It’s not surprising that on the Slick Rick-sampling “Cops,” Nas addresses the police shootings of black men, women, and children that has taken place over the past several years with alarming frequency. Nevertheless, if the two had any differences, they seemed to have set aside for the betterment of the music.Īs Nas Readies His New Kanye-Produced Album, Why Aren't More People Talking About His Alleged Abuse? Songs like “Not For Radio” are strong political statements that address religion, politics, and slavery…over a beat from a guy who said slavery was a choice. In recent weeks, West has expressed support for Donald Trump and conservative commentator Candace Owens - so you have to wonder what the conversations in the studio were like between him and Nas, who makes it clear he doesn’t share those views with rhymes that address issues facing the black community. Want me to sound like every song on the Top 40? “Never sold a record for the beat, it’s my verses they purchase Nas even alludes to what critics have been saying about him, addressing his own occasionally questionable ear on “Simple Things”:

West’s signature soulful backdrops provide the perfect soundscape for Nas’ silky smooth delivery, whether it’s wicked piano loop on “Adam & Eve” or the use of samples of “Bonjour.” The short answer is an emphatic and resounding yes - and Nasir might be Nas’ most consistent effort from a production standpoint since at least 2001’s Stillmatic. But when news broke that West would be producing the entire album, fans rejoiced at the thought of Nas reversing that trend and finding the proper canvas for his poetic rhymes: Could West really give Nas what he deserves? It’s no secret that Nas hasn’t always been great at beat selection - it’s a weakness that has followed him for nearly two decades.

Nasir album tracklist