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. user0857
    Aug 4, 2023
    0
    even worse than all the other albums he released through his life. retireeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
  2. FizzyFrenzy
    Jun 30, 2023
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. On the weaker end of Nas' discography, in my opinion, definitely one of the most disappointing at least. Although, unlike the few other duds from Nas, this one had unquantifiable amounts of potential. On paper, the Nas and Kanye team-up felt like the greatest idea since sliced bread, Nas has always been a great fit on the soulful brand of beat that Kanye is well known for, Nas is Kanye's favorite rapper, and they had proven to be great collaborators on the album Late Registration's We Major, and Still Dreaming, a track off the underrated gem of an album, Hip-Hop Is Dead. However, due to time constraints, a change in style, Kanye having too much on his hands at the time, or just plain ol' lack of care, this album managed to disappoint me on multiple levels. On the first track, Not For Radio we get a full orchestral score for the instrumental, accompanied by Trap drums and an autotuned hook that just reek of sellout, the mixing is awful too. On the bright side, Nas gives us what you would expect from a rapper as good as he is and blesses us with some great lyrics. The second track, however, Cops Shot The Kid is quite frankly a trainwreck. The beat consists of a looped vocal sample of Slick Rick and an 808 bass that will blow your speaker, it just makes me say "Are you really doing this?". Even the lyrics couldn't save me this time around, seems like very basic, arbitrary, cliche woke talk to me with little to make it stand out or be technically impressive, I feel like the subject of police brutality should really be treated with more care. Next up is White Label, one of the better tracks here. Kanye shows off his minimalist edge on the beat and Nas treats us with some good ol' brag raps with great rhymes and fantastic charisma. The next track Bonjour probably has the best beat on the whole thing, at least until vocals saying the name of the song at max volume come in, which is often. I jumped when I first heard them because of how loud they were. Nas' verses I liked quite a bit side from a few moments but there really isn't much else to say about this song aside from the fact that Nas and Kanye thought knowing a small bit of french was enough material to base a whole song around. Then we have the track Everything, I usually don't really like the hyper-conceptual, mind-dizzying songs that this track models it's approach after, but honestly it's the best track here by a landslide. The imagery that Nas brings to the table with his storytelling takes me back to the days of It Was Written, it's really a track that needs to be witnessed in order to understand, an easy recommendation. The next track Adam and Eve however felt like whiplash, I didn't really like it, and coming off the heels of the best track, that's a real let down. The beat feels like it really needed more transformation of the sample, the minimalist approach worked on While Label, not here I'm afraid. Nas here gave us some alright lyrics but occasionally he drops some of the funniest brags I've ever heard on wax. The closing track, Simple Things has a great soulful beat that was more of what I expected from Kanye going into the project. Nas' lyrics have some solid brags and defenses of criticism but ultimately they feel like they don't have enough weight to feel like a proper close to the album, speaking of which, this album is very short, and given the fact Nas hadn't dropped since 2012 in this time, that's pretty disappointing. In conclusion, to me this album isn't the worst thing in the world but it feels very half-baked in it's execution aside from one or two songs, and coming from my favorite rapper of all time that just makes it all the more of a let down.

    5/10    … Expand
  3. pulisic10
    Dec 11, 2022
    0
    bad, just bad, don't know what to say. it's just awful, really disappointed with this one
  4. itsaboutdrive
    Dec 6, 2022
    0
    Simply the worst Nas album ever made. I don't even understand how his managers and producers approved something like this. 0/10 and it's still too much in my opinion.
  5. todaywasagooday
    Dec 1, 2022
    0
    The worst Nas album in his career, hands down. Pure **** nothing more, nothing less.
  6. bobbysolo
    Nov 29, 2022
    0
    one of the worst nas albums of all time. even Revival is better than this ****
  7. belzebu
    Nov 20, 2022
    0
    even with this **** album you still try to defend your beloved baby rapper. this **** is hard on muuuuuteeeee
  8. Ryanmo55
    Sep 14, 2019
    8
    Wasn’t Esco at his best , but it’s acceptable with concept and lyrics . Nas always has a message over his albums , I’m 22 i believe this is probably top 5 of his weakest albums but it’s okay still . Adam and Eve is wonderful, simple things is amazing , bonjour sounds amazing to me and i feel like drake could’ve even hop on that beat for himself . Nas kind of gets boring with delivery butWasn’t Esco at his best , but it’s acceptable with concept and lyrics . Nas always has a message over his albums , I’m 22 i believe this is probably top 5 of his weakest albums but it’s okay still . Adam and Eve is wonderful, simple things is amazing , bonjour sounds amazing to me and i feel like drake could’ve even hop on that beat for himself . Nas kind of gets boring with delivery but you can’t expect the same hunger from illmatic and iww because he’s already a name for himself .… Expand
  9. SovirakchhaiS
    Sep 9, 2019
    6
    Tbh, this my least favourite Nas album, the songs in the album aren't really that exciting, unimpressive flows and okay lyrics, but Nas did choose the right person "Kanye West" to help produce the whole album which is good because the productions are great, except Simple Things.

    Not For Radio - 7/10 Cops Shot The Kid - 6/10 White Label - 5/10 Bonjour - 7/10 everything - 6/10 Adam &    Tbh, this my least favourite Nas album, the songs in the album aren't really that exciting, unimpressive flows and okay lyrics, but Nas did choose the right person "Kanye West" to help produce the whole album which is good because the productions are great, except Simple Things.

    Not For Radio - 7/10
    Cops Shot The Kid - 6/10
    White Label - 5/10
    Bonjour - 7/10
    everything - 6/10
    Adam & Eve - 7/10
    Simple Things - 4/10

    This my least favourite Nas album and the least Kanye West's 7 Track Album Session. sorry.    … Expand
  10. Roll4Initiative
    Dec 7, 2018
    7
    The production from Kanye West is amazing, definitely the best part of the album. Unfortunately this album is held back back the performance of Nas. His performance isn't awful, but it's mediocre at best. The lyrics that Nas is rapping have a great message but only for most of the album are the lyrics nice because the song Bonjour has very uncomfortable lyrics. A nice return to rapping forThe production from Kanye West is amazing, definitely the best part of the album. Unfortunately this album is held back back the performance of Nas. His performance isn't awful, but it's mediocre at best. The lyrics that Nas is rapping have a great message but only for most of the album are the lyrics nice because the song Bonjour has very uncomfortable lyrics. A nice return to rapping for Nas, but not amazing.… Expand
  11. C_dot
    Dec 3, 2018
    7
    Nas returns after many years to give us another project, and he did it with a splash: working with Kanye West. Nas has fantastic lyrics and a great flow, and Kanye has always been a top notch producer and that does not change on this project. In theory it sounds like there is no way this album can go wrong, but unfortunately the two do not mesh as well as one would imagine. It is still aNas returns after many years to give us another project, and he did it with a splash: working with Kanye West. Nas has fantastic lyrics and a great flow, and Kanye has always been a top notch producer and that does not change on this project. In theory it sounds like there is no way this album can go wrong, but unfortunately the two do not mesh as well as one would imagine. It is still a good project, but Kanye West x Nas is not the dream fit many of us would have imagined.… Expand
  12. DamonAubergine
    Sep 21, 2018
    6
    Although being an extremely short album due to Kanye's production view of 'less is more', Nasir still delivers as a solid listener, but is nowhere near what Nas was or could be. Illmatic is widely regarded as one of the all time best albums in Hip Hop, but Nasir shows almost no shades of Illmatic. While 'White Label' and 'Everything' are certainly great songs to listen to, its a new kindAlthough being an extremely short album due to Kanye's production view of 'less is more', Nasir still delivers as a solid listener, but is nowhere near what Nas was or could be. Illmatic is widely regarded as one of the all time best albums in Hip Hop, but Nasir shows almost no shades of Illmatic. While 'White Label' and 'Everything' are certainly great songs to listen to, its a new kind of Nas, and one that doesn't quite hit the spot.

    Controversy aside with Kanye, he is undoubtedly one of the best Hip Hop producers of this generation and he really does a good job with handling the layout and beat types and changes in Nasir, which is what makes this album a 6/10 rather than a 4 or 5.    … Expand
  13. isaacb263
    Aug 16, 2018
    6
    Lyrically significant, as usual for Nas, but it's one of those albums that gets stale within 5 or 6 listens. Haven't felt need to re-visit
  14. havocprodigy
    Aug 6, 2018
    10
    OMG! This album is simply amazing. Kanye proved my doubts wrong. The production is incredible. Laced with Nasir Jones lyrics makes for a great album. It speaks the truth where in today's society is lacking. It brings up subjects and themes that are relevant. And pushes the envelope on so many issues plaguing us as a culture. And Nas proves that. I loved every track. I was disappointed byOMG! This album is simply amazing. Kanye proved my doubts wrong. The production is incredible. Laced with Nasir Jones lyrics makes for a great album. It speaks the truth where in today's society is lacking. It brings up subjects and themes that are relevant. And pushes the envelope on so many issues plaguing us as a culture. And Nas proves that. I loved every track. I was disappointed by Life Is Good. But something resonates with me on this album. I've played it at least 20 times in a row and it still sounds just as good as the first time. A must listen to in these times. Thank you Nasir Jones for bringing it back to the forefront.… Expand
  15. brownwizard
    Jul 27, 2018
    8
    Good effort from the Queensbridge king. I don't understand why the press didn't like it...
  16. SKSK
    Jul 21, 2018
    8
    Everything is great on this album, from its production to its featurings. It is notorious Kanye's touch in the album.
  17. Diesker
    Jul 6, 2018
    7
    Todavia no se como me siento con este album. Sobre la produccion, excelente, nada que quejarme pero lo que es "Nas" es muchas partes carece de esa lirica que lo caracteriza, siento que no se ezforzo mucho con este album, algunos de sus versos son aburridos mientras que otros si que valen la pena
  18. 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
  19. PuffFishTorch28
    Jul 3, 2018
    6
    This album had me conflicted. I appreciated the production, and the lyrical work was dope if not a little superficial compared to what we normally hear from Nas. Despite all of that, it doesn't have the same cohesion as his previous works, nor does it address the domestic violence allegations leveled against him by Kelis. The album doesn't really feel like a comeback as much as it does aThis album had me conflicted. I appreciated the production, and the lyrical work was dope if not a little superficial compared to what we normally hear from Nas. Despite all of that, it doesn't have the same cohesion as his previous works, nor does it address the domestic violence allegations leveled against him by Kelis. The album doesn't really feel like a comeback as much as it does a sort of filler project between Life is Good, and something much better than what we ended up getting. For the die hard Nas fan, this album was probably enough to sate their appetite. For me it was a sort of midway between what I had hoped to hear, and what I was worried might be on the way. This project felt like a mishmash of concepts and themes that didn't quite end up tying together in a satisfactory way. To some it will be a classic, to others a let down. 6/10… Expand
  20. Alessio99
    Jun 27, 2018
    7
    Nasir seems a lot slower than Nas' previous work, the production is good, just too empowering and tbh it is the worst out of Kanye's 5 in 1 month. Will forever love Nas though and like the messages he conveys in his music.
  21. 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.
  22. TrentRey
    Jun 23, 2018
    5
    This is the worst album out of the 5. The production on this album sounds great. But the production isn't the issue with the album, it's Nas. There isn't anything special about the songs on this album. There aren't any real highlights on this album. It's not a good nor bad album. There aren't any horrible or bad songs on this album. All of the songs are basically mediocre. Nas is a goodThis is the worst album out of the 5. The production on this album sounds great. But the production isn't the issue with the album, it's Nas. There isn't anything special about the songs on this album. There aren't any real highlights on this album. It's not a good nor bad album. There aren't any horrible or bad songs on this album. All of the songs are basically mediocre. Nas is a good rapper but, this album makes him seem like an average rapper. There isn't any real direction on this album. If you heard the beats on this album without Nas rapping on it, you would think that he's about to rap some fire. It's far from the fire. It's more like melted ice. I don't see anybody loving this album. I can see people enjoying this album but loving it and bumping it daily, I don't see that.

    Overall:
    great production.
    weak songs.
    lack of direction.    … Expand
  23. BlackThoughtFan
    Jun 23, 2018
    6
    The respective strengths and weaknesses of 'Nasir' are the opposite of those of every other Nas album to date.

    The strengths of Nas' other albums are his fluid, honest, and intelligent rhymes; their weaknesses are a) songs with weak beats that would be cut if not for the desire to preserve Nas' bars (e.g. God's Son's 'Book of Rhymes'); and b) crossover pop ventures that take Nas outside    The respective strengths and weaknesses of 'Nasir' are the opposite of those of every other Nas album to date.

    The strengths of Nas' other albums are his fluid, honest, and intelligent rhymes; their weaknesses are a) songs with weak beats that would be cut if not for the desire to preserve Nas' bars (e.g. God's Son's 'Book of Rhymes'); and b) crossover pop ventures that take Nas outside of his lyrical comfort zone (e.g. 'KISSING', 'Suicide Bounce'). Nas' most consistent albums (e.g. Illmatic, The Lost Tapes, Distant Relatives) avoid these ventures almost entirely.

    On Nasir, conversely, the beats take center stage, while Nas himself underperforms. 'Everything' is breathtaking in spite of Nas' lines on the track, and Nas' lyrics on the standout 'Not for Radio' and 'Cops Shot the Kid' sound more influenced by media soundbites than real life. Those tracks where Nas does show up – e.g. Adam and Eve, Simple Things – would have made great b-sides on a longer album, but come across as wanting among Nasir's seven tracks.    … Expand
  24. thetrueandchose
    Jun 23, 2018
    1
    People must be delusional, but, don't worry i'll try to dispel all that. This is NOT a good "album" (these releases are glorified EP's c'mon). The notoriety of the people don't MAKE it a good album. To make it good you would have to expend effort which Nas and Kanye obviously couldn't by the sound of things. Most of the production seems rushed, repetitive and minimal (especially that godPeople must be delusional, but, don't worry i'll try to dispel all that. This is NOT a good "album" (these releases are glorified EP's c'mon). The notoriety of the people don't MAKE it a good album. To make it good you would have to expend effort which Nas and Kanye obviously couldn't by the sound of things. Most of the production seems rushed, repetitive and minimal (especially that god awful Cops Shot the Kid) while Nas is just plain lazy and uninspired. You'll never make another Illmatic so quit coasting off that album's success, please. To summarize my feelings; this is another disappointment.… Expand
  25. Phaeer
    Jun 22, 2018
    0
    Complete garbage album. The production sounded rushed, unfinished and the beats were just overall horrible.

    Nas' performance wasn't great either. He sound so bored on this album, nothing he says holds any value because he can barely get the words out his own mouth. He is rapping so slow on every track and slow flow Nas has never been great. It sounds like Nas laid the verses to    Complete garbage album. The production sounded rushed, unfinished and the beats were just overall horrible.

    Nas' performance wasn't great either. He sound so bored on this album, nothing he says holds any value because he can barely get the words out his own mouth. He is rapping so slow on every track and slow flow Nas has never been great.

    It sounds like Nas laid the verses to completely different beats and Kanye spend a week or two producing the album without Nas being involved.    … Expand
  26. 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.
  27. queensbridge92
    Jun 21, 2018
    9
    This is great album. Production, rapping, and storytelling. One thing I dislike this album is that it has only 7 tracks. We were waiting almost 6 years, tracks weren't enough for me and people who like Nas. Anyway, welcome back God's son. Again, it is great album
  28. A7sus4
    Jun 21, 2018
    6
    It's just a good little album. Nas's bars are among his most basic on this album. Most of the lyrical concepts are poorly developed. The beats are up to par with the rest of this summer's GOOD releases (i.e. great to terrific).
  29. Cswright410
    Jun 21, 2018
    10
    Is definitely a good follow up for NaS after releasing Life is Good back in 2012. Ye’s beats really brings the best outta NaS and both artists mesh well musically. My top 3 tracks on the album are “Not for Radio” “Everything” and “Adam & Eve”. This is not Illmatic 2 nor is it supposed to be. It’s a album from a legendary rap veteran meant to show he still has BARS and can still produceIs definitely a good follow up for NaS after releasing Life is Good back in 2012. Ye’s beats really brings the best outta NaS and both artists mesh well musically. My top 3 tracks on the album are “Not for Radio” “Everything” and “Adam & Eve”. This is not Illmatic 2 nor is it supposed to be. It’s a album from a legendary rap veteran meant to show he still has BARS and can still produce timeless music! #EscobarSeasonHasReturned… Expand
  30. 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
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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 »