Nas
Street's Disciple
(Columbia)
The Nas versus Jay-Z spat will never die, and every time the poor guy releases an album, it inevitably gets rated against what his nemesis has done. In this case, while Jay-Z has supposedly retired, is thrashing it in the moshpit with a Linkin Park collaborative effort and is soon to take over the helm of Def Jam Recordings, Nas has released a super-long double-CD with a cover that features himself at the Last Supper.
In the decade since his impressive debut, Illmatic, Nas has tried again and again to earn the crown of king of the streets. But, once again, it's eluded the self-appointed prodigal one. Don't misunderstand: Street's Disciple is mostly excellent. The problem is, it's too long. Perhaps Nas isn't mature enough to edit himself.
There's no doubt, however, that Nas has talent in the lyrics department. He's smart with his liners, natural with his rhyme, smooth with his flow, and magical and metaphorical with his story-telling. His take on agendas such as Aids, ghetto life, politics, racism and war is inspirational and philosophical, paying homage to his true hip-hop roots.
But, when he gets caught up blabbing on about himself (which is most of the second CD), it's too easy to lose interest. While ego is part of the hip-hop game, humility is what makes a wise one.
Laced with solid beats, effortless lyricism and old-school familiarity, a shorter cut of Street's Disciple would have been divine.