shooting in lavish suites with people like Gumbo’s own Luka Braze. The very next day their shooting more vids at the chicken spot in the hoods of Lynn with WSG directing scenes. Wow, what A Heav Of A Night, Estee Nack’s “NACKSAW JIM DUGGAN”, is out now on Griselda Records. More photos and visuals coming soon.

