Nas

The Lost Tapes

Lost Tapes

Review Score:

(10/10)
Nas has to be one of the most scrutinized, analyzed, and over-criticized artists in hip-hop, which means his amazing versatility is often misread. If he collaborates with Ginuwine ("You Owe Me") or Aaliyah ("You Won't See Me Tonight") he's criticized for being too commercial. When he offers knowledge on "One Mic" or "God Love Us" he's deemed an ethical emcee -- which makes a devastating dis record like "Ether" appear contradictory. But with Stillmatic already acknowledged as a classic, The Lost Tapes now allows Nas to reveal what is ready for the world, as opposed to what's only ready for radio.
Many of the "lost" tracks didn't make the final cut of previous Nas albums and others have become hits on the street, courtesy of underground mix tapes and broad bootlegging. But regardless of what you've heard, Nas has compiled an imaginative State of the Union address to the streets.

The first issue on Nas' agenda is addressed on "No Ideas Original" where he tackles the trite topics of misogyny and materialism that saturate rap music. The funky but fierce track only acts as a springboard for more of Nas' venting on "Black Zombie," as he urges his people to "use your own intuition, you are tomorrow." But rather than just point the finger at his community, Nas uses "My Way" to show how his own sacrifices led to his success, while "Papa Was a Playa" reveals how his father's errors in judgment made him a better man.

Don't mistake Nas' wisdom for weakness. On "Blaze a 50" he creates another satisfying suspense thriller that forces him to choose between sex, money, and murder. When playing the news commentator the streets Nas has no fear in saying, "I don't like the way P. Diddy did Shyne with different lawyers." His bold attempt to educate and embrace black America will continue to make Nas a necessity rather than a rap option

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