Overall product rating: 4.5 stars
Nas is known as a giant of rap music. Nas is not only a highly skilled wordsmith who always puts the letters first, but the powerful emcee proudly takes African Americans back to their African roots and history. His characteristic use of instruments such as trumpets underscores Nas’s deep musical knowledge of many jazz, soul, and blues legends.
Nas’s music is pure blackness. Whether people like it or not, Nas’s immense talent has to be recognized.
Hip Hop Is Dead has some Illmatic accents. The masterpiece raises the insightful question of hip-hop’s survival.
Hip hop is dying due to commercial influences, fake players with huge cars wanting to act like hustlers while real, lyrical hip hop from the hood is literally shocking.
Money Over Bullsh*t relies on dark instruments like keyboards, dark piano sounds, rhythmic drum beats contrasting flute, and lighter piano sounds. The instrumentals suggest a strong opposition between posers and real people. Many people use hip hop for money and neglect the beauty of the music and the words.
Nas is telling you the truth: the commercialization of hip hop will lead to its demise. Let the royal emcees champion the love of their music and culture.
You Can’t Kill Me shines a light on Nas’ lyrical skills. The complex instrumentals totally match the tension that is expressed in the song. You can’t kill the real soldiers of hip-hop. Nas’s words will surprise you mercilessly.
Carry On Tradition is pointing out the truth about the current state of hip hop. More than ever, hip-hop is facing a 911 emergency situation. Too many untalented, wimpy, loud-mouthed rappers are killing the game, eclipsing the geniuses, because they get more exposure. Aside from commercial anchors, too many small anchors don’t even deserve the title of “MC.”
It’s up to the listener to pay attention and tell the difference between good and bad hip hop.
I really loved the sounds provided in Where Are They Now which reminded me of the bright and dynamic style of James Brown. Rhythm tracks pay homage to hip hop legends. Don’t sleep on this!
Organ sounds combined with electric guitar sounds start Hip Hop Is Dead. The track cleverly mixes a flavor of rap and rock. The heartbeat-like drumbeats fully underline the emotional dimension of the track. Don’t worry, Nas won’t let hip-hop die.
Who Killed It is a swing track that points the finger at the killers of hip hop. The violins and trumpets have accusatory accents while the drums and clapping will exorcise the demons that constantly destroy the music.
On Black Republican, Nas collaborated with his long-term rival Jay Z. I’ve never really been a fan of Jay Z, because I don’t like his nasal voice at all. I’m not that fond of this one.
A good track that caught my eye is Hustlers with the legendary D Dre. It’s not just the rhythm track, it also combines the talents of both artists. The violins and drums will beautifully enhance the flavor of the NYC-Compton song. I recommend it to all of you.
Nas concludes with a gospel-sounding acapella. Nas’ beautiful female vocals and lyrical bullets make this song a total masterpiece.
Globally, Hip Hop Is Dead is a masterpiece of work. Often underestimated, Nas is one of those artists who don’t compromise their souls for money. Nas’ vibrant closing sentence is testimony to his passion for music.
My advice: copy the CD with no regrets.
Copyright © 2006 by Isabelle Esling
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