Take It In Blood

Overview

Take It In Blood is the sixth track on Nas' critically acclaimed second album It Was Written. Produced by Live Squad, Lo Ground and Top General Sounds, the song is widely regarded as one of the standout moments on the album and features one of Nas' finest lyrical performances.

For Live Squad, the recording represents one of the group's most significant production credits outside their work with 2Pac. Stretch's understated, atmospheric production perfectly complements Nas' reflective lyrics, creating a track that has become a favourite among fans and critics alike.

The session also produced Silent Murder, another Live Squad production recorded during the same period.

Recording History

Take It In Blood was recorded during the sessions for It Was Written in 1995. Official album credits list the production as Live Squad, Lo Ground and Top General Sounds, while Randy Walker (Stretch) receives a songwriting credit alongside Nas and the other composers.

Nas later revealed that both Take It In Blood and Silent Murder were completed during the final recording session he shared with Stretch. According to Nas, Stretch drove him home after the session before leaving for Queens, where he was murdered later that night on 30 November 1995. Nas described the recordings as the last work Stretch completed before his death.

The song has since become recognised as one of Stretch's defining productions and an important part of his musical legacy. Although Live Squad receive the official production credit, Nas has consistently referred to the beat as one of Stretch's productions when reflecting on their friendship and final studio session together.

Release History

Samples

Samples Used

• The Fantastic Four – Got to Have Your Love (Multiple Elements)

Lyrics