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The Lost Tapes
by
  • Record Label:
  • Release Date:
The Lost Tapes Image
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 111 Ratings

  • Summary: This compilation collects tracks recorded from 1998-2001 that, for various reasons (and not because they were of inferior quality), were not included on the rapper's albums released during that time.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    His gritty, yet hopeful, reflections make Lost Tapes a real find.
  2. The A.V. Club
    90
    A filler-free tour de force.
  3. Village Voice (Consumer Guide)
    83
    two about his parents are juicier than the mother love gushing from God's Son. The Afrocentric pep song is so much deeper than the mawkish, misinformed new "I Can" that you believe he might yet get politics.
  4. PopMatters
    80
    From start to finish, Nas sets aside the rhetorical frills, contrived interludes, and mediocre guest appearances that have plagued much of his work since the classic Illmatic and concentrates on delivering classic material.
  5. Rolling Stone
    80
    Over subdued soul loops and improbably mellow piano work, The Lost Tapes displays Nas' gifts for tightly stitched narrative and stunningly precise detail.
  6. Stylus Magazine
    75
    Separate, the songs all sound great, but together, they don’t make a real album.
  7. AllMusic
    60
    From a few listens, it's clear most of these weren't bumped because they were low-quality; "Doo Rags," "No Idea's Original," and "Black Zombie" stand up to anything Nas has recorded since the original Illmatic.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 28
  3. Negative: 6 out of 28
  1. alexc
    Mar 9, 2005
    10
    this to me is one of nas;s best albums since ill matic its a for sure classic and even though its not radio freindly the album can hold its this to me is one of nas;s best albums since ill matic its a for sure classic and even though its not radio freindly the album can hold its weight up against any body out there i think… Expand
  2. sosa
    Nov 27, 2010
    10
    It could stand as an studio album all by itself. A great compilation that doesn't have the feel of your average compilation. Great lyricsIt could stand as an studio album all by itself. A great compilation that doesn't have the feel of your average compilation. Great lyrics over complementary production and guest free which allows Nas to showcase his best.… Collapse
  4. Sergio2008
    Jan 6, 2016
    10
    A classic compilation of unreleased Nas material. The album is a testament of Nas' forte as a writer. The Lost Tapes is proof that Nas is oneA classic compilation of unreleased Nas material. The album is a testament of Nas' forte as a writer. The Lost Tapes is proof that Nas is one of the greatest writers in music history.… Expand
  5. lovemusic
    May 8, 2011
    9
    yes this what im talking about i love this album so much. every song was almost perfect. i love this guy if i wanted to learn how to rap iyes this what im talking about i love this album so much. every song was almost perfect. i love this guy if i wanted to learn how to rap i would listen to nas 2pac and rakim. they all are great lyricist. but this album is better than average.… Expand
  6. rubenf
    Apr 5, 2005
    8
    notquit a master piece put close to it. Nas gives it his best. his grtty rhymes and witty remarks make up fpr his not so good chorus's. notquit a master piece put close to it. Nas gives it his best. his grtty rhymes and witty remarks make up fpr his not so good chorus's. Nas gives you a piece of himself. allowing listeners to go deeper into his own life and turmoils. In my book Nas is truly king of new york.… Expand
  7. keve16
    Mar 22, 2015
    8
    8.3/10................................................................................................................................................
  8. bobbysolo
    Nov 29, 2022
    0
    disgraceful and unlistenable. weak rapper as once 2pac said and he was right.

See all 28 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

40
#40 Best Album of 2002
36
#36 Most Discussed Album of 2002
52
#52 Most Shared Album of 2002

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