Nas is the illist mc alive

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

+Great lyricism +Good subjects. +Jay Z collabo -A lot of mediocre beats and hooks

Sweet ass Cd

A rap classic. Better than the overhyped Hell Hath No Fury and Donuts. Nas will have a hard time following this up.

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.

Pretty boring except for maybe 4 songs...he raps about the same crap he claims killed hip hop except that he believes he is wittier in his lyrics...whatever...rapping over a beat is not good song making. He IS NOT whats haddenniin'!

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.

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

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.

Thanks, Jay, your condescending tone makes me feel great. Hip Hop is Dead doesn't stun on any level. It lacks a single killer beat, features some bad lyrics sprinkled in with the overall well rapped album (making them stick out worse), and is ousted by a good number of other hip hop CD's this year. As far as rap albums trying to make a statement, I much prefer Cunninlynguists "Piece of Strange" or Lupe Fiasco's "Food and Liquor".… Expand

I absolutely love this album. You all should get it.

Good Album. one great song, the rest of album is ok

Classic

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

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!!!

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.

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.

Arguably the best Hip Hop album this year. Damn that, it is the best Hip Hop album this year.

A post-millennial hip-hop masterpiece!

Giving a rap album a 10 is like bestowing English degrees on those who can read, yet can neither comprehend nor write. Like some metacritics, as a matter of fact. Maybe Nas is on to something with the title to this album. One can only hope so. It would be welcome news in our poisoned culture. If you fools out there who claim to know music - those who drop 10s on garbage that will invariably flood the used bins - want to listen to something substantive from this past year, check out these 10: Califone - Roots and Crowns; The Knife - Silent Shout; Various - The World Is Gone; TV on the Radio - Return to Cookie Mountain; Mastodon - Blood Mountain; Joanna Newson - Ys; Carla Bozulich - Evangelista; Grizzly Bear - Yellow House; The Liars - Drum's Not Dead, and Danielson - Ships. Honorable mentions go to Dwayne Sodahberk - Cut Open; The Decemberists - The Crane Wife (for all of you nabobs who will remember my first review, I came around); Yo La Tengo - I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass; Espers - II; Junior Boys - So This Is Goodbye; This is...Tunng - Mother's Daughter and Other Songs; M. Ward - Post-War; Sonic Youth - Rather Ripped; Herbert - Scale, and Isis - In the Absence of Truth. There's not a true "classic" or a 10 in the bunch, but they're all fine offerings. P.S. - Just to show that I haven't forgotten the rednecks; Tom Petty's Highway Companion isn't half bad.… Expand

Lyrically, best album of the current decade.

A Masterpiece! As long as nas exists in music hip hop is not dead!

He is truly back in the game. This is classic hiphop album that reminded us what hiphop is supposed to sound like.

Album of the year! Really.

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.

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.

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

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

the greatest mc to ever walk the earth jst showed us why he is the best

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.

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.

The only decent track is the title track 'Hip Hop Is Dead'. That being said, the title not only shows Nas' ignorance of hip hop in 2007 but why he hasn't put out a consistently solid album in over ten years. Yes, hip hop has changed from the days when he was a factor in the genre and culture but it isn't as bleak as he would like us to believe. OK, we get it Nas, you've sold out and now you feel bad but there are plenty of young kids out there keeping hip hop not only alive but thriving.… Expand

As pointless as it may be to wait for another 'Illmatic,' this should have been it: the comeback. "Money Over Bullshit" starts with such promise, Nas' rhymes perfectly matched to the epic beat (one of the few good beats on the album, btw). Then the next half dozen songs or so spend too much time dwelling on the same gangsta cliches Nas ironically wants to avoid, even if he discusses them with a verbal dexterity most rappers will never have. A few other bright spots (the duet with Game, Let there Be Light) are too little to late. Still, no other MC today could get away with this title/concept, and thats proof enough Nas will get back on track.… Expand

Supreme Lyricism. Dope beats. What more could you ask for?

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

in a world full of emptyness, finally someone that can inspire us to improve

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

Greatest album Ever. Production, Lyrics, Sex Appeal, Nice Teeth...all make this album of 2006 and beyond. This is a must have!

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

This album is awesome. Definitely one of hip-hop's best in years.

Hiphop is not dead as long as Nas, Lupe, The Roots, Common, Talib, Ghosface keep bringin heat.

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.

Another solid album from Nas..

Classic

Great LP

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

Best Hip Hop album of 2006. A breath of fresh air.

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.

you must be fucking crazy

This album proves that Hip Hop is NOT DEAD. Nuff said

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

brilliant,phat tracks, it sounds alot like illmatic. its the ressurection.

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

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!!!

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

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

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

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.!

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

Album is very mediocre.

Minus the LAME-ASS beat on "Blunt Ashes" & the corny concept of "Not Going Back", NAS has a almost perfect LP!

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!

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

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.

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.

Wow. The fire of 'One Mic' sustained for a whole Nas album, imagine that. Hip Hop (and Illmatic) is dead. Long live Nasty Nas.

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