Maf’s “Big and Pac” takes a unusually approach at the cliche subject of Hip Hop’s canonized figures. The Syracuse emcee performs a lyrical seance; incorporating fragments of the late greats into his austere delivery. But never get it fucked up this isn’t about imitating ghost or the usual trolling associated with Big and Pac over the last year, nah this Kill produced banger is about murdering the competition.
The production is cryptic as if Kill made the track live from a graveyard while Maf’s flow is equivalent to Frankstenis walk; steady and murderous. “Death’s in the air I can taste it” the Syracuse artist recites spewing passion in his words that make the bars feel like threats as the self proclaimed “grim reaper” snatches souls and dreams of lamborghinis. Shit could possibly be all a dream of his but I be damned if it doesn’t feel real. The juxtaposing pitfalls and luxury makes Maf seem like a beast that can’t be satisfied, as if even if he gets what he wants its still fuck the world and based of the way they’ve crucified the greats before him its a valid sentiment.
After stuffing a few money machines, bench pressing life burdens and taking care of the ungrateful must of all been too much because the later half of the track is all paranoia. MAf is ready to die “ Cursed with the sixth sense, got me feeling nervous on the Vegas strip, got me second guessing bout a L.A. trip Going back to cali with a death wish”. Damn what I thought was a sick emcee is haunted one, afraid of what he yearns for, success; because thats the shit that could kill you.
Prayers and praise abound as this track makes its rounds through the Upstate New York scene that is choke full of spitters. Maf’s presence could make It hard for rappers to smile in the future yet I wouldn’t expect his downfall to come anytime soon and in that conundrum is the validation of his paranoia. “Big and Pac” is Maf asserting his greatness and burying his competitors in the name of Hip Hop’s saints assuring that through his pen all things are possible if you can survive the traps.
-Matthew Carroll
