Untitled
by Nas
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Jul 15, 2008
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 25
  3. Negative: 2 out of 25
  1. The New York Times
    60
    For every moment of clarity on this album, there’s an eyebrow-archer to match.
  2. NOW Magazine
    60
    Taking a tip from William Cooper’s conspiracy theory tracts, Nas deftly delivers attention-grabbing rhymes with a sickly slick flow yet offers little backup for his inflammatory insinuations in the way of persuasive substance.
  3. The Wire
    60
    Unfortunately, for all the insight, this willingness to play victim often overshadows the incisiveness of the MC's observations when it come to the beats he has chosen to rail over. [Sep 2008, p.66]
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  5. Los Angeles Times
    50
    More often than not, though, Nas offers windy whines instead of innovative ideas.
  6. Sputnikmusic
    50
    Untitled is far from terrible, but it's still a deflating, disappointing, infuriating listen.
  7. Paste Magazine
    50
    Unfortunately, no amount of slick beats and swagger can camouflage Untitled’s defects.
  8. cokemachineglow
    45
    Like a professor spewing a semi-clever lecture on civil rights and contemporary left politics where he’s pretty good at rhyming his facts but acts like rhyming is all the sinew that his presentation needs to connect the bones of his argument.
  9. Observer Music Monthly
    40
    As ever, this most eloquent of rappers is stronger on zingers than philosophical coherence. But his dismal taste in beats strands his poetry in a sea of mediocrity.

Awards & Rankings

35
#35 Most Discussed Album of 2008
73
#73 Most Shared Album of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 154 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 128 out of 154
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 154
  3. Negative: 13 out of 154
  1. SeanL
    Sep 4, 2008
    10
    This is the album nas was meant to make but no one expected. at a time when mcs have given into the pressure to be unpolitical and passive to This is the album nas was meant to make but no one expected. at a time when mcs have given into the pressure to be unpolitical and passive to the liars in power, nas takes a bold move in addressing issues and topics untouched by most mcs. Nas is on point lyrically and instead of trying to create another illmatic as many pressured him to, he created a classic on his own terms that will take many listeners years to fully appreciate. Tracks like Sly Fox and Black President show his best rhymes and most thought provoking lyrics to date. Nas gives the hip hop nation what they need most and shows what non-hip hop fans (Pitchfork,LA Times,etc.) what real hip hop was meant to be. Listen to the best lyricist at his best on this modern day classic. Fox News and the non-hip hop fans are scared of how powerful his voice is and this album proves why rappers can still speak for a nation of millions… Full Review »
  2. EmH.
    Jul 20, 2008
    10
    Untitled is a new classic from the ever so consistant Nasir Jones. It is an insult seeing TC3 receiving 9's while Untitled has an Untitled is a new classic from the ever so consistant Nasir Jones. It is an insult seeing TC3 receiving 9's while Untitled has an average of 6 and 7s. The Pitchfork review is laughable. 9.5/10 I'm giving Nas' greatest album since Stillmatic. 1. Illmatic 2. Stillmatic / Untitled 4. It Was Written 5. God's Son 6. Hip-Hop Is Dead 7. Street's Disciple 8. I Am.… Full Review »
  3. Will******
    Jul 16, 2008
    10
    9.5 it's not a recent classic like Food and Liquor, but besides that it's the next best hip hop cd to come out.... tied with 9.5 it's not a recent classic like Food and Liquor, but besides that it's the next best hip hop cd to come out.... tied with Phoaroh Monch - Desire. untitled contains- Brilliant lyricism and the beats are above par, because lets face it Nas is not 50 cent, you don't listen to his cd for the beats. The Game has a lot to live up to. One Love.… Full Review »
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