On June 10, 2024, the legendary Chuck D from Public Enemy couldn’t contain his excitement. He shared a clip of Nas, Jadakiss, and Ludacris performing their iconic “Made You Look” remix at Webster Hall back in 2003.
Chuck D, who has been a pivotal figure in pioneering Hip Hop, has immense respect for artists who came after him and pushed the craft even further. Reposting the video on X (formerly Twitter), he expressed his admiration for the collaboration by writing, ‘Not to knock what’s happening today….But… this is spelled R E A L RAP at its HIPHOP finest. Brutal. Ugly . Vicious MCing . Try to Match it with anything the past 15 years …. Ill wait.’
This memorable performance, which also featured Run-DMC’s Darryl McDaniels aka DMC on stage, was later included in the Made You Look: God’s Son Live DVD that same year.
Just last year, Ludacris reignited the debate about who had the best verse on the ‘Made You Look’ remix. Posting a video on social media, the Atlanta rap icon recited his verse in full, reminding everyone of his lyrical prowess. ‘Man, I picked up my phone today and saw that the Luda fans chose violence and I’m loving every minute of it,’ he began, before launching into his verse. ‘I’m from the school of hard knocks, sneak peeks and low blows/ Where X’s mark spots and kitchens mark O’s / Where love’s gon’ getcha, hate is gon’ snitch ya / And fingers squeeze triggers like boa constrictors,’ he rapped.
Ludacris continued, ‘It’s the Mr. Luda, Jada and Nas/ And our bullets give you a deep-tissue massage/ So hear the song and dance while I make these ends/ You never stood half a chance like Siamese twins/ They shooting! Look in the barrel!/Then he made the front page of the Miami Herald…’
The alternate version of “Made You Look” was released shortly after the original track, which was part of Nas’ sixth studio album, God’s Son.
Chuck D’s excitement about this collaboration only underscores the timelessness and raw power of real rap. His admiration for Nas, Jadakiss, and Ludacris highlights the significant impact these artists have had on the genre.
