Kanye West has been churning out 7-track albums just about weekly from his recording studio in Jackson, but the newly released Nas is by far the best.

Nasir Album Artwork
Mass Appeal/Def Jam
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Nas is one of the best lyricists alive (often compared to his sometime rival Jay Z). With this body of work however, Nas has once again solidified that his 27-year long legacy is still intact. Even the instrumental choices are superb. They show a vibe from Kanye that is often missed, which is highly reminiscent of his early works.

The album is named after Nas' government first name (he was born Nasir Bin Olu Dara Jones). All seven tracks have very powerful lyrics and showcase the NYC rapper's skill on the mic. He brings light to police brutality issues on the Slick Rick-sampled "Cops Shot The Kid". He tackles the Hip-Hop media's opinion of his beat choices on "Simple Things", which is the final, but arguably the best song on the project.

Kanye's other three projects that he 100% produced in the Cowboy State are:

  • Pusha T - Daytona
  • Kanye West - Ye
  • Kids See Ghosts - collaboration with Kid Cudi

The above listed albums were good efforts, but not necessarily great. Each one had one or two stand out tracks. NASIR is a more complete-sounding body of work. Considering Nas' legendary status in the Hip-Hop community, we're all relieved, but at the same time overjoyed that Yeezus stepped up.

Nasir Apple Music Liner Notes
DJ Nyke, Townsquare Media (via Apple Music)
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Below is the official video from the NASIR listening party in Nas' home city of Queens.

 

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