In an era where too much of hip-hop feels disposable, NEC NYMBL and MEMPHIS REIGNS have dropped something that reminds you why you fell in love with the culture in the first place. Their new single, “THE PEN”, featuring SANKOFA and BROKEN SWORD, isn’t just a track — it’s an experience. It’s the kind of track that grips you from the first second and doesn’t let go until it’s carved its message deep into your mind.
What makes “THE PEN” so captivating is how it balances raw lyricism with rich, textured production. NEC NYMBL, who handled production, engineering, mixing, and mastering himself, has crafted a soundscape that feels both cinematic and timeless — melodramatic flutes, haunting strings, soulful guitar, and piano loops chopped to perfection, all blending into a beat that breathes emotion. There’s a gritty warmth to the mix, a signature analog feel that comes only from a producer who lives and breathes the craft.
From the jump, “THE PEN” hits different. The chemistry between the four MCs is magnetic, and there’s a sense of purpose behind every bar. Each artist embodies a different elemental force:
- MEMPHIS REIGNS as Water/Sea, flowing with depth and calm power.
- NEC NYMBL as Air/Sky, elevating the energy with ethereal precision.
- SANKOFA as Fire, fierce, unapologetic, and unrelenting.
- BROKEN SWORD as Earth, grounded and commanding, his tone carrying the weight of truth.
The concept is genius — four emcees, four elements, one mission: to show that the pen is mightier than the sword. And they do it with such conviction that by the time the chorus erupts — a charged, crowd-rocking chant that feels like a call to arms — you’re already deep inside their world.
But let’s talk lyrics. This isn’t fast food rap. The wordplay, imagery, and references feel deliberate and layered. Each verse unfolds like poetry — filled with mythology, metaphor, and meaning. You can tell these artists aren’t chasing trends; they’re building legacies. “THE PEN” plays like a manifesto for real hip-hop heads — for those who crave substance over surface, art over algorithm.
NEC NYMBL’s production is nothing short of stunning. His years as a producer, recording artist, and studio owner/operator shine through in every sonic detail. The track’s arrangement feels alive, dynamic, and cinematic, constantly shifting but never losing cohesion. You hear the craftsmanship — the care in the mix, the warmth in the low end, the clarity in the highs. It’s the sound of an artist who understands not just how to make music, but how to make you feel it.
The energy of the track builds with each bar. The ad-libs pop like sparks, the transitions hit with theatrical precision, and the hook ties everything together with the kind of intensity that commands a live crowd. There’s a pulse to the song — a heartbeat that drives the narrative forward and keeps you locked in.
MEMPHIS REIGNS brings that deep, grounded energy that hip-hop’s golden era was built on. His delivery is smooth but forceful, filled with wisdom and weight. SANKOFA burns through the mic with fiery precision, his flow relentless and his tone unapologetic. BROKEN SWORD comes in like a force of nature — raw, direct, and earthy, adding gravity to every syllable. And NEC NYMBL, as both artist and architect, glues it all together — effortlessly switching from producer to poet, proving that his creative range knows no limits.
The title, “THE PEN”, couldn’t be more fitting. In a time where many artists lean on image or gimmicks, this song is a statement that words still matter — that writing, thinking, and creating with purpose still have the power to move mountains. The chorus hammers that message home: “The pen is mightier than the sword.” It’s not just a hook — it’s a philosophy.
What makes the track even more impressive is how complete it feels. There’s no filler, no excess — just pure artistic intention. Every verse, every beat, every sound is deliberate. The mix carries warmth and depth, and the mastering gives it a polished but organic finish. It’s the kind of track you can blast on good speakers and still catch new details with every listen.
This is underground hip-hop at its finest — pure, passionate, and unapologetically authentic. It’s rare to hear a song that manages to sound classic and futuristic at the same time, but “THE PEN” does exactly that. It honors the roots of hip-hop — lyricism, storytelling, production — while pushing it forward with creativity and purpose.
NEC NYMBL, in particular, deserves immense credit. His fingerprints are all over this track — from the concept to the sonics, to the mix that gives it its soul. You can tell this is a man who has spent years perfecting his craft, and “THE PEN” feels like the culmination of that journey. He doesn’t just produce music; he curates emotion. He builds worlds in sound.
With MEMPHIS REIGNS, SANKOFA, and BROKEN SWORD alongside him, the synergy feels effortless — like four masters speaking the same ancient language through different voices. Together, they deliver something that’s both fiercely intellectual and emotionally raw.
If hip-hop had a gallery, “THE PEN” would be framed on the wall — a reminder of what happens when artists put integrity first. It’s bold, poetic, cinematic, and beautifully executed.
In a world full of noise, this is music that cuts through the static.
Stream “THE PEN” now:
Follow the creators:
@memphisreigns | @necnymbl | @sankofafw | @swordzbsword
Produced, Mixed, Mastered & Engineered by: @necnymbl — in the lab @selahbitsounds
