The Salaam Remi-produced “Made You Look” is the first single from Nas’s 2002 sixth studio album, God’s Son. Nas was going through an intense time, having just lost his mother and finishing a battle with Jay-Z. “Made You Look” announced that Nas was back and fully present. Remi worked out a sample of the Incredible Bongo Band’s “Apache” that had Nas rapping over staccato horns, eerie tremolo guitar, and a bass that all sounded like a rallying cry for him and his Queensbridge crew. Lyrically he was bragging about his rap status, admiring women, and hanging with his crew. “Made You Look” was a certified hit record that reached fans on the radio, in the clubs, and on the streets. All three of the album’s singles, “Made You Look,” “I Can,” and “Get Down,” helped God’s Son achieve platinum status. The album elevated Nas’s stature even higher in the hip-hop community and reaffirmed his New York king title before the south became the center of the rap world for the next generation. God’s Son inspired 9th Wonder and he released the remix album, God’s Stepson, in 2003. The official remix of “Made You Look” has appearances from Jadakiss and Ludacris.

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Moonchild’s new self-preservation anthem, “Not Sorry,” has guest appearances from Jill Scott and Rapsody. Lead singer Amber Navran tells the offender that she is not responsible for the mess but she is accountable for her own peace of mind. Navran makes the release of toxic people sound easy and almost fun. Her low, breathy tone defuses the hard edges of her message but Scott and Rapsody do their part to remind everyone that it’s not wrong to claim and protect your space. “Not Sorry” is a welcomed return for Moonchild, who released Starfruit three years ago and the Reflections EP in 2023. The collaboration is the first single from their 2026 album.

Alex Harris and Conya Doss have linked to duet on one of the best love songs this year with “Better.” Harris’s rich vocals are matched by Doss’s sweet tone in a deeply soulful dance that recalls the classic past connections of Marvin and Tammi and Method and Mary. The tenderness between the two of them in song is held together by a warm acoustic guitar in an arrangement courtesy of Harris’s brother Swagg and Brandon Williams. The two of them sing their praises for a true romantic love with the affection of a longtime couple still falling for each other. “Better” will be included on Harris’s sophomore album scheduled for an early 2026 release. The singer is excited about the next release because music is more than entertainment for him. He says, “My calling and mission are to utilize my God-given gift of music to inspire humanity. I believe the shared experience of the Gospel Church is part of the ‘secret ingredient’ to authentic soul music. The essence of this album is imbued with the intention to uplift, inspire, and heal. It’s a celebration of life and the myriad emotions we all experience.”

Harris is going on a tour of the United States in October that kicks off in Boston at the City Winery. 

Tour Dates 

10/4-Boston, MA-City Winery

10/5-New York, NY-Groove

10/10-Atlanta, GA-City Winery

10/11-Birmingham, AL-TBA

10/12-New Orleans, LA-Spotted Cat Music Club

10/13-New Orleans, LA-New Orleans Jazz Market

10/15-Portland, OR-The Jack London or Holocene

10/16-Napa, CA-Blue Note Napa

10/17-Los Angeles, CA-The Mint Zebulon/ The Echo

10/18-Hollywood, CA-Venice West

11/25-Chicago, IL-City Winery

11/26-St. Louis, MO-City Winery