Dave East is one of the newer artists to join Nas’ Mass Appeal Records family. The Spanish Harlem, New York MC may have serious buzz right now, but that clearly is not the only reason he’s running with Nasir Jones.

The “NY State Of Mind Freestyle (East Mix)” takes Dave’s musings and a slightly altered rendition of Nas’ seminal Illmatic beat (courtesy of DJ Premier), and shows that imagery, grit, and a devil-be-damned attitude is a driving force in both MCs’ styles. Listen to these bars, and see if you hear how Nas is grabbing up a crop of guys who carry his torch (not that he’s ever giving it up) in Killer Mike, Fashawn, and Dave…

Is Dave East the next MC that Heads should be awaiting a debut album from?

Related: Why Did Nas Sign Dave East? Because He’s Hungry. Just Listen (Video)