When authenticity, mastery, and passion collide, something timeless is born. That’s exactly what happens with “THE PEN”, the extraordinary new single from NEC NYMBL and MEMPHIS REIGNS, featuring SANKOFA and BROKEN SWORD. This track, the third single leading up to the duo’s highly anticipated collaborative LP, stands as a bold declaration of what real hip-hop is meant to be—intelligent, soulful, fearless, and deeply rooted in artistry.
From the very first note, “THE PEN” grabs your attention and refuses to let go. The track opens with a pulse of energy that builds into something magnetic and emotional, pulling listeners into a musical odyssey that’s both introspective and explosive. This isn’t just another rap song—it’s an experience, a fully immersive journey through sound and story that captures the heart and soul of every listener lucky enough to hear it.
The song’s concept alone reveals the thought and creativity behind the craft. Each MC represents a natural element—a poetic nod to balance and duality in both art and life.
- MEMPHIS REIGNS flows like Water/Sea, deep, unpredictable, and full of life, his verses washing over you with wisdom and emotional resonance.
- NEC NYMBL, the Air/Sky, elevates with soaring lyricism and intricate wordplay, delivering lines that glide effortlessly above the beat with both clarity and grace.
- SANKOFA brings the Fire, his presence commanding, his energy fierce, igniting every verse with passion and unrelenting force.
- BROKEN SWORD anchors the track as Earth, steady and grounded, with a voice that rumbles with power and poetic weight.
Together, these four forces of nature combine to forge a soundscape that feels both ancient and futuristic. Their synergy is undeniable. Each verse shines with individuality, yet seamlessly connects to the others, creating an elemental harmony that defines “THE PEN” as something more than a collaboration—it’s a statement.
And that statement is clear: the pen is mightier than the sword.
That phrase doesn’t just echo in the chorus—it commands it. The hook bursts with conviction, as an action-packed, crowd-hyping chant erupts, driving home the message that true power lies in words, in creativity, in the art of expression. It’s a timeless reminder that hip-hop’s greatest weapon has always been its pen—the ability to move hearts, challenge minds, and inspire change.
But “THE PEN” isn’t just lyrically brilliant—it’s a sonic masterpiece. NEC NYMBL, who produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered the track, showcases his unmatched production prowess with a beat that’s both soulful and cinematic. He weaves together flutes, strings, guitar, and piano, all chopped, filtered, and layered with surgical precision. The result is a lush, textured sound that feels alive—melodic yet gritty, warm yet powerful.
Every detail in the track’s production speaks volumes about NEC NYMBL’s years of experience as a producer, recording artist, and studio owner/operator. The mix is clean but rich, the master balanced yet warm, achieving that analog depth that only comes from a true craftsman at work. It’s clear this isn’t just music—it’s the product of passion, purpose, and professionalism.
The energy and chemistry between the artists are electric. You can feel it in the cadence of every line, the clever interplay of metaphors and mythology, and the rhythmic precision of their deliveries. Each MC brings his unique cadence and tone, yet the unity in message and performance turns the track into something transcendent. It’s a reminder that underground hip-hop is still the beating heart of the culture, and that the genre’s truest innovators are those who create from authenticity, not conformity.
What also sets “THE PEN” apart is its attention to musical storytelling. Every instrumental shift, every ad-lib, every subtle change in melody serves a purpose. When the chorus hits, it’s not just a hook—it’s an explosion of energy that sweeps you into the heart of the performance. The layered vocals and dynamic flow add a theatrical intensity that few modern hip-hop tracks achieve.
At its core, “THE PEN” is a celebration of artistry—of four emcees united by a shared devotion to words, rhythm, and meaning. It’s proof that hip-hop remains a living, breathing art form, capable of evolving while still honoring its roots. NEC NYMBL and MEMPHIS REIGNS, alongside SANKOFA and BROKEN SWORD, have created something that doesn’t just entertain—it inspires.
This release also stands as another shining moment in NEC NYMBL’s legacy as one of the underground’s most respected and versatile creators. His production radiates confidence and craftsmanship, while his engineering finesse brings out every nuance in both the vocals and the instrumentation. The end result is an undeniable fusion of emotion, skill, and soul.
If you’re looking for music with substance, creativity, and depth, “THE PEN” is essential listening. It’s more than a track—it’s an anthem for those who still believe that lyricism matters, that storytelling has power, and that true artistry never fades.
“THE PEN” by NEC NYMBL & MEMPHIS REIGNS ft. SANKOFA & BROKEN SWORD is available now on all major platforms. Experience the movement. Feel the energy. Let the pen speak.
Stream/Buy “THE PEN” now:
Follow the artists:
@memphisreigns | @necnymbl | @sankofafw | @swordzbsword
Produced, Mixed, Mastered & Engineered by: @necnymbl — in the lab at @selahbitsounds
