Video: Diggy Simmons - 'N.Y. State of Mind (Freestyle)'
Diggy Simmons is in a “N.Y. State of Mind.” Nas’ Illmatic classic is the inspiration behind the 20-year-old rapper’s new freestyle and music video.
“Young Diggy Sinatra” borrows some of Nas’ rhymes over DJ Premier’s lauded production, while also adding his own take on the 1994 gem. Twenty-one years after the original, Simmons spits about A Tribe Called Quest, Jay Z, and, of course, the original’s creator, Nasty Nas.
The Zac Evan-directed visual, a gritty look into NYC’s subway system, also features “The Wire” and “Boardwalk Empire” star Michael K. Williams. Evan also directed Diggy’s Raekwon-assisted video for “The 2nd Coming,” which he premiered last month.
“I’m fine tuning and putting together this project I’m very proud of,” Diggy told fans of the follow-up to 2012’s Unexpected Arrival. “It’s been a long time coming, but I’m very thankful for everyone that’s been waiting on what’s to come.”
Watch “N.Y. State of Mind” below.