ELmatic (2011) is easily one of the best releases of the last decade! No question, Elzhi captured the essence of Illmatic, over-delivered lyrically, and Will Sessions recreated the production masterfully. I'd been anticipating Elmatic's release for two years ahead of its release. I believe the original idea was spawned by Houseshoes, but it didn't include reworking the production. Am I right on that? Fashawn put out Ode to Illmatic in 2010, and maybe Elzhi went back to the drawing board and a greater concept was birthed, because there were a few snippets over original Illmatic instrumentals released by Elzhi in 2009. I'm just speculating, but either way, what was created was better than anything I could have imagined. Today isn't its anniversary or anything, there's just never a bad time to put on ELmatic, and celebrate a masterpiece that celebrates the masterpiece...
So ... after listening to the album back to back to back in 2011, I sent a text to my artist, Eternia, and said to check out the project - specifically "One Love," as there was room at the end of that track for a verse. It was a subtle hint, but she was receptive, and days later, her "One Love Remix" was born. I think her verse at the end expertly complements the storyline and vibe of the track. We later met up with Elzhi at SOBs (NYC) - he showed love and it was dope to catch up with him and Jae Barber. Hear Eternia's remix to "One Love" below and cop El's project + instrumentals HERE. "Coulda been food for a tree, or a baby moms, a crack fiend, instead I am free! / Able to be / Not just a story, humble testimony from me / Now feel the glory that's comin' from up above... One Love."
Props to Elzhi for the official co-sign on the Remix, that still means a lot.
