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Untitled - Nas
  • Band Name: Nas
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Jul 15, 2008
User Score
8.8 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 85 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 76 out of 85
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 85
  3. Negative: 6 out of 85

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  1. EmH.
    Jul 20, 2008
    10
    Untitled is a new classic from the ever so consistant Nasir Jones. It is an insult seeing TC3 receiving 9's while Untitled has an average of 6 and 7s. The Pitchfork review is laughable. 9.5/10 I'm giving Nas' greatest album since Stillmatic. 1. Illmatic 2. Stillmatic / Untitled 4. It Was Written 5. God's Son 6. Hip-Hop Is Dead 7. Street's Disciple 8. I Am.
    • 2 of 3 users said yes
  2. SeanL
    Sep 4, 2008
    10
    This is the album nas was meant to make but no one expected. at a time when mcs have given into the pressure to be unpolitical and passive to the liars in power, nas takes a bold move in addressing issues and topics untouched by most mcs. Nas is on point lyrically and instead of trying to create another illmatic as many pressured him to, he created a classic on his own terms that will take many listeners years to fully appreciate. Tracks like Sly Fox and Black President show his best rhymes and most thought provoking lyrics to date. Nas gives the hip hop nation what they need most and shows what non-hip hop fans (Pitchfork,LA Times,etc.) what real hip hop was meant to be. Listen to the best lyricist at his best on this modern day classic. Fox News and the non-hip hop fans are scared of how powerful his voice is and this album proves why rappers can still speak for a nation of millions… Expand
    • 2 of 2 users said yes
  3. chrisw
    Jul 16, 2008
    10
    Its really funny to see all these 9 and 10 ratings then a few places like the la times are dumb enough to give it a 2 out of 5
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  4. Will******
    Jul 16, 2008
    10
    9.5 it's not a recent classic like Food and Liquor, but besides that it's the next best hip hop cd to come out.... tied with Phoaroh Monch - Desire. untitled contains- Brilliant lyricism and the beats are above par, because lets face it Nas is not 50 cent, you don't listen to his cd for the beats. The Game has a lot to live up to. One Love.
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  5. KahronS.
    Jul 20, 2008
    10
    I'm very confused with Pitchfork's review, upon reading it a second time. I don't want to say this Ian cat doesn't know anything about hip hop......that's probably not true and it's pointless. But to say that Tha Carter III is/was 'avant garde'....what on that album has ANYTHING on this album. I agree with Frank D. - 8 for beats....10 for lyrics. Somehow, Nas sounds even nicer than he has in the past. As an "info-tainment" piece, on the mainstream, it gets no better. It has a nice combo of the brash baller and the cynic/politik commentary - both of which are what make Nas what he is. It's not Illmatic....but what album has been? Maybe Blueprint...maybe a couple more? Right there with Pharoahe's 'Desire', Clipse's 'Hell Hath No Fury' and Lupe's 'Food and Liquor'...and Kanye's outputs - as the best hip hop albums of the last 5 (or so) years.… Expand
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  6. JohnS.
    Jul 15, 2008
    10
    Powerful lyrics, and while the lower rated reviews mostly knock the synth driven 80's style beats, they aren't that bad, and do not take away from the impact of this album. Cop it!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  7. CedricW.
    Jul 16, 2008
    10
    Nas did a damn good job with the message in this album.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  8. WesM.
    Jul 24, 2008
    1
    Another self-important release from the self-proclaimed "savior" of hip-hop (not in need of saving by the way, there is the same ratio of shit to good that there was in the '90s), only this time without the innovative production or any noticeable step forward in Nas' pseudo-rap-sage shtick.
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  9. JoeT.
    Aug 23, 2008
    9
    Second (or third?) the other reviewers, ...Pitchfork is waaay off. (Maybe they should stick to twee indie bands out of Sweden?) Though inconsistent at times, Nas has been on fire and consistently pushing himself forward ever since 'Stillmatic' and after he stopped bothering to produce another Illmatic. Can't wait for what he tries next.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  10. AlexT.
    Nov 3, 2008
    9
    Agree with Joe T. 100%. Pitchfork has given RAVE reviews to some of the whackest albums I've ever heard. Albums so strange and obscure (and I do typically enjoy electronic music), I have to wonder what drugs they take before picking up the stereo remote control. Seriously. I can actually feel my IQ dropping when I listen to some the stuff they're touting as "great music". Not saying this is the Holy Grail of rap albums, but Pitchfork really needs to stop hating on "mainstream" music so much. Rate the music objectively, don't trash it just because it isn't what YOU would bang from your stereo.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  11. IsraelA.
    Jul 15, 2008
    9
    On his 9th LP, Nasir Jones, known to the world as NaS, attempts to spark controversy by originally titling the album Ni**er, only to drop this title and leave it untitled. But like he shouts on the albums first single "Hero", the lyrics seem unphased by this title swap. To keep things brief, the albums lyrics surpass Hip Hop Is Dead, NaS' previous release, and are reminiscent of The Lost Tapes & Illmatic in overall quality. NaS never deviates from the song's topic, except for on songs with no real topic, such as the star-studded Make The world Go Round. The beats are another story, and are mostly average - sometimes terrible and occasionally great. But, like his inspiration, Rakim Allah, makes clear, hip-hop albums foundation and soul reside in the message and lyrics, and on this level, the album is one NaS' best and will most likely be the best by the end of the year (unless, by some miracle, Rakim' album, the seventh seal is released).… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  12. BronxxxB.
    Jul 15, 2008
    5
    Unfortunately I'm disappointed. There are some brilliant tracks, but most of them are just boring.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  13. KrishB
    Jul 15, 2008
    7
    Decent album by Nas...nothing special.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  14. [Anonymous]
    Jul 16, 2008
    10
    This album reflects current cultural and global issues. It is a well balanced album and appropriate for the times.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  15. JeremyH.
    Jul 16, 2008
    10
    His Lyrical genius is impeccable. He is the last of a dying breed of mainstream lyrically talented MCs.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  16. Hamed
    Jul 16, 2008
    10
    A lyrical Masterpiece to go along with above average production.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  17. PaulH.
    Jul 17, 2008
    10
    A Masterpiece!!!!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  18. RamonS.
    Jul 17, 2008
    10
    One of the best albums of his career, definitely at the same level as Illmatic. If hip hop was dead this album has resurrected it.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  19. KennyM.
    Jul 18, 2008
    0
    pure shit. a group of songs riddled with cheesy hooks, cheap metaphors, and gaudy production. not to mention the excruciating repetition of racism, racism, racism, racism on every single track. with the exception of the first song on the album, i could not even find a song i would want to hear ever again. nas has officially lost touch with reality, and more importantly, has made it absolutely clear once and for all that jay-z is the clear king of new york rap.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  20. MycroftW.
    Jul 18, 2008
    9
    A shame that the only thing people seem to do when hearing a new Nas album is wonder whether this will be another Illmatic. But by that standard over 99 percent of records after 1994 and not only in hiphop would fail. This one should be headed for the end of the year llists in stead of getting the current mixed bag of reviews.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  21. RubenG.
    Jul 20, 2008
    9
    Illmatic is still the greatest but "untitlted" comes in tied for 2nd. there are plenty of subliminal hits that prove what hip hop is about. "Queens get the money" is easily the best track not as political but Nas verses over the beat fit poetically.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  22. FTE.
    Jul 24, 2008
    9
    Pretty awesome. Beats could be better.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  23. Ed
    Jul 24, 2008
    10
    compelling and thought provoking - go get it!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  24. JoelO.
    Aug 1, 2008
    9
    Not one to write reviews, so I'll keep this as short as possible. This is a GREAT album. I'm still on the fence about it being a classic or not, but it is one of the best albums I've heard in a while. Unique concepts, vivid wordplay cloaked in fantastic lyrics. The only downfall I can think of is also what makes it unique, and thats the beats. The beats are not for everyone I'm afraid. But they seem "talor made" for Nas, as hard as I try, its very difficult to picture anyone else rhyming over these "unique" beats. Like they were custom made to fit Nas' voice and flow. Nas has a nack for making mediocre beats sound like something from DJ Preimer with just his rhymes and flow alone. That said, this is a damn fine accomplishment for Mr. Jones, and should not be missed by anyone seeking a new sound.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  25. LaceB
    Oct 14, 2008
    1
    I've been a Nas fan since God's Son, and this album was just pathetic. IMO he deserves to be dropped from Def Jam's label- I was seriously pissed that I wasted $ on this album. I mean, did this album get ANY singles??? no. The best song is the one with the n-i-g-g-a-r chorus...and I won't be jamming that at work or infront of my child. I mean come on Nas, slavery ended 150 years ago. I think its great to REMEMBER our history, but lets not make a whole album suck over it.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  26. ScottG.
    Jul 14, 2008
    10
    Most relevant hip hop album of our time. Period. Please listen to it and explore the ideas/concepts he is bringing to the table. This album can spark the mind of an intelligent person to create change for the better. I know It's just a record, but we need more ones like this. It's grammy worthy material.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  27. blackjewsus
    Jul 15, 2008
    9
    WTF are these critics on... this was the best album lyrically in the last three years and easily a step up from his last two... Yea the beats were average but they were still listenable and the point is Nas's flow is untouchable on this.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  28. neeln.
    Jul 15, 2008
    10
    A classic alum cant stop listenning to it since morning especially Fried chicken....Must buy for any hip hop fan.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  29. AaronJ.
    Jul 15, 2008
    9
    Ah finally a classic NaS album after "Hip-hop is Dead". Nas as always promises content and he delivers once again. The album is brilliant! This speaks to world situations all the way down to the common black individual whom is trying to make better of himself. The lyrics speak to the heart, such as my own, but the music does as well; which I have to say isn't always the case with Nas, so I'm was pleasantly surprised. Overall a great album, but I would of dropped Chris Brown for someone else, maybe John Legend?… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  30. Dave
    Jul 16, 2008
    10
    Is Pitchfork gone stupid or is the critic in their office 10 years old white girl? This is the best album in a decade, how can you compare it to some Carter III? Stupid morons.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  31. FrankD.
    Jul 17, 2008
    9
    Pitchfork is way off on their review. do they want nas to make another illmatic - he doesn't live in the projects anymore so its not going to happen. he is also now a millionaire. although nas can still get away with rhyming about the streets, how many times can he. so instead he chooses to rhyme about other topics - society, racism, America, injustice, the n-word. sure he contradicts himself and yes he has some commercial songs here - both very good songs by the way (hero and make the world go round) - but yet he ventures where most rappers would never even think about going with the exception of tupac (deceased) and dead prez (no exposure). so go out and cope the album. support an artist doing something different from the norm. by the way, the lyrics are a 10 and the production is about an 8. therefore, the album is a 9.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  32. EduardoG.
    Jul 17, 2008
    10
    Album of the Year AMAZINGLY low scores from "music" magazines and newspapers. Production and lyrics equally outstanding.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  33. SamA.
    Jul 23, 2008
    9
    This is a fantastic album. Just like (most of) his others, except without the one or two throwaway tracks that he tends to put on there. This album, just like every album since God's Son, has nothing to do with Illmatic, so people should stop talking about it!!!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  34. Korleone
    Jul 24, 2008
    10
    His best work since Illmatic. Nas does not waste a single line the entire album, the lyrics are second to none. How can you bash the production, this entire album can be played with a live band. Never has a Hip Hop album tackled such a subject and not waver the entire time (even Hero, explained the music industry hypocrisy). It is a breath of fresh air from all of the over-hyped dumbed down, tracks & hooks garbage that has flooded the airwaves for this century. We can actually LISTEN to music, thanks Nas.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  35. SamB.
    Jul 25, 2008
    10
    I have seen lots of reviews say the album sounds terrible musically, but i say for the topic at hand the album gives you a soulful feel. Especially from the songs such as "You Cant Stop Us Now" where he includes Eban Thomas from the Last Poets. "Breathe" is an oustanding lyrical song, doesn't have the greatest hook but that make you pay attention to the words of the verses more. N*GGER (Slave and the Master) has the feel of "Roots" or "Amistad" with the beautiful violin mixed with the base guitar. "Fried Chicken" fits the concept of the album beautifully. "Sly Fox" given nas' recent history, oozes his militant mind frame. All in all the only weak song on the album is "We Make The World Go Round" and the only reason for that is that it doesn't fit the profile of the album. But a wonderful sound and impecable lyrics. GREAT RECORD 10 out of 10.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  36. tl
    Aug 14, 2008
    10
    What the definition of classic is?timeless so age dont count in the booth when ur flow stays submerged in the fountain of youth!!!!!!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  37. nolanB
    Sep 28, 2008
    3
    I like Nas but this album is crap,None of the concepts he's exploring match any of the tone in the songs. A lot of people like it but i just can't relate.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  38. sosa
    Nov 27, 2010
    10
    Great album! Nas explores through a difficult subject. Only a handful of artists today can achieve what he has and successfully produce material that is relevant and thought provoking.
  39. lovemusic
    May 8, 2011
    9
    near perfect album i love nas. he is my favorite rapper he is a great lyricist. i liked this album a lot it had great messages and it was political. the music was alright but his lyricism was outstanding
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Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
71 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 25
  3. Negative: 2 out of 25
  1. Billboard
    80
    From "Project Roach," where Nas says that the NAACP's burial of "n*gger" was pointless, to "Untitled," which discusses Louis Farrakhan's role in America, the Queens MC impresses his listener while provoking social and political thought.
    Read full review
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    It's refreshing to hear a complicated record that doesn't shy from grown-up ambition.
    Read full review
  3. Los Angeles Times
    50
    More often than not, though, Nas offers windy whines instead of innovative ideas.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »