Two MCs make a record together. Time passes. They end up so far apart, in sound, personal life, whatever, that the collab starts feeling like it happened in a different universe.
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Litto Nebbia isn’t a household name in the U.S., but in Argentina he’s a foundational figure. He co-founded Los Gatos in the mid-60s, the band widely credited with launching Argentine rock, and went on to build a decades-long solo career.
He recently posted a video on Instagram about rappers sampling his catalog. Jay Electronica and Jay-Z used “La Caída,” from his 1976 LP Bazar de Los Milagros, for “The Neverending Story.” The original lyrics are by poet Mirtha Defilpo. The track uses Nebbia’s original master throughout, with Jay Electronica rapping over it while keeping the original tempo intact.
According to Nebbia, they handled it properly: they contacted him, asked for permission, and paid for the use. The official credits include Jay Electronica, Jay-Z, their collaborators, Defilpo, and Nebbia. The track was also registered under a new title, with full attribution.
He adds that other artists have used his music without clearance or credit. He says he can recognize his work in the background of certain tracks. In a follow-up video, he names one example: “Old Justice” by KA, track 10 on Descendants of Cain.