Nas

Stillmatic

Nas Back At His Very Best. One of the Best Albums of 2001.

Review Score:

(10/10)
After a two-year break since his last two releases (both in 1999), it seems Nas has taken a step back and looked at his errors of them both. "I Am" and "Nastradamus" were not big hitters such as 1994's Illmatic and the introspective "It Was Written" in 1996. It seemed the he then become more commercial to suit airplay content and therefore turned his back on his raw, realistic street style of "Nasty" Nas.

Come 2001, Nas has definitely recited some of his old albums and implementation has clearly taken place on Stillmatic, with the raw lyrics and fine beats of the reminiscent "2nd Childhood", "The Flyest" and the moving single release "One Mic". More aggression comes out on his diss track "Ether", his reply to Jay-Z's "Takeover" earlier in the year. The following song "Got Urself A..." is dedicated to rap legends Tupac Shakur and the Notorious B.I.G. with not only a message, but also a controversial video re-constructing the deaths of both rappers.

Production of the album once again is at the hands of DJ Premier, who, combined with Nas' powerful lyrics, keeps you listening all the way through. Once again, Nas' lyrical flow can still be heard, one of his many talents that hasn't faded over time.

Stillmatic, like its predecessor Illmatic, does not have too many guest appearances, Nas staying the majority of the album solo this time around, but a few familiar voices are featured such as of those of long time associates AZ and the Bravehearts (releasing debut album 2003). Other essential beats on the album include "You're The Man", and "Rule", sampling Tears For Fears hit "Everybody Wants To Rule The World".

Stillmatic represents the return of the Nas from 1994; raw, to the point, real and full of charisma. Nas has returned to his originality that made Illmatic the hip hop classic it remains today, but also remains introspective and mature like he was back in 1996 on It Was Written. Stillmatic has to be a new landmark in Nas' roller coaster career.

One of the best in 2001.

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