Nas

Street's Disciple

Commentary from one of the greatest

Review Score:

(10/10)
The fact that Nas decided to release a double album...finally, is no surprise. He now no longer has the distinction of being the only rapper in his class to have not released one. Usually double albums have their fair share of filler with two or three career peaking highs well placed over it's course. This album deviates from that, and while there are a few beats that could have been better produced, there are no lyrical weak spots on the whole album. This is very impressive considering the album's sprawl. Lyrical clarity has always been Nas' priority, even during his weakest periods. The music has always been secondary, even though both have come together seamlessly for him numerous times over the years. There is so much to take in with Street's Disciple, and anybody who actually pays attention to what rappers say will be totally satisfied. Street's Disciple is one more thing that makes it clear that Nas is the best at what he does, and he might not have sold the most records of any rapper over the years, but artistically he easily sits on hip hop's throne, his closest competitors are either not with us anymore or from different eras. This album has all the traits of previously successful hip hop double albums. Both discs are strong with relatively few weak spots, and even they are not throwaways. The first five songs on disc one are indispensable, as he touches on everything from his dissatisfaction with black conservatives to Kobe's newfound love for ice. Those songs contain moments that every Nas fan hopes for when they buy one of his albums. This is quite a dynamic record with songs for every fan of his. "Reason" (also on disc one) is one of his best r&b fused songs. It's simple, but the singing on the chorus comes together effortlessly.

On disc two which contains the album's title track (another very strong track) He pays homage to Rakim, touches on getting married, and reminisces on days past. Never has a rapper matured so gracefully, and with such confidence (even though Nas is not that old he's in his late 20's or very early 30's) And while he's grown, there are no hints that he's winding down, only that he's hit a stride that will last for quite some time. Both collaborations with his father are worth the price of admission by themselves. He adds coolness to "Street's Disciple", and injects sentimental energy into the heartfelt "Bridging The Gap". The latter song is part of another incredibly strong sequence of songs which includes "War", and "Me and You (Dedicated to Destiny). Nas isn't the first rapper to make a song about his daughter, but he does it exceptionally well, and it's one of the true blue highlights of the album.

This album is essential for Nas' following, and highly recommended for those who appreciate articulative insight from Black America that makes us proud of who we are. Nas' skills have never been in question, and he's proven that he's capable of watershed moments on record, but I think this, not his best album, but simply one of his best, proves that Nas really is one of rap's giants.

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