Nas

Nas - Nas (Def Jam, 2008)

Always the rapper to stir up controversy, Nas was about to name this album after the racial slur for African-Americans. But soon after, he was feeling the heat from the media, even label president L.A. Reid and Universal CEO Doug Morris (he mentions this on the lead single, "Hero", but he edits out Morris' name, which was a smart move, otherwise Nas probably wouldn't be on Def Jam right now). So, he smartly changed the title to just Nas but no matter what the album is called, he's still unbeatable, ya'll.

One criticism that follows Nas is that he always contradicts himself while trying to be different things to different people. On this album, he is the revolutionary leader educating us on the "N" word, its meaning, and how "the Man" is getting black people down. However, it makes for some great songs and even greater social studies lessons. No one song is better than the other but "Fried Chicken" with Busta Rhymes gets props for comparing chicken and pork to women (you have to listen it to understand). And since this is a "revolution"-type album, it's only fitting that dead prez's stic-man produces a few tracks.

You would think that after 2006's Hip Hop Is Dead, you would have another classic on your hands but sadly, one particular track brings you back down to earth. "Make the World Go Round" featuring The Game isn't wack but it also features Chris Brown of all people. Nas could have gotten someone like Anthony Hamilton to sing the chorus and bridge and it would give the song more ummph but Brown's high-pitched voice makes the song sound more pop than energetic. But that's only a flaw on the chorus. Nas himself doesn't slip in his rhymes or on this album, making him the H.N.I.C. for 2008. -EJR

Nas drops another lyrically rich masterpiece that is definitely classic material. But here's the negative, it seems like Nas does not have the team around him to pull off these epic sized albums. What would the miniseries "Roots" be if it had come out on the WB channel or Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" if it had come out on Koch. My point is Nas has these big dreams of dropping these life changing records which could be just that if he had a better team and maybe a lil more bank behind his projects.

Top Songs:
Testify (Henny sippin anthem)
Were Not Alone(Extra-terrestrial Paranoia At It's Finest)
Breathe (One of my favorite joints on the album)
Black President(They Said........)
Hero (Grew on me, Nas really flowin on this one)
America
Project Roach (Good concept joint)

Good CD. It plays like the 2Pac song "Changes" all the way through: Very politically and racially inclined. There's a lot of good material here to think about as you enjoy the music. The songs are catchy, and are very well produced. I think it's definitely worth a buy. A lot of good writing. Check out "Hero" and "America."


A-

I have been a huge Nas fan since "Nastradamus" dropped when I was in high school. From there, I discovered my 2 favorite Nas albums - Illmatic and It Was Written. I would have to say this is probably Nas' best album since "Stillmatic". It is much better than the mostly-boring "Streets Disciple" and "Hip Hop is Dead", which besides a few gems was pretty boring as well. Here, despite the fact that Nas' thematic subjects don't vary that much (pretty much every song is of the political/critical nature) i.e. no party songs, no songs for the ladies, etc. Nas uses some excellent producers here whom he's never worked with before (Jay Electronica, Polow da Don, Stic.man) who all contribute stellar tracks. (I do wish Nas had done a full-blown song with Jay Electronica instead of just the 2-minute intro, but what are ya gonna do?) Old-school Nas fans will love this album, people who just discovered him from "Hip Hop is Dead" will be dissapointed.

Nas came real on this lp, he told u and the world the truth. I was Pac was alive to witness america and N.*.*.*.*.R cause i couldve easily saw him on both of those songs. Listen to the first verse of The Slave and The Master and think about what ur parents and there parents had to go through and i guarantee u come to tears. Overall this album is a jewel, i heard some people said the beats r wack, but they ain't too bad. This is Nas's type of music.