BURLINGTON, VT – After years cultivating the Vermont hip-hop landscape and establishing himself as a cornerstone of the regional music scene, Nastee has finally unleashed his long-awaited debut solo album, ‘Current Events.’ Released on his own AfterLyfe Music imprint, the project is being heralded as a meticulously crafted homage to ’90s-style hip-hop, showcasing Nastee’s most potent lyrical delivery to date and aiming for a standard of excellence directly inspired by hip-hop classics.
Nastee, a name synonymous with the evolution of hip-hop in Vermont, has been a driving force behind the scenes and on stage for years. Co-founder of the seminal collective VT Union alongside the late DJ A_Dog and Dakota, Nastee’s journey in music began with defining mixtapes and electrifying live performances that set a benchmark for the state’s burgeoning rap community. His extensive background also includes invaluable experience gained working with the legendary New York City collective Pro Era, as well as significant contributions as a recording engineer for Loud Records, and later as an A&R for Pro Era itself.
‘Current Events’ arrives not merely as an album, but as a statement of intent. Nastee himself has boldly declared the project his ‘Illmatic,’ a direct nod to Nas’s universally acclaimed 1994 masterpiece. This ambition is palpable throughout the record, which eschews contemporary trends for a purist’s approach to the genre. The album is a master class in craftsmanship, designed for listeners who appreciate intricate lyricism, compelling narratives, and the robust, sample-driven sound that defined an era.
The Unfolding Legacy of Nastee
Nastee’s deep roots in Vermont’s hip-hop scene are undeniable. His early work with VT Union in the mid-2000s was instrumental in shaping the genre’s presence in the state. From flyer campaigns to warming up stages for national acts, Nastee and his crew built a genuine ground game, fostering a dedicated following. This foundation, combined with his subsequent experiences in the cutthroat New York City music industry, has honed his skills not only as an MC but also as a producer and label head. The establishment of AfterLyfe Music further cemented his commitment to fostering independent music and controlling his artistic vision. This debut solo LP represents the culmination of these diverse experiences, a testament to his enduring passion and dedication to the craft.
‘Current Events’: A Return to ’90s Purity
The soundscape of ‘Current Events’ is deliberately steeped in the golden age of hip-hop. Critics have noted its distinctly ’90s, extremely New York throwback feel, yet it manages to sound fresh and relevant today. This is largely attributable to Nastee’s production prowess, which draws heavily from the Pete Rock school of thought. His approach involves taking melodic, carefully layered samples and not just looping them, but reharmonizing them into entirely new compositions. The result is a collection of boom-bap tracks that are both richly textured and undeniably head-nodding, demonstrating a deep understanding and reverence for the genre’s foundational elements. The album is described as a return to more structured and lyrically focused hip-hop, a welcome development for fans who value substance and artistry.
Lyrical Dexterity and Thematic Depth
On ‘Current Events,’ Nastee delivers what is widely considered his most accomplished lyrical performance. The hunger and urgency that characterized his earlier work are present in full force, yet are now refined with seasoned skill. His pen game is described as “on point,” navigating diverse themes with precision and clarity. Whether he is asserting his position within the hip-hop hierarchy on tracks like “We Here,” painting vivid narratives on “Knowhere,” or offering a streetwise critique of media manipulation on “Evening News,” Nastee’s vocal takes are perfectly calibrated to match the intensity and message of each song. His delivery is confident and engaging, conveying a deep-seated passion that makes each track resonate.
Collaborative Synergy
Adding significant weight and dynamic range to ‘Current Events’ is a carefully curated roster of acclaimed guest artists. The album features contributions from Termanology, who delivers a standout verse on “No Funny,” CJ Fly, whose emotive performance anchors “Horizons,” and REKS, who channels the smooth delivery of artists like AZ on “Free.” Konflik also plays an essential role, lending his distinctive baritone to tracks such as “My Man” and “Knowhere,” and appearing on the introductory “1st Album Intro.” These collaborations are not mere features but integral parts of the album’s cohesive sound, with each guest artist reportedly giving their absolute best, elevating the overall quality of the project.
The ‘Illmatic’ Benchmark
The explicit comparison to Nas’s ‘Illmatic’ sets a monumental bar for ‘Current Events.’ Nastee’s ambition to capture that level of lyrical density, thematic coherence, and production excellence is a bold move in the hip-hop world. The album’s structure, from the opening “1st Album Intro” where Nastee articulates his vision, through to the thematic arcs of the individual tracks, suggests a deliberate effort to create a body of work that stands the test of time. The meticulous attention to detail in both the writing and the sonic arrangement reflects a commitment to creating an album that is not just a collection of songs, but a singular artistic statement designed to be consumed and appreciated as a whole.
Independent Drive and Industry Vision
The decision to release ‘Current Events’ under his own AfterLyfe Music label underscores Nastee’s autonomy and his commitment to building his legacy on his own terms. This independence allows him to maintain complete creative control, ensuring that the album’s artistic integrity remains uncompromised. It also positions him as a key figure not just as an artist, but as an entrepreneur within the independent music sphere, further solidifying his status as a mogul who understands the multifaceted nature of the music business.
Vermont’s Hip-Hop Renaissance
‘Current Events’ arrives at a time when Vermont’s hip-hop scene is experiencing a remarkable resurgence. Alongside projects from artists like Joint Manipulation, Devon Dutchmaster, and Asterisk, Nastee’s debut marks another significant contribution to what is being called a “high-water mark for great Vermont rap albums” in 2025. With ‘Current Events,’ Nastee has not only delivered a personal triumph but has also staked his claim for the top spot in the state’s vibrant hip-hop narrative, once again proving himself a master craftsman of the genre and a vital storyteller.
In conclusion, Nastee’s ‘Current Events’ is more than just a debut; it’s a declaration of artistic intent and a profound statement on the enduring power of classic hip-hop. It’s an album that honors the past while firmly planting its feet in the present, offering a compelling collection of stories and sounds that demand attention from hip-hop enthusiasts nationwide.
