Whether you like Obama or not.....You gotta love Nastradamus: one of the REAL rappers still left. article http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/06/hip-hop-star-raps-for-obamas-victory/ song http://www.zshare.net/audio/1318825101e13df7/ As if the celebrations weren’t enough, Senator Barack Obama’s political triumph this week has been punctuated by a two giants of hip-hop music. “Black President,” a track that surfaced on Thursday [listen here], features Nas singing along with Tupac Shakur, whose rhymes were turned into a chorus: And although it seems heaven sent We ain’t ready, to see a black President Ten years after Mr. Shakur’s line emerged in “Changes,” a 1998 hit released after his death, Nas turns it into another reason to believe that there’s a “new, improved J.F.K. on the way” in 2009. Although the overall thrust of the song doesn’t mesh well with Mr. Obama’s postracial campaign, Nas falls into line splendidly by the middle of the song: On the positive side, I think Obama provides hope And challenges minds of all races and colors to erase the hate And try to love one another, so many political snakes However, the ringing endorsement from Nas, who is often credited with creating the most celebrated album in hip-hop history, does come with a few doubts: I’m thinking I can trust this brother But will he keep it way real? When he wins, will he care still? And he has doubts about voters too. On that point, though, he would happily stand corrected. “America surprise us,” he raps, “and let a black man guide us.”
Nas is the closest thing we have to Pac in this day and age. Too bad he peaked so soon. Nothing he did could ever top Illmatic. Still a lyrical genius though. ****s all over Jay-Z on the regular but the kids are easily fooled. If I still listened to rap it would be mostly Nas.
The first NAS album was classic and pure. The second NAS album was a little more hollywood, but damn it was great!
That was an awesome song. Nas is most definitely the top 3 of rappers lyrics wise, with Talib Kweli. One of the few people that you should actually spend your time listening to what they say. They don't even need beats to rip southern crap in half and leave all the Lil's tongue twisted.
Nas can still be hard hitting. No doubt he's looking for the bottom line, but his talent and skill is undeniable and still sharp by today's standards.
Even though his career was semi-sabotaged(obligations of his label to make radio-spin worthy music...) only a handful of artists have been as consistent. in staying relative. Lyric wise, his wordplay and flow were ahead of like 99.9 percent of the game when he came in. Only Kool G Rap and Kane had it like that. I do hate the fact that he became so hypocritical, but he had to. Oh and another thing... I once read a quote that said something like this... "To listen and understand rap, one must know it's history to fully comprehend it." When I first heard Wu-Tang Clan when I was like 13, I didn't understand alot of what they were saying... "Peace God, Power U, Son, Earth, and the Moon, Studying the 120, 85%, 10%, 5%. ETC. God Hour..." I researched it and found out that many of the group members were 5 Percenters, a cult-like religion in my eyes. Then there music made more sense. Nas at one point, was studying to become a 5%, but never did. LOL... "Do you fools listen to music or do you just skim through it." Some of you, sadly, let Jay-Z's singles dictate your impression of him. If you haven't heard Reasonable Doubt "in it's entirety", then your missing out on a great, introspective album.
The first album was a classic then he sold out -- sorry, but he did no question about it. Nas Escobar... [roll]
I like to think Jay Z could arguably be better than Nas overall. He has just made so much success and he's just as lyrical as Nas imo. He proved it from 'Can't knock the Hustle" to "Can I live II" Reasonable Doubt album became an instant classic. Sure he's had his bumps along the way and became somewhat commercial but this guy is arguably the best of rapper ALIVE of his time. (this of course excludes Biggie and Pac)
the second album was great! awesome videos too <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tJFPxtxwqQI&hl=en"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tJFPxtxwqQI&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>
no i didnt i said one of the REAL rappers still left. not only illmatic and stillmatic were freaking great. god's son was just great. The greatest lyracists of all time.
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have you guys heard hero? http://www.zshare.net/audio/132262281c88a322/ thats his intro song, ****in brilliant
