"Love to sit in on the Senate
And tell the whole government
Y'all don't treat women fair
She read about herself in the bible
Believing she the reason sin is here [.]" - America, Nas
And tell the whole government
Y'all don't treat women fair
She read about herself in the bible
Believing she the reason sin is here [.]" - America, Nas
While the album only has one or two songs that will be radio friendly, it is clearly a bright light in a year where hiphop has been lacking. With much disappointment from Lil' Wayne's Tha Carter III and from the mixed reviews of G-Unit's T.O.S.: Terminate on Sight, Nas truly shows that hiphop may still have a chance. He clearly makes a lyrical progression from rap we've heard so far, at least in the mainstream. Unlike 2pac or even G-Unit, Nas seems to have moved on from popping bottles of champagne, guns, drugs, and from degrading women and homosexuals. The album contains very few truly misogynistic lyrics and no anti-gay lyrics. Nas also differentiates himself from the Notorious B.I.G. (as well as Lil' Wayne, who is not in the Notorious B.I.G.'s league) by staying away from complex (or corny) similes. These separations will turn a lot of potential buyers away while, hopefully, pulling a new crowd of listeners in.
The first part of the album may be inspiring, but it accomplishes this in a rather subtle fashion. No real bombshells are dropped. No one is called out (with exception to a small insult towards 50 Cent). On track four, "Make the World Go Round", Nas is joined by two - now - hiphop veterans. Chris Brown drops a average hook while The Game drops an average verse (by this I mean, he uses the "Game formula" of similes and name drops). After this, in my opinion, the album really begins. The first single, Hero, is an anthem to the streets. It does prove that there can be good hiphop radio singles. "America" is an awe-inspiring song into the look of Black America while the next track, "Sly Fox", is a diss song aimed at Bill O'Reilly and Fox News (who some say would enjoy destroying Black America). The rest of the album, for the most part, discusses racial relations, the "n-word", and other issues concerning Black America. In "Fried Chicken", Busta Rhymes and Nas jokingly describe stereotypes. "We're Not Alone" touches on the environmental crisis - an issue rarely ever discussed in rap. The final track, "Black President" is a pro-Obama support song.
As you let the above statement sink in, think about these prevalent themes in hiphop. I am usually caught in a tight spot, half of me wishing to defend rap as Freedom of Speech the other half of me wants to pan it off as violent, racist, misogynistic, sexist, and homophobic. I also cannot agree with the glorification of inner city life. Yet, this album gives me a new found hope for hiphop, for it breaks away from what people have grown accustomed to in rap.
Pro's
Con's
I'd give it... 4.5 / 5 Stars
"Reception, deception
Comcast Digital Satan
The Fox has a bushy tale[,]
And Bush tells lies and [Fox trots]
So, I don't know what's real [.]" - Sly Fox, Nas (Source)
Comcast Digital Satan
The Fox has a bushy tale[,]
And Bush tells lies and [Fox trots]
So, I don't know what's real [.]" - Sly Fox, Nas (Source)
The first part of the album may be inspiring, but it accomplishes this in a rather subtle fashion. No real bombshells are dropped. No one is called out (with exception to a small insult towards 50 Cent). On track four, "Make the World Go Round", Nas is joined by two - now - hiphop veterans. Chris Brown drops a average hook while The Game drops an average verse (by this I mean, he uses the "Game formula" of similes and name drops). After this, in my opinion, the album really begins. The first single, Hero, is an anthem to the streets. It does prove that there can be good hiphop radio singles. "America" is an awe-inspiring song into the look of Black America while the next track, "Sly Fox", is a diss song aimed at Bill O'Reilly and Fox News (who some say would enjoy destroying Black America). The rest of the album, for the most part, discusses racial relations, the "n-word", and other issues concerning Black America. In "Fried Chicken", Busta Rhymes and Nas jokingly describe stereotypes. "We're Not Alone" touches on the environmental crisis - an issue rarely ever discussed in rap. The final track, "Black President" is a pro-Obama support song.
This album is truly one of the most Liberal albums I've heard in years.
As you let the above statement sink in, think about these prevalent themes in hiphop. I am usually caught in a tight spot, half of me wishing to defend rap as Freedom of Speech the other half of me wants to pan it off as violent, racist, misogynistic, sexist, and homophobic. I also cannot agree with the glorification of inner city life. Yet, this album gives me a new found hope for hiphop, for it breaks away from what people have grown accustomed to in rap.
Pro's
- This is a very inspirational and moving album.
- Very different from other mainstream rap albums released in 2008.
- Nas shows maturity from his other work.
Con's
- The selection of beats on several songs could have been better. At times they blend together.
- It may seem extremely racist to some listeners.
- While there is a lot of discussion of important topics, the album only scrapes the surface. I want to hear more about sexism! More about the dislike for the Bush administration! Something about black homophobia! More details would have been nice.
I'd give it... 4.5 / 5 Stars
"Too many rappers, athletes, and actors
But not enough n****s in NASA
Who give you the latest dances, trends, and fashion?
But when it comes to residuals, they look past us [.]" - America, Nas. (Source)
But not enough n****s in NASA
Who give you the latest dances, trends, and fashion?
But when it comes to residuals, they look past us [.]" - America, Nas. (Source)
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