Nas Releases New Album Nasir

Salutations FM Trendsetters!!!! Despite media and social media controversy (e.g. Kanye West’s remarks on slavery, Kanye’s infamous TMZ interview and confrontation), the self-proclaimed Louis Vutton Don released a few critically acclaimed seven-track albums. One of those albums, previously mentioned through a series of tweets, is that of a Queensbridge legend and patriarch, Nas. Nas released his 11th studio album, Nasir on Friday, June 15th. However, general release of the project, due to management discrepancies and changes, was Saturday morning.

Nas first premiered the album through a listening party under the homeward monumental Queensboro Bridge. Any fan knows that this is as epic as the title of his album. The QBC emcee decided to take the personal and transparent approach in his music. Addressing social issues in both society and himself as a man. The following is a review of the concierto that bears his namesake:

Not For Radio (ft. Puff Daddy and 070 Shake) – Reunited with Puff Daddy, who talks his usual talk, ignites the flames of incitement for the drama in the track. The vocals of upcoming artist 070 Shake compliments the truth and knowledge Nas speaks. Escobar Season has begun, again. You can still hate him now. It would not matter according to his collaborator.
Cops Shot The Kid – Track begins with a Richard Pryor stand up and then interrupted by the looped Slick Rick sample from “Children’s Story” with featured bars from producer Yeezy addressing current issues dealing with minority abuse from the police.
White Label – This was probably the track that was originally called “I Can Explain” from the infamous Instagram track listing. Esco spits about the struggles of his fame versus infamy, as a way to explain to anyone who has criticism about him or his music. Another heat-rock track produced by Kanye.
Bonjour (ft. Tony Williams) – The “Dance Music” (R.D. Burman) sample and the crooning vocals of Tony Williams turns Nas to Mr. Escobar to the ladies with his tasteful lyrics and enchanting French dialects. Grown and sexy vibes only for this masterpiece.
Everything (ft. The-Dream) – I feel this track is “If I Ruled The World” if it was created in 2018. Blended vocals of The-Dream, Tony Williams, and 070 Shake along with Yeezy’s guest vocals bring the beauty in the track. Nas explains what would happen if he can change anything that is going on in the world today. Imagine that.
Adam and Eve (ft. The-Dream) – One of my favorite tracks. Nas spits bars that use biblical exerts, montages and analogies to explain the price of the indulgence and temptations of the music industry. Not to mention the melodic and clever vocals of The-Dream. The track is reminiscent of a classic Nas style that would be appreciated by loyal fans.
Simple Things – “I’m worthless/But I’m more than the surface”. This Nas lyric in the song explains the concept of the song. Nas will not change his style, or try to be a chameleon and change with the times. He explains adaptation and simplicity is the key to longevity in the rap game. Some can say this is like a “mentor-to-student” lecture to future fans or artists. The drums and sampled interpolations make your head bop non-stop. From the beginning to end.

Some may disagree, but in my opinion as a music reviewer and longtime fan, this is a certified FM Trendsetting Classic. Awesome album. I wish his artist Dave East had a feature on it. Nas displays originality, depth and sustains his position in this rap game. Let’s argue.

Listen to NASIR by Nas (Executive Produced by Kanye West):

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/nasir/1399800981

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/defjamrecordings/playlist/0ZGlgjdnEiVHh2T3CLE4p7

Source: Instagram via Nas/Twitter via Kanye West/iTunes/Spotify

Bruce Jackson Jr. |IG: @gameheavybrick |Twitter: @gameheavybrick