Fade
The Beat Strangler
Administrator
illest o.g.
A DECADE CAN PASS and people will rarely take immediate notice. Things change over time, relationships are tested, death knocks and to be frank, people just grow.
Nasir Jones who has lived a good part of his life in the music industry, and has given the last ten years to the Hip-Hop culture.
Since breaking into the game in 1991 at the age of 17 on Main Source's "Live at the BBQ" Nas has been held in high regard as one of Rap's most talented lyricists. It wasn't until 1994 that his solo album was released, and since that time we have watched the development and the maturation of an artist who may very well be the link between generations of Hip-Hop heads.
The voice of the new school with an appreciation for the old school. With release of his seventh studio album, Nas seems to be winding down one of music's most noteworthy careers. Nas' last two albums were almost like night and day. 'Stillmatic', encompassing a little bit of "It Was Written", and "God's Son", a little bit of 'Nastradamus' (which was a good album haters).
These were also his two most personal albums since he familiarized the whole world with the borough of Queens on 'Illmatic' (There's always an 'Illmatic' comparison waiting in the wings). When news surfaced that a new Nas album was in the works, - Jay-Z fresh in his quest for a pension - the anticipation grew. News of a double album raised eyebrows while news of delayed release dates are just tradition when dealing with a new Nas album. Vulgar is the word used when asked to describe this album in a recent interview. He later elaborates saying, "It's just raw, it doesn't cater to the radio. I'm just talking to the people". When the album begins, it isn't exactly clear who Nas is talking to on the intro, but anyone with ears is subject to the raw shit presented after the dialog of the first track fades out. Never one to disappoint with his opening tracks ('New York State of Mind', 'Get Down', 'Stillmatic', 'Message' to name a few) the intro flows beautifully into "A Message To The Feds" proclaiming "This is prophesy", before basically calling for the heads of those who's everyday job it is to investigate and arrest the ghetto youth of america. "Rest Of My Life" brings about a surprising reemergence of the beautiful voice of Amerie.
Nas reflects on the past and envisions his future over a sporadic beat with a flow to match. Nas takes many risks with this album. From collaborating with Maxwell, to the choice words used to express himself, the biggest risk may be a track dedicated to Rakim. Titled "Unauthorized Biography of Rakim" (One of the few tracks produced by Nas) this song, if executed wrong had the potential of becoming a dick rider anthem but it is instead pulled off as a respectful tribute to an MC who permanently altered the game. The Maxwell thing doesn't go down so smoothly however. "No One Else In The Room" is a track reminiscent of Michael Jackson's "Wanna Be Starting Something" which no one would be blamed for skipping on a typical listen, but go ahead and throw that one on your "Getting some tonight" playlist in your iPod.
Nas has crafted a complete album. There is no clear "target audience" with this album other than the loyal Nas fan base which has supported him from "The World Is Yours" to "You Owe Me". After such a tenure in Hip-Hop, one wonders how much more he has left in him. Nas sounds as good as ever but with the ever changing scenery of the rap game and another decade beginning to pass us by, the passing of the torch is something that's in the back of everyone's mind. With the release of Street's Disciple, Nasir Jones has nothing left to prove. Such an intriguing individual, Nas could garner interest if he released records for the rest of his life. He is a testament of time and easily adapts to the demands of his fan base while remaining true to himself and creating the type of music he can look back on and be proud of. The next may be the last. "May your pain be champagne".
Shouts to Tim D on the Mp3's.
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