Hip Hop Is Dead
by Nas
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Dec 19, 2006
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 175 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 154 out of 175
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 175
  3. Negative: 12 out of 175

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  1. Connorcox1997
    Mar 15, 2019
    10
    Nas's eight album Hip Hop is Dead makes a strong statement in the music industry back in 2006 and even in todays music. In Hip Hop is Dead, Nas tells how the genre he grew up listening to was dying at the time and he wanted make the album to understand that Hip Hop is still alive. I absolutely loved all the songs on the album, the beats are different from his previous albums but thereNas's eight album Hip Hop is Dead makes a strong statement in the music industry back in 2006 and even in todays music. In Hip Hop is Dead, Nas tells how the genre he grew up listening to was dying at the time and he wanted make the album to understand that Hip Hop is still alive. I absolutely loved all the songs on the album, the beats are different from his previous albums but there still are dope, and the production is great. Hip Hop is Dead is definitely my 5th favorite Nas Album. This Album is defiantly worth a listen. I highly recommend it.… Expand
  2. matthewl
    Jan 30, 2007
    8
    probably the most important hip hop album of this millenium solely baed on it's title....great album, favorite tracks: hip hop is dead and blunt ashes
  3. ryanh
    Jan 11, 2007
    10
    Nas is the illist mc alive
  4. RM
    Jan 3, 2007
    8
    There are moments when you wonder why some of Nas's lyrics aren't looked at in school as literature because they are, at times, amazing. Sure he is a hip hop artist but he's far better than a lot of modern poets out there too (I actually think it comes down to a racial thing but I won't go there). But I do not think this album is ALL as strong as other reviews make There are moments when you wonder why some of Nas's lyrics aren't looked at in school as literature because they are, at times, amazing. Sure he is a hip hop artist but he's far better than a lot of modern poets out there too (I actually think it comes down to a racial thing but I won't go there). But I do not think this album is ALL as strong as other reviews make out. Disappointed to see Snoop Dog make a guest appearance; Nas is contradicting himself there. Didn't that talentless *** make a guest appearance for Pussycat Dolls as well?… Expand
  5. TheKing
    Jan 9, 2007
    8
    +Great lyricism +Good subjects. +Jay Z collabo -A lot of mediocre beats and hooks
  6. ChrisS
    Feb 7, 2007
    10
    Sweet ass Cd
  7. RobL
    Dec 21, 2006
    10
    A rap classic. Better than the overhyped Hell Hath No Fury and Donuts. Nas will have a hard time following this up.
  8. BaleyD
    Dec 20, 2006
    8
    I enjoyed most of the beats, except for blunt ashes, really. the lyrical performance was strong, and if you realize that its just a very good themed album rather than the end-all-be-all of hip-hop in 2006, i think it'll be a little easier to swallow, with the organic production and what not.
  9. MattF
    Jan 12, 2007
    9
    Nas's new album is one of his best, he really is the one of the only true hip hop artists left. No one has his lyrical integrity.
  10. CalumL
    Jan 1, 2007
    10
    One of the best hip hop albums of all time. Lyrically he is brilliant and his delivery is second to none. Standout tracks are Black Republican, Dreaming and Hold Down the Block
  11. MikeC
    Jan 4, 2007
    10
    Nas is hip hop, and he proves it here, this is the best hip hop album of the year, even though it will not claim much success on the charts, nas lyrical word play, and message is still at the top of his game.
  12. CoolJonesD.
    Feb 17, 2007
    10
    I absolutely love this album. You all should get it.
  13. VaheK
    Mar 7, 2007
    8
    Good Album. one great song, the rest of album is ok
  14. BrannonM
    Apr 2, 2007
    9
    Classic
  15. groundfisher
    Aug 27, 2007
    8
    This would get a 9 from me if the production was better. "Hip-hop is Dead" is a celebration of hip-hop. It is a strong album from Nas and the album's title and concept is not really something new, but it signifies a change in content from Nas with less 'gangsta rap' and more good, old fashioned hip-hip. Gangsta rap IS commercialised hip-hop and one of the things that has This would get a 9 from me if the production was better. "Hip-hop is Dead" is a celebration of hip-hop. It is a strong album from Nas and the album's title and concept is not really something new, but it signifies a change in content from Nas with less 'gangsta rap' and more good, old fashioned hip-hip. Gangsta rap IS commercialised hip-hop and one of the things that has killed true hip-hop; Nas has got rich off gangsta rap and now laments that hip-hop is dead. That irony is not lost on Nas. In fact, there is humour in this album that isn't evident in many previous albums, with Nas attacking the album's concept from many different viewpoints, even those viewpoints which gently mock his own. I don't really want to go into depth but just to mention something that I feel Nas didn't address. Remembering times past can lapse into pure nostalgia and whilst it's fine to remember past hip-hop artists and recall Main Source's "Breaking Atoms", for example, you also have to remember the bad things. We didn't have ridiculous, commericalised gangasta rap clones 15+ years ago on the charts. Instead we had a complete and utter corporate construct called Vanilla Ice at the top of the charts. MC Hammer was there too. This was during the golden age of hip-hop. The golden age is well and truly over and whilst hip-hop isn't dead, it has just about hit rock bottom. Hopefully Nas isn't the only one who changes direction...… Expand
  16. NelsonP
    Dec 19, 2006
    10
    The 'Black Republican' track is reason enough to buy this album, which is laced w/ great beats and sharp lyrics. The only thing is that it's unfortunate that they censored a bit of the album (most notably the hook on 'HIp Hop is Dead'). Great CD! Go Buy It NOW!!!
  17. ChrisW
    Dec 21, 2006
    10
    Finally... A Hip-Hop CD that is a classic revival to Rap's history, with an updated sound that is nothing like anything heard in the past year. Let's hope the Dirty South's reign on hip-hop is done. So many hip-hop artists do not have the staying power as Nas does. I celebrate Hip-Hop and congratualte Nas on being only one of 5 REAL Hip-Hop artists out there.
  18. Amen
    Dec 20, 2006
    9
    A strong album; more consistent conceptually and musically than most of his albums; feels a lot like Streets Disciple except with more polished, dramatic beats. Actually each album, however inconsistent just seems to reinforce how good of a rapper Nas is, especially lyrically.
  19. J
    Dec 20, 2006
    9
    Arguably the best Hip Hop album this year. Damn that, it is the best Hip Hop album this year.
  20. AJHenriques
    Dec 20, 2006
    10
    A post-millennial hip-hop masterpiece!
  21. LD
    Dec 24, 2006
    10
    Lyrically, best album of the current decade.
  22. AntonN
    Dec 20, 2006
    10
    A Masterpiece! As long as nas exists in music hip hop is not dead!
  23. MasT
    Dec 26, 2006
    10
    He is truly back in the game. This is classic hiphop album that reminded us what hiphop is supposed to sound like.
  24. Adrian
    Dec 26, 2006
    10
    Album of the year! Really.
  25. NeegG
    Dec 28, 2006
    10
    Definitely the best album Nas has had in years, production is a little spotty but Nas is still spot-on with his lyrics and doesn't let the guests overshadow him.
  26. VassilyL
    Dec 28, 2006
    9
    Never really liked East Cost rap, but cant deny it IS the best 2006 hip-hip album, even Snoop cant compare to this one. No bling, no ho's, no pimps. Songs are simly like the best hip-hop classics, save for 'Blunt Ashes', and weak Jay-Z/ Kelis/ Kany collaborations.
  27. vico
    Dec 29, 2006
    9
    This is a very solid album, you can feel nas's confidence in every song-only two songs that may not have made the cut-'blunt ashes' and 'who killed it'-the rest of the album is excellent, there are to many good songs-my favourite songs in order-1. let there be light 2 hold down the block 3 still dreamin 4. carry on tradition 5 cant 4get about u 6.not going back 7. This is a very solid album, you can feel nas's confidence in every song-only two songs that may not have made the cut-'blunt ashes' and 'who killed it'-the rest of the album is excellent, there are to many good songs-my favourite songs in order-1. let there be light 2 hold down the block 3 still dreamin 4. carry on tradition 5 cant 4get about u 6.not going back 7. play on playa 8. hustlers… Expand
  28. PatrickI
    Dec 30, 2006
    10
    this is probably the closest to illmatic that we will ever get, not to compare the 2, the are both examples of nas doing what he does best when he and the hip hop world really needs it. This album will become a must have for rap fans every where. Its sends out a message that only nas or jay could get away with, but it is presented in a way that only nas could do, and do it he does. All this is probably the closest to illmatic that we will ever get, not to compare the 2, the are both examples of nas doing what he does best when he and the hip hop world really needs it. This album will become a must have for rap fans every where. Its sends out a message that only nas or jay could get away with, but it is presented in a way that only nas could do, and do it he does. All most every track could be a hit in its own right, and nas produces lyrics that reminds me of why I should listen to more then intrumentals and o capela poetry. If you are spark by his message that rap is dead then maybe you helped kill it and feel a little guilty, i could go all day but get the album and you'll see… Expand
  29. jamesb
    Jan 16, 2007
    10
    the greatest mc to ever walk the earth jst showed us why he is the best
  30. RapstallionX
    Jan 29, 2007
    8
    It was a pretty good album. Not a classic, but one of the top 10 rap albums of the year. Nas' lyrics are on point, like always. His beats on the other hand are average. Best track on the album is Still dreaming.
  31. UdakR
    Jan 4, 2007
    10
    One of the best albums Ive heard this year. Some of the songs were a bit disapointing toward the middle of the disc(with dull hooks, lame rapper shout outs etc), but the last half is unmatched. A lot of the shit he says still goes over peoples heads, and he's right 'hip-hop is dead'. At least as far as the hip hop we used to know and love. Luckily Nas is still alive to remind us.
  32. MahmoudR
    Feb 24, 2007
    10
    Supreme Lyricism. Dope beats. What more could you ask for?
  33. JoshT
    Mar 5, 2007
    8
    If any One gave this album less than a 7 or an 8 don't know sh@t, and i read some of y'all comits. Like Jamal S(It lacks a single killer BEAT) People like this just listen to hip-hop because of the beats, they don't read between the lines. I beat this N@g@a this dip-set is hot(they don't be talking bout sh@t) Hip-Hop Is Dead is not a classic but it better than Streets If any One gave this album less than a 7 or an 8 don't know sh@t, and i read some of y'all comits. Like Jamal S(It lacks a single killer BEAT) People like this just listen to hip-hop because of the beats, they don't read between the lines. I beat this N@g@a this dip-set is hot(they don't be talking bout sh@t) Hip-Hop Is Dead is not a classic but it better than Streets Disiple, Nastrudams, I Am, and I think it better then it was written. Nas may not have the best ear for beats; but pound for pound lyrically there is only one person in the history of the game that even come close to nas and that is the greatest MC of all time Pac. Not Jigga, Not Big, not anyone has the lyrical tale as Nas or Pac. Holla… Expand
  34. RicardoO
    Mar 8, 2007
    10
    in a world full of emptyness, finally someone that can inspire us to improve
  35. mtse
    Dec 18, 2006
    9
    nas' flow is always tight. it seems the greatest concern when it comes to his albums is whether the beats can keep up with nas' lyrical brilliance. hip hop is dead is guided by a loose concept and most of the songs are focused. even filler tracks like 'you can't kill me,' 'hustlers,' seem to have a place on this album while standout tracks like nas' flow is always tight. it seems the greatest concern when it comes to his albums is whether the beats can keep up with nas' lyrical brilliance. hip hop is dead is guided by a loose concept and most of the songs are focused. even filler tracks like 'you can't kill me,' 'hustlers,' seem to have a place on this album while standout tracks like 'can't forget about you,' and 'where are they now' remind hip hop fans why nas is one of the most respected artists in music today.… Expand
  36. B'rundeJ
    Dec 19, 2006
    10
    Greatest album Ever. Production, Lyrics, Sex Appeal, Nice Teeth...all make this album of 2006 and beyond. This is a must have!
  37. K-Not
    Dec 19, 2006
    10
    Perfect album. Any negative reviewer of this album is wrong and doesn't know hip hop. The beats bang and Nas proves why he is the G.O.A.T. Every track is fire and has a message. There is no filler on this track, no whack beat, the guests all lay excellent verses and vocals. This is the Definition of HIP HOP in it's absolute PUREST. Cop the album, even if you downloaded it Perfect album. Any negative reviewer of this album is wrong and doesn't know hip hop. The beats bang and Nas proves why he is the G.O.A.T. Every track is fire and has a message. There is no filler on this track, no whack beat, the guests all lay excellent verses and vocals. This is the Definition of HIP HOP in it's absolute PUREST. Cop the album, even if you downloaded it already. Tell everyone about this album, Nas has resurrected hip hop.… Expand
  38. LamontH.
    Dec 19, 2006
    10
    This album is awesome. Definitely one of hip-hop's best in years.
  39. AnthonyB
    Dec 19, 2006
    9
    Hiphop is not dead as long as Nas, Lupe, The Roots, Common, Talib, Ghosface keep bringin heat.
  40. MusicFan
    Dec 21, 2006
    10
    Best rap album of the year. Overall in Nas's category, this is about his 4th or 5th best album, behind Illmatic, It Was Written, Stillmatic. Money Over Bullshit is brutal. Check this out real hip-hop fans, it'll make up for Jay-Zs Kingdom Come which was horrible.
  41. JayBeeN
    Dec 21, 2006
    9
    Another solid album from Nas..
  42. BrannonM
    Dec 24, 2006
    10
    Classic
  43. ZooBar
    Dec 26, 2006
    10
    Great LP
  44. HipFan
    Dec 26, 2006
    10
    I have to argue that as Jay-z and Nas have both released albums this year, the perrenial favorite Jay has fallen...and Nas comes back with his best EQUAL in quality to Illmatic... I agree with all he's spitting.....Hip hop is dead with the great irony that it became alive with the arrival of this album. Thanks Nasir
  45. BuckShot
    Dec 26, 2006
    10
    Best Hip Hop album of 2006. A breath of fresh air.
  46. RobS
    Dec 28, 2006
    10
    One of, if not, the best Hip-Hop album of the year. Nas still hasn't and probably never will top Illmatic, but this is his closest yet.
  47. piggybank
    Dec 31, 2006
    10
    you must be fucking crazy
  48. AlexH
    Jan 12, 2007
    10
    This album proves that Hip Hop is NOT DEAD. Nuff said
  49. arlenes
    Jan 18, 2007
    10
    once again he didn't surprise me. Nas is such an inspirational dude. Everything that comes off his lips has a message. hip hop is truly dying with all the corny new people who think that what they say is even a rhyme because they have a alright beat. You did it again Nas luv you arlene
  50. davidc
    Jan 21, 2007
    10
    brilliant,phat tracks, it sounds alot like illmatic. its the ressurection.
  51. JasmineI
    Jan 26, 2007
    10
    This is a beatifully created album, in everyone, nas doesn't need slamming beats because he is a lyrical beast, he could put out 16 tracks of o capella and it would probably still go platinum. And to everyone critics and fans alike, stop comparing everything this man does to illmatic, yes that was the greatest album ever. that said even if he made another one, it still wouldn't This is a beatifully created album, in everyone, nas doesn't need slamming beats because he is a lyrical beast, he could put out 16 tracks of o capella and it would probably still go platinum. And to everyone critics and fans alike, stop comparing everything this man does to illmatic, yes that was the greatest album ever. that said even if he made another one, it still wouldn't be illmatic and you would find some way to tear it down. This was the best album to come out this year. so if its getting 50's everyone else should get 0's.… Expand
  52. JayB
    Jan 31, 2007
    10
    Easily the best hip hop album of 2006. Those who believe otherwise are part of the reason the album was titled "Hip Hop Is Dead". Remember, hip hop culture and rap music are two different things. Sure there were good rap albums, but not had the inclination of the cultre as this masterpiece. We All Needed It!!!
  53. MikeM
    Dec 18, 2006
    8
    For starters, I can't stop listening to this album. The thing with a nas release is that folks are constantly comparing the current with illmatic (a very hard act to follow). This album should stand on its own and it does; the beats are on point, never being too much and never being too little (well except for the accapella track - hope), lyrically he's on point. More than your For starters, I can't stop listening to this album. The thing with a nas release is that folks are constantly comparing the current with illmatic (a very hard act to follow). This album should stand on its own and it does; the beats are on point, never being too much and never being too little (well except for the accapella track - hope), lyrically he's on point. More than your current standard hip hop album this one doesn't die out in the closing stages, if anything, it gets stronger as it winds down. A mention should be made of Will.i.am, often known as one of those that killed hip hop with his current flavour of black eye peas, he redeems himself with a host of tracks here. The most effective being the title track itself (I can't front, I prefer it to the dark, brooding thieves' theme - a statement in itself). Other folk on the set do their things well, notably: Kanye, Jigga, Game, Snoop and Tre Williams. This as a whole is a brilliant body of work, at 16 tracks it looks like a streamlined effort and a testament to the fact that Nas is way ahead of his peers and of course his juniors. Stands side by side with some of my favourite albums of the year: game theory, food and liquor, hell hath no fury and fishscale.… Expand
  54. JayCool
    Dec 18, 2006
    9
    i don't see wats up wit all these reviews....one of the strongest albums of the year without question...some of the reviews seem to be just comparing it to illmatic which is unfair...no other rapper suffers this fate except nas...this album deals with issues that are just relevant today...great album
  55. Javier-ul-BinA
    Dec 18, 2006
    10
    really good record put out by nas. especially trakcs like hustlers and hip hop is dead which features in the garden of eden by iron butterfly
  56. AngelW
    Dec 19, 2006
    9
    Classic. Amazing. Especially if you conider the dope songs that did not make this album. God's Son is back. Poetics at its best. Arguably one of the years best.!
  57. JayS
    Dec 19, 2006
    10
    The first time I heard the album from start to finish, I was slightly disappointed - it was a typical Nas album with great rhymes, but middling beats. Boy was I wrong - I just didn't get it!! The concept of the album is much deeper than just that - and although there are misses (musically), Nas simply kills it lyrically, ironically proving the Hip Hop has been Dead for a while, but The first time I heard the album from start to finish, I was slightly disappointed - it was a typical Nas album with great rhymes, but middling beats. Boy was I wrong - I just didn't get it!! The concept of the album is much deeper than just that - and although there are misses (musically), Nas simply kills it lyrically, ironically proving the Hip Hop has been Dead for a while, but paradoxically can never die... As long as MC's take care crafting their rhymes, Hip Hop will live - sorry it took a few listens, Nas!! Live, Hip Hop, live....… Expand
  58. MikeZ
    Dec 21, 2006
    9
    Minus the LAME-ASS beat on "Blunt Ashes" & the corny concept of "Not Going Back", NAS has a almost perfect LP!
  59. SHopton
    Dec 21, 2006
    10
    Very balanced album, great lyrics, solid production. Nas stays true to himself and comes with the real on this one. Straight fire & another classic! All these wack commercial rappers need to just hang it up!
  60. UNReal101
    Dec 23, 2006
    10
    Absolutely amazing... he'll just impress you w/ every track. 'Black Republican', 'Hip Hop is Dead', 'Hustlers', 'Money Over Bullshit' are def. the highlights of the CD, while 'Play On Playa' and 'Still Dreaming' are worth noting. But one of my favorite tracks is 'Can't Forget About You.' 100% satisfaction or Absolutely amazing... he'll just impress you w/ every track. 'Black Republican', 'Hip Hop is Dead', 'Hustlers', 'Money Over Bullshit' are def. the highlights of the CD, while 'Play On Playa' and 'Still Dreaming' are worth noting. But one of my favorite tracks is 'Can't Forget About You.' 100% satisfaction or you're the reason hip hop is dead.… Expand
  61. [Anonymous]
    Dec 24, 2006
    8
    There's nothing bad about it, I guess, but aside from a few verses here and there (Jay-Z's being one of them), nothing can really be called amazing. Maybe I've just become rather numbed to such commercial rap albums.
  62. DaveK
    Dec 28, 2006
    10
    Easily NY Album of the year if not all of hiphop. Ny us stale and there seemed to be very little to revive that. Face Facts Charts and Sales matter. Nas is one of the few that have the trifecta Skills, Stay and sales- Go Esco. By stating hiphop is dead, Nas may have revived it.
  63. JoeAverage
    Dec 28, 2006
    10
    Wow. The fire of 'One Mic' sustained for a whole Nas album, imagine that. Hip Hop (and Illmatic) is dead. Long live Nasty Nas.
  64. sosa
    Nov 27, 2010
    10
    Nas does well tackling the subject of Hip Hops death in modern days. A wonderful follow-up to his massive Street's Disciple album. Production has greatly improved for Nas on this album
  65. lovemusic
    May 8, 2011
    8
    good solid record had a few good songs on here. i liked it. it was descent. i respect this guy when he puts out a record he puts his heart and soul into his songs.
  66. 1hrdrthanuthink
    Jun 2, 2013
    10
    Nas gets hard lyrically and has a new sort of drive on this album that makes it a raw classic. And a different type of rawness is when he defies the typical rap persona by saying he's not going back to the hood. I saw something that said someone was pronounced dead, and came back to life 28 minutes later. Well that's pretty much the same case here after the song "Hip-Hop Is Dead," he killsNas gets hard lyrically and has a new sort of drive on this album that makes it a raw classic. And a different type of rawness is when he defies the typical rap persona by saying he's not going back to the hood. I saw something that said someone was pronounced dead, and came back to life 28 minutes later. Well that's pretty much the same case here after the song "Hip-Hop Is Dead," he kills it (or in this case saves it) on this album.… Expand
  67. keve16
    Mar 22, 2015
    8
    7.8/10................................................................................................................................................
  68. Urbanlistener
    May 8, 2015
    9
    Nas fully delivers on this album with great lyrics on a consistant basis, an awesome panel of guests and an A+ production. The album is poetic, well thought and intelligent, as you would expect from an artist in the top 5 of the best rappers of all-time. Nas assures a good cohesion through the album and really says what is actually wrong with hip-hop and it is even more powerful to hear itNas fully delivers on this album with great lyrics on a consistant basis, an awesome panel of guests and an A+ production. The album is poetic, well thought and intelligent, as you would expect from an artist in the top 5 of the best rappers of all-time. Nas assures a good cohesion through the album and really says what is actually wrong with hip-hop and it is even more powerful to hear it from a rap icon like him.… Expand
  69. BIGMAN22
    Jan 7, 2016
    10
    a true masterpiece. great lyricism, dope production. Nas does it again. another album worth listening to again and again. this album is up there with his past works of pure rawness.
  70. Rix397
    Jul 21, 2018
    9
    At the time of its release, Nas' "Hip Hop is Dead" was clear proof, that hip hop was alive and well. With great themes, production, features & lyricism, Nas managed to top his other amazing albums ("It Was Written" and "God's Son) and released one of the best hip hop albums of the 2000s.

    Favorite tracks: Money Over **** You Can't Kill Me Carry on Tradition Hip Hop Is Dead Black    At the time of its release, Nas' "Hip Hop is Dead" was clear proof, that hip hop was alive and well. With great themes, production, features & lyricism, Nas managed to top his other amazing albums ("It Was Written" and "God's Son) and released one of the best hip hop albums of the 2000s.

    Favorite tracks:

    Money Over ****
    You Can't Kill Me
    Carry on Tradition
    Hip Hop Is Dead
    Black Republican
    Not Going Back
    Still Dreaming
    Hold Down the Block
    Let There Be Light
    Play on Playa
    Can't Forget About You
    Hustlers
    Hope

    Least favorite track:

    Who Killed It?    … Expand
  71. isaacb263
    Jan 12, 2018
    9
    This is one of my favorite Nas albums of the 2000s. Amazing substance, and I like the hooks and production a lot more than the production on God's Son, Stillmatic, Streets Disciple, other good Nas 2000s albums. You can just vibe to this album, a classic in my eyes.

Awards & Rankings

92
#92 Best Album of 2006
35
#35 Most Discussed Album of 2006
56
#56 Most Shared Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    Hip Hop Is Dead is a lot like Nas himself: impossible not to admire, but hard to love.
    Read full review
  2. The New York Times
    80
    Here’s the thing about Nas’s old-fashioned approach to hip-hop: It still works.
    Read full review
  3. Pitchfork
    78
    More than Illmatic, it represents the real Nas-- not the ideal-- the MC with all the skill, all the rhymes, and all the insight who sabotaged himself with bad decisions.
    Read full review
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