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So while most of these songs are far from “new,” it proves talent is ageless. Several of the tracks on this release have been in my iTunes library (RIP, iTunes) for the better part of a decade. Likewise, Lost Tapes II looks to be this era’s version of damage control – a chance to prove to longtime fans and newbies that Nas is still one of the greatest to touch a mike.Īnd, like its predecessor, Nas digs way back in the archives to prove it. The original Lost Tapes concept, a 2002 compilation of leftover tracks circa 1999, served as a bit of redemption when Nas’ credibility was at its lowest.
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So in order to re-establish a legacy, Esco is going back to his roots. In fact, there’s an entire generation of fans who only know of Nas’ legacy in passing, only equating him as “that guy Jay Z had beef with.” His relatively low profile means he hasn’t connected with fickle fanbases, especially when last year’s ultra-divisive sorta LP/sorta EP Nasir floundered – a rushed release that isn’t nearly as bad as detractors say but certainly not up to Nas’ lofty standards. But that was seven years ago, a lifetime in hip-hop. Or, you can call it the curse of changing times: Nas’ last proper LP was 2012’s Life is Good, an album so incredible it was the last time I’ve given a record a 5-star review on this site. No matter how many great albums followed (and there have been many), skeptics will always shrug and say, “meh, Illmatic is better.” I mean, Michael Jackson never topped Thriller either. But that gift has also been his greatest curse – Nas has spent 25 years unsuccessfully trying to top it. But here we are.Ĭall it the curse of Illmatic: Without question, Nas’ debut is not only the greatest rap record ever recorded, it’s one of the greatest pieces of music ever made. It seems weird – almost unfair – that an artist as legendary as Nas still feels the need to prove himself. The Lost Tapes 2 (released July 19, 2019)