Life is Good
by Nas
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Jul 17, 2012
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 182 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 161 out of 182
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 182
  3. Negative: 11 out of 182
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  1. axelkoch
    Dec 25, 2012
    9
    Not only life is good, but also is this album. Nas took his time to release this and mainly talks about his divorce with Kelis. But instead of insulting her as a **** as many other rappers would do, he tells us how great his time with her was. Flashbacks like 'Bye Baby' (a perfect closer for this album) are a sadly beautiful masterpiece. And do I even have to talk about his rap skills?Not only life is good, but also is this album. Nas took his time to release this and mainly talks about his divorce with Kelis. But instead of insulting her as a **** as many other rappers would do, he tells us how great his time with her was. Flashbacks like 'Bye Baby' (a perfect closer for this album) are a sadly beautiful masterpiece. And do I even have to talk about his rap skills? I'll give it one sentence: it's immensely stunning to hear him rhyming word after word, all ending on the same syllable. And lyrically he's definitely one of the most sophisticated rappers ever. The beats still bring this hood feeling with them (best example: awesome single release 'The Don') but seem produced very professional, nonetheless. And all of his features, going from Rick Ross over Mary J. Blige up to Anthony Hamilton and Amy Winehouse, are as great as the hip hop king himself. He's short before 40, however he still brings the style of a young aspiring artist in his tracks. It's not the perfect CD if you experienced how much he is able to do in "Illmatic" but it's one hell of a comeback. Only Kendrick Lamar's hip hop milestone "good kid, m.A.A.d city" was better than "Life Is Good" in the year 2012 and it's a grown-up, full-loaded but still calm work.… Expand
  2. Spangle
    Jul 17, 2012
    9
    Absolutely fantastic album. Should be album of the year. Nas goes hard from the beginning of "No Introduction" to the end of "Where's the Love". Only dud track is "Summer on Smash", but otherwise, every other track is worth multiple listens. Do not listen to the critics who are not giving this album the credit it deserves. Nas continues to stay on top with this release.
  3. BIGMAN22
    May 11, 2016
    10
    nas has always had a great ear for production and knowing how to craft great lyrical rhyme patterns to go with them. his storytelling hasnt diminished or sound rusty, but stronger than ever. another classic added to his discography.
  4. geedup
    Jul 18, 2012
    8
    This Nas album more like the Nas of old. Gritty NY beats, nice flow and even some guest appearances on it! I can't say I like every song but certainly if your a fan of REAL Hip Hop you should get this Nas album. Instantly recognizable if you hear him just once!
  5. Urbanlistener
    May 8, 2015
    7
    Definitely not Nas's best album and not even close from being as good as his previous ones, but still pretty good, Life is good is a decent album overall, the lyrics are good to great, which isn't surprising because Nas is one of the greatest lyricists of all time, but they are really not as deep as his early work. The weakest part of the album is the beats, they are most of the timeDefinitely not Nas's best album and not even close from being as good as his previous ones, but still pretty good, Life is good is a decent album overall, the lyrics are good to great, which isn't surprising because Nas is one of the greatest lyricists of all time, but they are really not as deep as his early work. The weakest part of the album is the beats, they are most of the time boring, easily forgettable and way more commercial than you'd expect from that guy. There is some great songs with great beats like Loco-motive and Cherry wine, but for the most part, it is a bit disappointing. If you are a fan of Nas, this is an album worth the purchase, lyrically it is pretty great and there is a few production gems.… Expand
  6. Connorcox1997
    Mar 27, 2019
    10
    Life is Good is a fantastic album. Nas talks about how after his divorce with his wife he wanted to personal feelings and address moments in his life and rapping career, lending it themes of adulthood and nostalgia. The Beats on this album are very nostalgia; it has an old school type of beats sampling from the 1980s, and the golden age of hip hop feel to the album. This album is a classicLife is Good is a fantastic album. Nas talks about how after his divorce with his wife he wanted to personal feelings and address moments in his life and rapping career, lending it themes of adulthood and nostalgia. The Beats on this album are very nostalgia; it has an old school type of beats sampling from the 1980s, and the golden age of hip hop feel to the album. This album is a classic from Nas, Life is Good is a must listen. 10/10… Expand
  7. keve16
    Mar 22, 2015
    8
    8.4/10.................................................................................................................one of the best from this year.
  8. JotaBrasil
    Oct 19, 2012
    9
    No universo do hip hop existe atualmente quatro "deuses": Jay-Z, Kanye West, Eminem e Nas. Esse último o mais "reservado" de todos. Considerado um dos melhores de todos lembrado principalmente pelo seu debut Illmatic, considerado um dos melhores álbuns de rap de todos os tempos e um divisor de águas para o estilo. Sempre politizado em suas composições,No universo do hip hop existe atualmente quatro "deuses": Jay-Z, Kanye West, Eminem e Nas. Esse último o mais "reservado" de todos. Considerado um dos melhores de todos lembrado principalmente pelo seu debut Illmatic, considerado um dos melhores álbuns de rap de todos os tempos e um divisor de águas para o estilo. Sempre politizado em suas composições, Nas sempre esteve no topo das paradas de vendagem de álbum sem precisar de massiva campanha de divulgação. E não seria diferente com o lançamento do poderoso Life Is Good.

    Nas entrega um álbum old school com batidas fortes, atemporais e marcantes. Em nenhum segundo o álbum perde o rumo ou fica menos poderoso mostrando o pulso firme do produtor Salaam Remi principal produtor do álbum e antigo colaborador de Nas. Tudo o álbum segur a sonoridade única de Salaam com influência de jazz, blues e R&B. Nas é um rapper incrvel. Sua capacidade de "fazer rap" mostra o quanto ele é foda. Sempre no ponto certo e sem precisar virar "cantor" para conseguir entrar nas batidas diferentes. A melhor qualidade do álbum é seu o teor pessoal que Nas colocou nas músicas. Quando ele coloca suas reflexões sobre sua vida pessoal como o fim do casamento dele com a cantora Kelis e também suas visões do mundo do hip hop, Nas abre o leque para que mais pessoas possam se identificar com seus dramas. E com letras enxutas, precisas e inteligentes. Não posso não deixar de comentar a canção Cherry Wine com a participação de Amy Winehouse uma balada hip hop com influência de jazz e muito parecida com as canções do primeiro álbum da cantora, Frank. Um trabalho indispensavel para quem gosta de música de verdade seja qual foi o estilo.    … Expand
  9. rydermusic
    Dec 10, 2012
    7
    Nas is one of the best rappers in circulation and this is confirmed in his eleventh album. Listening to tracks like "Daughters" and "The Don", we realize that Nas is a truly innovative artist but at the same time a classical artist. He mixes his experience to its originality and modern times, doing this seems to return to a Golden Age Hip-Hop of 25 years ago. One of the best album sinceNas is one of the best rappers in circulation and this is confirmed in his eleventh album. Listening to tracks like "Daughters" and "The Don", we realize that Nas is a truly innovative artist but at the same time a classical artist. He mixes his experience to its originality and modern times, doing this seems to return to a Golden Age Hip-Hop of 25 years ago. One of the best album since his debut with Illmatic.… Expand
  10. todaywasagooday
    Dec 1, 2022
    0
    No one will ever listen to this **** again in their lives, stop overhyping this mediocre artist
  11. 1stBorn
    Feb 16, 2013
    8
    To everyone who want to compare this to Illmatic. STOP! Just stop! If you have that kind of attitude, nothing this man drops will ever please you. Nothing at all. Yet surprisingly Nas actually has had a pretty consistent career as far as dropping albums go. Yeah he's dropped some duds (Nastradamus) and he hasn't been able to achieve the kind of acclaim he's received from his first album.To everyone who want to compare this to Illmatic. STOP! Just stop! If you have that kind of attitude, nothing this man drops will ever please you. Nothing at all. Yet surprisingly Nas actually has had a pretty consistent career as far as dropping albums go. Yeah he's dropped some duds (Nastradamus) and he hasn't been able to achieve the kind of acclaim he's received from his first album. But Life Is Good, on it's own is a really good project from Nas. It's not his best work, hell it isn't even in his top 5. But as far as albums go, Nas dropped something he could be proud of. He deals with a lot of things on this album from being a father (Daughters) to being divorced (Bye Baby) to a corrupt world (Worlds An Addiction) to innocent people being murdered (Accident Murderers). This is how the album is formatted, the first 5 songs are great. They bring back that nostalgic feeling without being too dated. As well as telling stories, something I felt Nas was great at. Then Reach Out hits and it sounds like an old 90's song especially with a forced Mary J. Blige hook on there. Worlds An Addiction picks up some momentum. And then it comes to a halt with the song Summer On Smash. And, let's face it, this song sucks badly. And while I like the beat You Wouldn't Understand doesn't get any better response from me. And afterwards things go back to going really well. While I didn't enjoy every song. Nas still delivered an album I liked a lot. It continues the personal struggle and triumph of Nasir Jones with it all being summarized in three words "Life Is Good".… Expand
  12. DaBlackNight
    Jul 23, 2012
    10
    Nas Has This Album LOCKED. I Dont Care what anybody else says, this album his one of the most greatest rap albums in the history of rap! people say that rap is dead. no its not. nas is here. and he just changed it with Life Is Good. i love the beats. i love the lyrics. he is a true very solid and one of the best rappers of all time. hes standing right next to biggie in being the best newNas Has This Album LOCKED. I Dont Care what anybody else says, this album his one of the most greatest rap albums in the history of rap! people say that rap is dead. no its not. nas is here. and he just changed it with Life Is Good. i love the beats. i love the lyrics. he is a true very solid and one of the best rappers of all time. hes standing right next to biggie in being the best new york rapper of all time. he's going into stillmatic mode on this one.… Expand
  13. thehypebeast97
    Jan 27, 2017
    8
    Solid album. Production could be a bit more ambitious on some tracks but Nas here does his thing flawlessly, as usual. It kinda gives a vibe of Illmatic, It Was Written, I Am, Stillmatic and God's Son put together. His best album since God's Son
  14. bobbysolo
    Nov 29, 2022
    0
    absolute **** don't know what you're on to say that this is good.......................................
  15. Sergio2008
    Jan 6, 2016
    9
    Lyrically, Nas has aged like fine wine, as he still pens some amazing bars. Nas is much wiser and reflective in this album, and he does a tremendous job at it. Aside from "Summer on Smash", every song on this album is very good or great.
  16. isaacb263
    Jan 12, 2018
    8
    Very good album, to me Nas' most musical, and one of his most personal. Still plays well over 5 years later, feels fresh
  17. Andre3000
    Jul 21, 2012
    3
    Nas is definitely a top 5 rapper of all time...but this is completely dreadful. Only songs I can bare to listen to are the don and nasty. The beat selection is weak and the lyrics are nothing special.
  18. therealmohamed_
    Jun 15, 2013
    9
    in life is good, nas is at his best lyrically since........ illmatic. this album shows his maturation from his debut 18 years ago. features are great rick ross delivered a GREAT verse on accident murderers), production is top notch, and nas is a beast!!!
  19. raphred
    Jul 19, 2012
    10
    Mercy, this album is so good. Nas went all the way back. He got stuck between the past and the present on a time machine on this album. Of course, Nas' song writing ability is something golden, but the production on this album is amazingly unexpected. Salaam Remi and No I.D. really wanted fans to hear what they've been missing since the 90s. Classic 20th Century Nas, but with thisMercy, this album is so good. Nas went all the way back. He got stuck between the past and the present on a time machine on this album. Of course, Nas' song writing ability is something golden, but the production on this album is amazingly unexpected. Salaam Remi and No I.D. really wanted fans to hear what they've been missing since the 90s. Classic 20th Century Nas, but with this present day style that still caters to that time. 'Life Is Good' can definitely be included in Nas' top 5 albums. He really kept it Illmatic on this record.… Expand
  20. chughes717
    Jul 18, 2012
    9
    The album as a whole is masterful. Nas has proven yet again that he is one of the games most prolific lyricists, and that he can deliver a well rounded album from top to bottom. The album does however suffer from the 8th track, "Summer on Smash". Though it has the potential to gamer mainstream success, it doesn't quite fit well with the rest of the album. Clocking in at about 58 minutes,The album as a whole is masterful. Nas has proven yet again that he is one of the games most prolific lyricists, and that he can deliver a well rounded album from top to bottom. The album does however suffer from the 8th track, "Summer on Smash". Though it has the potential to gamer mainstream success, it doesn't quite fit well with the rest of the album. Clocking in at about 58 minutes, the album is at a perfect length, and it's arguable that each bonus track could've been included on the non-deluxe edition of the album, especially the track "Trust", where Nas rhymes, "If you scared to take chances you… Expand
  21. emceefan
    Aug 9, 2012
    10
    Where can I start? Nasty f*cking Nas attacks yo ass with arguably his 2nd best LP behind Illmatic. It's up there with Stillmatic, God's Son, and It Was Written for second best album. No Introduction was great, then Loco-Motive was my favorite song. Daughters, The Don, Nasty were also great songs on the album. Nas also has a top 5 album for 2012 in hip-hop, if not better. Ever hear DrakeWhere can I start? Nasty f*cking Nas attacks yo ass with arguably his 2nd best LP behind Illmatic. It's up there with Stillmatic, God's Son, and It Was Written for second best album. No Introduction was great, then Loco-Motive was my favorite song. Daughters, The Don, Nasty were also great songs on the album. Nas also has a top 5 album for 2012 in hip-hop, if not better. Ever hear Drake the teenage girl show actress try to rap and you fake rap lovers loved. Well here's some real hip-hop for ya **** ass motherf*cker. Hip-hop isn't dead anymore because of albums like The BDP Album, (KRS-One) Most Of My Heroes Still Don't Appear On No Stamp (Public Enemy), Life Is Good, then sooner of later, Detox, (Dr. Dre) Return Of The Boom Bip, (KRS-One & DJ Premier) and so on. Look up more upcoming hip-hop albums.
    Check him out y'all, Nasty Nas in yo area, but emceefan out.    … Expand
  22. FlorenceWong
    Jul 25, 2012
    9
    This is truth. He's rapping from the heart, and pulls it off with style. A song like 'Daughters' has to be difficult to write and release, but he does it and makes it into a powerful hit. The production is tight and Nas' flow is sick. And he shows that he is a classy man in the end, and releases an emotional and beautiful song with Amy Winehouse ('Cherry Wine'). Nas doesn't hide fromThis is truth. He's rapping from the heart, and pulls it off with style. A song like 'Daughters' has to be difficult to write and release, but he does it and makes it into a powerful hit. The production is tight and Nas' flow is sick. And he shows that he is a classy man in the end, and releases an emotional and beautiful song with Amy Winehouse ('Cherry Wine'). Nas doesn't hide from anything on the album, whether it be his messy divorce with Kelis, his daughter's troubles, and his past. Nothing is out of bounds, and that is what makes this album so respectable.… Expand
  23. 1hrdrthanuthink
    Jun 2, 2013
    10
    Damn, where do I start? He brings back boom bap production, was great, with the exception of "World's An Addiction," which has flat production but amazing lyrics, but then again, isn't that good? I love all the other production, and Nas destroys everyone new out today on "Loco-Motive." Check him out y'all, Nasty f*cking Nas in your area, about to cause mass f*cking hysteria. Just listen toDamn, where do I start? He brings back boom bap production, was great, with the exception of "World's An Addiction," which has flat production but amazing lyrics, but then again, isn't that good? I love all the other production, and Nas destroys everyone new out today on "Loco-Motive." Check him out y'all, Nasty f*cking Nas in your area, about to cause mass f*cking hysteria. Just listen to him, virtually flawless. He puts himself on top again.… Expand
  24. Eminem
    Jul 17, 2012
    10
    Lyrically one of the best rap albums in YEARS!!!
    Nas never left so it's crazy to say "HE'S BACK!". Just listen to this musically beautiful and lyrically intelectual album. Old rap fans will be pleased just as new ones.
  25. AUtiger314
    Aug 8, 2012
    10
    Wow! I'm not sure I've heard a better album than this since that one album that came out 18 years and 4 months ago. What was the name of that album again? Hm anyway Life Is Good far exceeded my expectations as an album. Production is just ridiculous and Nas lyricism is just on another level. This is definitely a classic Hip Hop album in my opinion and should be treated as such in theWow! I'm not sure I've heard a better album than this since that one album that came out 18 years and 4 months ago. What was the name of that album again? Hm anyway Life Is Good far exceeded my expectations as an album. Production is just ridiculous and Nas lyricism is just on another level. This is definitely a classic Hip Hop album in my opinion and should be treated as such in the decades to come. Nas proves that he is the G.O.A.T. MC. This album is truly one for the ages.… Expand
  26. Nebulous
    Dec 5, 2012
    10
    Without a doubt Life Is Good is The Best Hip Hop Album of 2012 (trailing alongside Kendrick Lamar's good kid, m.A.A.d city). The standard edition of 14 tracks are so soulful and diverse, while the extra 4 tracks are definitely worth the extra purchase - which includes one of the best rap songs of 2011, "Nasty".

    Illmatic will never repeat itself - that phase is long gone. Because this    Without a doubt Life Is Good is The Best Hip Hop Album of 2012 (trailing alongside Kendrick Lamar's good kid, m.A.A.d city). The standard edition of 14 tracks are so soulful and diverse, while the extra 4 tracks are definitely worth the extra purchase - which includes one of the best rap songs of 2011, "Nasty".

    Illmatic will never repeat itself - that phase is long gone. Because this album is so recent it won't be stated as a classic but compared to nearly every other rap album coming out recently it is by far an astonishingly great record. Each beat is on point, lyrics are on point and the features give themselves justice. There are no songs to skip for me, I can listen to "Summer On Smash" even though it ain't the best song on the album.

    For me the top 3 best tracks are Loco-Motive, Accident Murderers and World's An Addiction. But every track is outstanding. There is truly nothing negative to say about this album.    … Expand
  27. dj5starg
    Jul 18, 2012
    10
    this album is without a doubt the best rap album so far this year. it contains songs that have an old school vibe and songs that are for this generation. not a bad song on here which is impossible for any other albums currently out which is why i give this a 10
  28. saarang1229
    Aug 6, 2012
    9
    Life is Good has instant classic written all over it. Nas's evolution is apparent, and without alienating his Illmatic-loving fan base, he delivers a wonderfully varied compilation of tracks detailing his journeys and experiences through his career as a musician and entertainer all the way back to his life on the NY streets. While this album may not provide the instant gratification thatLife is Good has instant classic written all over it. Nas's evolution is apparent, and without alienating his Illmatic-loving fan base, he delivers a wonderfully varied compilation of tracks detailing his journeys and experiences through his career as a musician and entertainer all the way back to his life on the NY streets. While this album may not provide the instant gratification that marks much of today's rap, it will surely grow on anyone who takes the time to listen through the entire work of art.… Expand
  29. always_melo
    Nov 17, 2017
    10
    Brilliant album by one of the greatest lyricist of all time. The album shows even more depth and wisdom that we have become accustomed to over the years by Nas. It also showcase his maturity and growth. Another gem in his massive catalogue.
  30. superboy7899
    Sep 26, 2012
    10
    Life is good is a really good album. The beats are really good and his lyrics are a masterpiece. Every songs in the album are classic. My favorite songs on the album are A Queens story, Accident murders, Daughters, Cherry wine and back when.
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Awards & Rankings

88
#88 Best Album of 2012
25
#25 Most Discussed Album of 2012
45
#45 Most Shared Album of 2012

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. No Ripcord
    Aug 24, 2012
    90
    An album of incredible songs.
    Read full review
  2. The Source
    Aug 22, 2012
    90
    Nas once again reminds us that as long as he's got one mic, lifee--and hip-hop--are beyond good. [#254, p.87]
  3. The Boston Phoenix
    Aug 7, 2012
    88
    On Life Is Good, he's lyrically and musically rich as he's been for years now.
    Read full review
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