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. 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.
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. kalebgirmay
    Jun 16, 2018
    10
    This is THE AOTY, bringing out the best of the lyricism in Nasir Jones and production in Kanye West.
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. KwstasMpasonas
    Jun 15, 2018
    10
    The best album of the year by far . It was even better than ye and Kids see Ghosts
  14. Siklu
    Jun 16, 2018
    10
    Absolutely a masterpiece. I higly recommend giving it a lsiten. You will not regret.
  15. 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.
  16. goldman480
    Jun 16, 2018
    10
    Love the album. Too early to compare vs his previous albums. Ye production is great!
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. JackieLiu
    Jun 17, 2018
    10
    Amazing Album. Kanye compliments Nas well. Lived up to expectations. Perfect length.
  20. 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.
  21. JAGUARRmusic
    Jun 19, 2018
    10
    The Perfect summation of Nas's entire career. You have Puff on the first song representing the "Hate Me Now" era. "Cops Shot The Kid" brings Jiggy Nas out for a track. Nas even hits Mafioso raps reminiscent of the Escobar-era on "Adam & Eve." Kanye also does his best RZA-chops (post-Illmatic period, when Nas was featured heavily across Mobb Deep & Wu albums) on that song as well.The Perfect summation of Nas's entire career. You have Puff on the first song representing the "Hate Me Now" era. "Cops Shot The Kid" brings Jiggy Nas out for a track. Nas even hits Mafioso raps reminiscent of the Escobar-era on "Adam & Eve." Kanye also does his best RZA-chops (post-Illmatic period, when Nas was featured heavily across Mobb Deep & Wu albums) on that song as well.

    Yet it's not what Nas has done that makes this album great. It's what he does better - "Bonjour" represents the best of Kanye West. This track seems like something that would've been reserved for Jay-Z or Ye's own album, but works with Nas effortlessly.

    "White Label" is the most definitive Nas track yet. Anyone looking for the Illmatic or God's Son Nas, you found him here. The beat could have easily been on either.

    NASIR has been described as the album we didn't know we needed. I'll be damned if it isn't!    … Expand
  22. 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!
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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.
  26. 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.
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. blaqrhythm
    Jun 20, 2018
    9
    Lyrically and content wise Nas is destroying **** On songs like Everything, Not For Radio, Bonjour, and Adam and Eve you must truly spend time to decipher his lyrics. Kanye West gave Nas a soulful and creative pallette of music to create with. Nas did Nas, except in a couple areas. On Simple Things, I feel Nas was a little sloppy and on White Label, I feel Kanye over-produced. Other thanLyrically and content wise Nas is destroying **** On songs like Everything, Not For Radio, Bonjour, and Adam and Eve you must truly spend time to decipher his lyrics. Kanye West gave Nas a soulful and creative pallette of music to create with. Nas did Nas, except in a couple areas. On Simple Things, I feel Nas was a little sloppy and on White Label, I feel Kanye over-produced. Other than that, I love the album and this sound behind Nas. Just below a classic!

    I find it funny Metacritic doesnt take into account the user score when giving the official album score. We are the listeners, we decide whats classic or not. IWW received mix reviews back in 96, and now its considered a classic. I also find it unfair because many of these publications are scoring Nas low on this record to punish him for the Kelis ALLEGATIONS. Many publications have admitted it.    … Expand
  30. 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
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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 »