The Lost Tapes II
by Nas
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Jul 19, 2019
Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
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  1. The Independent (UK)
    Jul 19, 2019
    80
    The Lost Tapes II sounds like an artist rediscovering his love for hip hop in the most joyous and satisfying way.
  2. HipHopDX
    Jul 22, 2019
    62
    Gems are few and far between on The Lost Tapes 2. Nasir Jones mostly sounds uninspired and distracted throughout the 16 tracks, which begs the question: why even release these previously hidden records to begin with?
  3. RapReviews.com
    Jul 29, 2019
    60
    He can clearly still spit elite bars, at more or less the same rate he could over twenty years ago. “The Lost Tapes 2” may be marketed as a sequel, but it’s a selection of largely forgettable album cuts that didn’t make Nas’ last few albums.
  5. Rolling Stone
    Jul 23, 2019
    60
    The Lost Tapes II, is a grab bag of loose tracks from this era, four very different album sessions, and naturally it’s a messy display of the many sides of Nas – storyteller, street life narrator, conscious MC, rap showboat, true-school historian, emo diarist – at both his most essential and least essential.
  6. Pitchfork
    Jul 24, 2019
    51
    For much of the record, Nas sounds like he’s trying too hard.
  7. AllMusic
    Jul 29, 2019
    50
    A secondary release in execution and intent, this is recommendable only to serious fans with a justifiably insatiable curiosity for what the artist creates.
  8. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jul 23, 2019
    40
    For the most part, this album, with its Avatar references (‘Lost Freestyle’) and hilariously bad Kim Jong Un punchlines (from ‘Tanasia’: “Chillin, we’re starting to think about children / And bringing them in the world with Kim Jong Illin'”), just sounds dated and like something Nas didn’t need to release.

Awards & Rankings

54
#54 Most Discussed Album of 2019

User Reviews

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User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 74 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 59 out of 74
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 74
  3. Negative: 11 out of 74
  1. Rizzyatu
    Jul 25, 2019
    0
    Most of the critic review i have seen is just pathetic. I don't know whether to call it lazy reporting or bandwagon reporting. This album isMost of the critic review i have seen is just pathetic. I don't know whether to call it lazy reporting or bandwagon reporting. This album is fire from beats to flow everything is top notch. Best Nas album in a while.… Full Review »
  2. nicartsent
    Jul 23, 2019
    9
    Best work since Stillmatic. It's an album you gotta take your time to digest. Not for an impatient generation, it's one for those with "knowledge".
  3. Kiss0fdeath
    Jul 21, 2019
    10
    Lost Tapes II is a surprisingly cohesive compilation for music that spans more than a decade across several iterations of Nas’ work. The toneLost Tapes II is a surprisingly cohesive compilation for music that spans more than a decade across several iterations of Nas’ work. The tone is quickly set by “No Bad Energy” The Swizz Beatz and Arrab Music assisted intro that fits nicely into Nas’ legendary streak of classic album openers. “Vernon Family” quickens the pace on a Pharrell Williams produced track that finds Nas repping his beloved Queensbridge neighborhood. “Jarreau of Rap” is reminiscent of “Jungle” and other jazzy collaborations Nas has done with his father Olu Dara over the years. Although this one is more experimental with Nas displaying a masterful flow over an Al Jarreau sample. “Lost Freestyle” lives up to its name with Nas freestyling off the top of the dome over the second half of this inspired Static Selektah beat. “Tanasia” is a RZA produced masterpiece that is already in heavy rotation among New York City drivers with booming stereo systems. It features sharp Nas lyrics inspired by a girl Nas knew in Queensbridge back in the day. It’s enough to make you salivate about the prospect of God knows how many other tracks that might exist from the RZA produced album Nas has been inexplicably sitting on. “Royalty” features Nas in gem dropping mode imparting wisdom over a Hit-Boy produced track with a hook that takes some getting used to. “Who Are You” is a smooth Eric Hudson track with a savage takedown of Black Civil Rights leaders who criticized Nas for his Untitled album. It begs the question why it wasn’t included on that masterwork. “Adult Film” features Nas in relationship mode addressing complex issues as only he can over another nifty Swizz Beatz produced track. “War Against Love” is one of the album’s standouts produced by DJ Kalil and DJ Dahi providing smooth beat Nas expertly deconstructs to espouse the virtues of empowerment in the Black community. “The Art Of It” is Nas at his best, decimating a Pete Rock track with blinding lyrical precision. “Highly Favored” is another overwhelming sonic wonder produced by RZA complimented perfectly by Nas’ cadence. “Queens Wolf” is a lustrous DJ Toomp beat that features Nas in concept mode while displaying his considerable storytelling acumen. Alchemist, one of Nas’ most effective collaborators, assists on “It Never Ends” which finds him using classic Biggie lyrics to frame his braggadocio flow. “You Mean The World To Me” is a melancholic soul sample featuring Nas telling a heartfelt story about a lost love. Pete Rock brings more heat on “Queensbridge Politics” which Nas uses to pay homage to Prodigy and the history of his legendary neighborhood. No ID produced the standout “Beautiful Life” the album’s defining track in which Nas goes in depth about his personal struggles with life, love, and family. Overall, Lost Tapes II is simply an amazing effort that must be placed alongside Nas’ other seminal works.… Full Review »
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