ASM

"Masking" (ft. DOOM) (video)

BY Gregory AdamsPublished Oct 16, 2015

Hip-hop duo ASM (a.k.a. A State of Mind) are getting particularly cinematic with the animated, samurai-style adventure video supporting their epic new The Jade Amulet release's "Masking." With a title like that, it's no surprise that DOOM appears, but he spits on this one via a newly unveiled alternate guise of "King Dumile." You can see the rappers face off now.

The track meshes together movie house strings and thick, soulful beats, which were arranged by by FADE and the Black Knight Chamber Orchestra. Above this, we get enchanted and battle-ready bars from everyone involved, as well as plot points discussing legacy, death and the Jade Amulet's all-encompassing power, "to which no man is immune."

DOOM's verse is especially gravelly, with a press release noting that he's assuming the role of a metal-faced monarch "who rules over the kingdom of Vabaria with an iron fist." If you were wondering about the origins of his latest regal moniker, it might be worth reminding you that his birth name is Daniel Dumile.

You'll find the "Masking" video below, while The Jade Amulet was officially released today (October 16). You can pick it up on Bandcamp as a digital release or as a physical two-LP set that includes a 40-page comic book.

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