Music Review: Checking in on Nas' Upcoming Hip-Hop is Dead
Published November 18, 2006
In the end, Nas blazes this, but the combination of hypocrisy and redundancy (the more I think about it this is just another "Hate Me Now") is too much to overcome. The only question is whether this will be on Hip-Hop is Dead. XXL's listed this as a single from the album, but none of the recent track listings make any mention of it. Ah, the mystery.
The Score: 7/10
Overall, these five tracks have gravitated toward both ends of the spectrum for me. "Where Y'All At" and "Black Presidents" are two of my favorite hip-hop songs from the entire year, while "Blood Diamonds" and "The N" just didn't really do it for me. Only "Hip-Hop is Dead" landed in the middle. At that rate, the worst case scenario is that I'm going love about six songs from Hip-Hop is Dead, hate five of them, and be on the fence for the other three. I can absolutely live with that.
Even better is the possibility that the three best tracks are the only ones that will be on the actual album and that we are headed toward a work of true genius. Stay tuned.
- Music Review: Checking in on Nas' Upcoming Hip-Hop is Dead
- Published: November 18, 2006
- Type: Opinion
- Section: Music
- Filed Under: Music: Hip-hop
- Writer: Adam Hoff
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Ah yes. Stupid mistake ... but a good Plant story.
ayo i like "hip hop is dead" and i actually like the fact that will.i.am did it. i think he did a pretty good job. mad props to will
Great review. I believe 'Blood Diamonds' is actually called 'Shine On Em', but no biggie. I agree with your idea about Black Republicans and how it feels like it is from the 'Ether/Takeover' era. I can't wait for this album to come out, I have to hear these Kanye and Blaze tracks BET keeps telling us about!
Don't forget to review 'Hustlers' - Nas & The Game. That is another leaked track that is hot as hell.
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The Diddy Godzilla remake you referenced was with Jimmy Page and not Robert Plant. When the "tune" was played for Robert during a Playboy interview, he laughed and burst into a humorous rap.