Nasir
by Nas
  • Record Label: G.O.O.D.
  • Release Date: Jun 15, 2018
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 305 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 225 out of 305
  2. Mixed: 47 out of 305
  3. Negative: 33 out of 305

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  1. adinpatterson
    Jun 15, 2018
    10
    WTH. It amazing. good sh!t I liked everything. Kanye make beat good he make lot of this nas album beats. Nas is good rapman. he make good raps. Good sh!t. F#cking Amazing

    Best Album of the Year
  2. WuIsForTheKids
    Jun 21, 2018
    9
    It's not completely flawless, but it comes close to that. I get the critics somehow, Nas is on such a high level, everybody expected greatness, which he delivered imo. His voice over any type of beat is pure quality, match that with Kanye - u got a classic.
  3. marktheshark4
    Jun 18, 2018
    9
    Amazing work. World class level production on every song. Nas is one of the greatest rappers and a legend in the game. He's definitely not in top form but songs like Simple Things and Adam and Eye are undeniable. "Everything" is a contender for song of the year. My only complaints are the Diddy vocals on Not For Radio, which is the weakest track to me, sounded kinda goofy and outta place.Amazing work. World class level production on every song. Nas is one of the greatest rappers and a legend in the game. He's definitely not in top form but songs like Simple Things and Adam and Eye are undeniable. "Everything" is a contender for song of the year. My only complaints are the Diddy vocals on Not For Radio, which is the weakest track to me, sounded kinda goofy and outta place. Also a few more songs would've been nice.… Expand
  4. childofthe90s
    Jun 16, 2018
    10
    Nas has delivered an amazing album from start to finish. there's not a single track on this project that i did not like because it's superfire.
  5. funkyhomosapien
    Jun 16, 2018
    9
    Very good comeback album from a hip-hop legend. Kanye's production and contributions are on point. Nas' verses are good. Favorite tracks: Everything, Cops Shot the Kid, Adam and Eve, Bonjour.
  6. mikefaulds
    Jun 17, 2018
    10
    Great album. Although it obviously wasn't Nas' best performance lyrically the production more than makes up for it. Really happy with this record.
  7. Dee_Jay
    Jun 16, 2018
    10
    Rich musically, deep lyrically, 1 of todays finest hip hop art work by one of all time greatest MC and all time greatest producer. Considering where Hip Hop was these past few years, this is realy a massive turn in music. Nas best work since Illmatic, no doubt.
  8. JackieLiu
    Jun 17, 2018
    10
    Amazing Album. Kanye compliments Nas well. Lived up to expectations. Perfect length.
  9. Gkirkman
    Jun 20, 2018
    8
    I dont undersand the low scores for this album it’s great. I think people are looking back into nas past and don’t think it sounds the same ? Great album
  10. kalebgirmay
    Jun 16, 2018
    10
    This is THE AOTY, bringing out the best of the lyricism in Nasir Jones and production in Kanye West.
  11. TimW001
    Jun 16, 2018
    10
    'Fear will make you reveal who you really are
    Feel me God? Be solid, your foes hold you in ill regard'
    'Want me to sound like every song on the Top 40 I'm not for you, you not for me, you bore me' 'See 'cause you've never been the same as anyone else Don't think the same as everyone else' 'She's waitin' for the right cue I'm waitin' for the right clue She be leavin', still I    'Fear will make you reveal who you really are
    Feel me God? Be solid, your foes hold you in ill regard'

    'Want me to sound like every song on the Top 40
    I'm not for you, you not for me, you bore me'

    'See 'cause you've never been the same as anyone else
    Don't think the same as everyone else'

    'She's waitin' for the right cue
    I'm waitin' for the right clue
    She be leavin', still I smell her eau de parfum
    She can't run 'cause I got Cinderella's right shoe'

    This is a career highlight album for Nas. Every song is strong. Great production and beats on every track. None of these tracks are skippable. I have so little to say on it because I have no criticisms. The more I listen to it the more I love it.

    Each of the seven songs are worth listening to. This is a great album.    … Expand
  12. benzaboss
    Jun 17, 2018
    10
    Illmatic and It was written... are both absolutely outstanding albums (illmatic being my favourite album of all time) but what I found was that Nas tried to change his rapping style with the times and it just didn't work, hence his next albums not being nearly as great. However, with Kanye's amazing production, Kanye has successfully molded current production technique to Nas' style ratherIllmatic and It was written... are both absolutely outstanding albums (illmatic being my favourite album of all time) but what I found was that Nas tried to change his rapping style with the times and it just didn't work, hence his next albums not being nearly as great. However, with Kanye's amazing production, Kanye has successfully molded current production technique to Nas' style rather than the other way round and this has resulted in an amazing album with profound soulful influences, on par with TPAB in that respect. Much love Nas.… Expand
  13. Rgreene
    Jun 17, 2018
    10
    A true masterpiece. Very good production and again Nas lyricism is top notch. Very good subject matter all in 7 songs. His bars were very potent and delivery was masterful as always. I feel critics will give it some moves reviews because he’s expected to come flat out and address the Kelis accusations. He doesn’t have to. He doesn’t have to give anyone an explanation. The time in which sheA true masterpiece. Very good production and again Nas lyricism is top notch. Very good subject matter all in 7 songs. His bars were very potent and delivery was masterful as always. I feel critics will give it some moves reviews because he’s expected to come flat out and address the Kelis accusations. He doesn’t have to. He doesn’t have to give anyone an explanation. The time in which she decided to come forward about it was very suspect. Why wait several years in the midst of everything going on? People need to focus on improving their imperfections instead of passing judgement on someone else, especially when he was never charged. All in all, great album! Lyrics, rhymes, and production were all top notch.… Expand
  14. johnmiele
    Jun 18, 2018
    9
    The Production is pristine and the rapping is chilling. Nas and Kanye seem to bring the best out of each other on this record. Every track on this watertight 23 minute long project was a joy to listen to. The best of the tracks in my opinion are "Cops Shot the Kid", A look at both points of views of a shooting of an unarmed black man, "Adam and Eve" which portrays greed using the famousThe Production is pristine and the rapping is chilling. Nas and Kanye seem to bring the best out of each other on this record. Every track on this watertight 23 minute long project was a joy to listen to. The best of the tracks in my opinion are "Cops Shot the Kid", A look at both points of views of a shooting of an unarmed black man, "Adam and Eve" which portrays greed using the famous bible story and "everything" which is a duet between The Dream and Kaanye which then breaks of into a couple hard verses by nas… Expand
  15. Siklu
    Jun 16, 2018
    10
    Absolutely a masterpiece. I higly recommend giving it a lsiten. You will not regret.
  16. draediamond
    Jun 15, 2018
    8
    Great album. The production is incredible and meshes well with Nas' rapping. This is already one of the better albums of the year and I honestly didn't expect less from the legendary Nas. It's obvious they worked hard on making sure that every single second counted. Tony Williams' feature was perfect on Bonjour. The other features were great but Tony Williams is probably one of the best ifGreat album. The production is incredible and meshes well with Nas' rapping. This is already one of the better albums of the year and I honestly didn't expect less from the legendary Nas. It's obvious they worked hard on making sure that every single second counted. Tony Williams' feature was perfect on Bonjour. The other features were great but Tony Williams is probably one of the best if not the best feature on the album which was unexpected. The thing about this album is that the bars REALLY stand out especially with the samples Kanye picked. On Daytona, Kanye's role was bigger i making minimalistic hard hitting beats because while Pusha T is a great rapper and his lyrics are creative, his subject matter is more restricted. Nas gives Kanye the freedom to really work and add a speacial touch (the features and spectrum of production choices). Well done to both of them because they brought the best out of each other on many moments here.

    P.S. To all the idiots talking about Kanye is "cancelled", grow up and appreciate this art because: 1.) Kanye always has good intentions thoughhis messaging outside of music is flawed. 2.) This is a legendary moment and these albums are great. 3.) His albums are topping charts and he's still selling insane amounts of merchandise without you clowns.    … Expand
  17. finnmccool1985
    Jun 16, 2018
    10
    Another stellar rap album critics will middle on because it encourages you to think for yourself. Unless it's playing their narrative, or rides a cozy wave of abstraction, they don't want to hear it. Pompous intellectuals weighing in on music, or any art, from the street has and always will be a garbage notion. That being said, Nas is still the top rap lyricist around, in top form here,Another stellar rap album critics will middle on because it encourages you to think for yourself. Unless it's playing their narrative, or rides a cozy wave of abstraction, they don't want to hear it. Pompous intellectuals weighing in on music, or any art, from the street has and always will be a garbage notion. That being said, Nas is still the top rap lyricist around, in top form here, with great production by Kanye.… Expand
  18. goldman480
    Jun 16, 2018
    10
    Love the album. Too early to compare vs his previous albums. Ye production is great!
  19. takudzwa
    Jun 16, 2018
    10
    One of Nas' best albums. Though not as good as Illmatic or It Was Written, it might be better than The Lost Tapes, God Son, Stillmatic and Life Is Good. Nas' biggest weakness has always been his beat selection. With production from Kanye, there's no such worries this time.
  20. musikman91307
    Jun 17, 2018
    9
    This is what happens when you match a sampling production genius with a lyrical genius and poet over enthralling and moving instrumentals with haunting background vocals and trumpets. Damn near a classic LP and one of Nas's most concise and masterful works like the days of Illmatic.
  21. stk35054
    Jun 19, 2018
    10
    I am perplexed by critic reviews on this one. Do you not remember listening to the Nas albums leading up to this one? Did you fail to appreciate the lyrical content and observations made by such a remarkable wordsmith? Did you not anticipate another chapter in his already lauded anthology? If so, save your review as this this album wasn't for you. When Cardi B, Invasion of Privacy landsI am perplexed by critic reviews on this one. Do you not remember listening to the Nas albums leading up to this one? Did you fail to appreciate the lyrical content and observations made by such a remarkable wordsmith? Did you not anticipate another chapter in his already lauded anthology? If so, save your review as this this album wasn't for you. When Cardi B, Invasion of Privacy lands a higher review score than the Nas/ Kanye collab., I am checked out. Ten all day.… Expand
  22. Hitmenphoenix
    Jun 18, 2018
    10
    Great album. Kanye embodied that RZA/WU-Tang type of sampling. Very soulful, full of fan-favorite NAS-ism such as; distrusting government, conspiracy theories, and hip hop purism. Great album, not for the casual listener and not for radio, strictly for hip hop addicts. Not a single pop watered down track. I doubt it will be liked by the softer side of hip hop, i.e. drake fans, or theGreat album. Kanye embodied that RZA/WU-Tang type of sampling. Very soulful, full of fan-favorite NAS-ism such as; distrusting government, conspiracy theories, and hip hop purism. Great album, not for the casual listener and not for radio, strictly for hip hop addicts. Not a single pop watered down track. I doubt it will be liked by the softer side of hip hop, i.e. drake fans, or the newer hip hop generation. Not for you.… Expand
  23. chrislist23
    Jun 17, 2018
    10
    Dude! Seriously this album is Legendary. Can we all admit that Kanye is on one, in the best way possible. I love everything Kanye is touching lately. Also Nas is a LEGEND. so sick.
  24. Rhymenocerous
    Jun 19, 2018
    10
    This is my first review. I felt compelled to write it as this is a fantastic album. Kanye's production is on point and there's a special synergy between Nas and he. 7 focused, beautiful tracks. Don't miss this!
  25. KwstasMpasonas
    Jun 15, 2018
    10
    The best album of the year by far . It was even better than ye and Kids see Ghosts
  26. nikoziko
    Jun 16, 2018
    7
    Decent project from nas a that's filled with great production from kanye west and some fantastic verses and song topics but nothing really sticks out to me even tho this is probebally nas's best album in 10 years or so but from all the G.O.O.D music releases so far this year this has been the weakest
  27. aftermath96
    Jun 19, 2018
    10
    just disappointed that was just 7 songs, but great album, my second favorite of the year behind KOD, hope nas releases the real album he was working on soon
  28. vaggelis
    Jun 20, 2018
    10
    Nas made a big mistake. He collaborated with Kanye. Kanye made the perfect Nas album and the media reviews are terrible. Because they don't listen to the music, they just hate Kanye. All respect to Nas and Kanye for Nasir, a pure masterpiece.
  29. OldUnkieAl
    Jul 4, 2018
    8
    Gets better with every listen. The production really grew on me (though I still have a hard time getting into the hook for "everything") and overall it's Nas' most consistent production-wise since It Was Written, or dare I say, Illmatic. Nas sounds more relaxed here than on other albums, but it suits the beats. He is maybe not rapping on the level of his other classics, but it suits theGets better with every listen. The production really grew on me (though I still have a hard time getting into the hook for "everything") and overall it's Nas' most consistent production-wise since It Was Written, or dare I say, Illmatic. Nas sounds more relaxed here than on other albums, but it suits the beats. He is maybe not rapping on the level of his other classics, but it suits the production, and he keeps his flow interesting. Lyrically he is always compelling, and whether you agree with his opinions or not, he always kept me listening and entertained. "Simple Things" is probably my favorite track. Great album, this month has been amazing!… Expand
  30. jellzman
    Jun 24, 2018
    10
    Absolutely immaculate body of work from Nas over pristine production from Kanye West, we don't get rappers doing this sort of rap enough. Mature, knowledge based and elite, an album to uplift the people. The critics need to appreciate this more.
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Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Most Discussed Album of 2018
33
#33 Most Shared Album of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. AllMusic
    Aug 3, 2018
    50
    A prevailing quantity of the tracks is either forgettable or regrettable. Nas often sounds unenthused.
    Read full review
  2. The Wire
    Jul 26, 2018
    80
    Nasir comes closest to being an unqualified success. Those still hoping for the return of ruthless adolescent Nasty Nas will be disappointed--although recent allegations of spousal abuse from ex-wife Kelis cast a troubling shadow--but his voice is thick with middle-aged grit and gravitas. [Aug 2018, p.63]
  3. Mojo
    Jul 23, 2018
    40
    A major step up, until Nas fluffs the rhyme ball spouting credulity-testing conspiracies. [Sep 2018, p.96]
See all critic reviews »