The song closes on a powerful note – Nas’s address abruptly gives way to a 1996 recording of American rapper Ed Lover interrupting one of Nas’s New York performances to announce the sudden death of Tupac, requesting a moment of silence for “one of the greatest rappers that will ever live”.

He deals out history lessons on “Death Row East” – in which he claims the shooting of Tupac in an attempted robbery in 1994 wasn’t organised by Queens rapper Stretch (who was killed himself in a shooting the following year) – as had been rumoured. His music has long been driven by a desire to teach stories you won’t find on school curriculums. On his latest album, Nas revels in his role as an educator. A wordsmith, revered elder statesmen, teacher, storyteller: the legend around Nas is all-encompassing – and with King’s Disease 2, continues to be well-deserved.

While most of today’s prominent rappers were not yet born when a 20-year-old Nasir Jones was coming up in New York City, you’d be hard-pressed to find one that doesn’t cite his 1994 benchmark debut Illmatic as an inspiration. His journey from baby-faced teenager growing up in the Queensbridge projects to prodigious MC is well-known. I rate this album 1-10: 8.For Nas acolytes, the rapper’s story is practically scripture. Hit-Boy’s production on this project is really well done. This album feels modern and captures the current climate, while carrying a nice nostalgic feel. The list of features is lengthy, although, Nas’ presence is heavy and consistent, he never feels pushed off the records. Excising awkward elements of his past to craft an instant quasi-classic record, it leans on the towering peaks of his catalogue to create a nigh-on perfect merger of then and now. This album has really sharp features including Anderson.Paak, Big Sean, Lil Durk, The Firm, Don Toliver, A$AP Ferg, upcoming Fivio Foreign, and more. 2021 Nas crafted a sublime stake for hip-hops throne with 2020 full-length ‘King’s Disease’.The struggles of trust, envy, and vultures can impact everyone in different ways. The term “King” is broken down nicely on a track titled “The Cure” where he is quoted as saying “Every man goes through the same Mondays and Fridays, same Sun, Moon, and Stars…it’s just how you stand as a man” The album often gives advice and insight on what challenges come with remaining at the top whatever it may be for you. Although “making it” isn’t limited to the rich, as Nas uses a broad brush to define it, which includes all walks of life and covers many different social positions. Dre rarely outshines the all-time great MC on what might. This album has a recurring theme of Black-Empowerment, uplifting women, and advice for people that “make it”. Nas ‘King’s Disease’ review: a royal return to form for rap’s original scholar All-star cast from Anderson. Nas comes back with a 2020 album release “King’s Disease”.

Nas new album review