Nas Album Review

To what may be the greatest hip hop catalog ever, The N has added another classic to his collection. Nas may have said it best when he said "I'm over their heads like a bulimic on a seesaw" on the albums opening track "Queens Get The Money".

The album spearhead by the the official lead single "Hero" featuring Keri Hilson and produced by Polow Da Don, serves as one of Nas' best singles to date. The album allows those who felt that the purpose of the album wasn't properly articulated to them through interviews to view Nas' most inner thoughts on the 'N' word. "Testify" which finds Nas paying homage to black activist George and Jonathan Jackson as he opens the track with controversial lines such as "I just burnt my American flag / and sent three cracker nazi's to hell and I'm sad". Nas continues to further his claim as one of the most creative artist to date with tracks like the anti-Fox News "Sly Fox", "Project Roach" and the soon to be cult favorite "Fried Chicken" an obvious ode to dinner at any black family's house . The latter finds Nas spitting introspective bars along side Busta Rhymes discussing the appeal of chicken and its creation.

The album consist of several stellar tracks such as " We're Not Alone" featuring Mykel but the lp's crowning moments come thanks to cinematic Toomp produced"N.I.*.*.E.R. (The Slave and The Master) and Y'all My Ni**as". The former finds Esco educating the masses about the plights and vices of of being black in America with bars like "Anytime we mention our condition, history or existence/ they callin' it reverse racism" and pledging allegiance to his Bravehearted brother Jungle (My brother Jung, ill always have a seat for him/ not behind me beside me / you'll always know where to find me). " Y'all My Ni**as" finds Nas' thanking those positive and negative influneces for cementing his place in history and discussing Paul Mooney's belief that Everybody wants to be a n--ga but dont want to be a ni-ga.

This album has the chance to change an individuals outlook on life and the things that take place in it from race to politics and more. Nas continuous efforts and ability to step out of the box is what makes him one of the all time greats. This album does nothing more but further cement his legendary status in hip hop. A great listen from opening to close, this albums classic status certainly should not be overlooked or taken for granted. Nas stands alone as the epitomy of thought provoking artistry.