The only thing that makes New York rapper Nas happier than saying “Hip Hop is Dead” is being one of the only artists trying to revive it. Known for his political commentary and all-encompassing flow, Nas’ new album Untitled brings the best of the persistent genre. Nas is one of the remaining emcees who talks about important issues-as he points out, “the last of a dying breed.” If you can get past the cockiness, and I suggest you try, there is a lot to enjoy on this album.
Never one for sloppy production, Nas brings it again on Untitled, with beatmakers and master loopers like Stargate, DJ Toomp, Mark Ronson, and of course Green Lantern who produced Nas’ pre-album mixtape using the previous, more controversial album title Nas planned on releasing. “Hero” is the most obvious single on the album, complete with a high-energy bombastic bassline and pulsating bell chimes. Charged with political angst, but with all of the production of a club banger, this is one of my personal favorites on the album. Who else but Escobar could “give ‘em somethin’ to believe in?” Another track that achieves this balance is the album closer, “Black President,” which sounds like a laidback Swizz beat but features a Tupac sample over the hook, saying “Although it seems heaven sent, we ain’t ready to have a black president.” Nas hits the nail on the head here, speaking of Barack Obama
in a positive light. “I think Obama provides Hope – and challenges minds/Of all races and colors to erase the hate/And try and love one another, so many political snakes/We in need of a break,” Nas raps.
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