Nas proponents might state that since Ni**er opened at number one Nas was successful in reaching the public with his message. Unfortunately, chart success does not correlate to public understanding. Billboard and SoundScan records show that Nas has a built-in fan base, strengthened by years of consistent output, with four of his previous efforts also debuting in the number one spot.
Putting things into perspective, Nas' 2006 album, Hip Hop is Dead, moved 355,880 copies in its first week with similar media pageantry. And despite all the hoopla behind Nas' publicity stunt, Ni**er crashed as soon as the Eagle landed. Sales figures for the album's first two weeks equate to only 250,357 — 70.3% of the first week sales of his previous effort. (Nielsen SoundScan reports that Ni**er moved 187,078 copies in its first week of release and 63,279 copies in the second.)
Considering the fact that Nas and Kelis paraded around the GRAMMY Award ceremony in "N.I.*.*.E.R." t-shirts, I wonder the true motive of Nas' Ni**er project. Is it safe to assume the couple wouldn't have worn such an outfit to the NAACP Image Awards? Even so, why "rock it" then "drop it"? Shouldn't an artist defend his/her work at all costs, even if it means distributing it, as-is, for free? I don't believe a true prophet would put a price on a message whose time has come.
What pressure made Nas, who is a living hip hop legend, "buckle" and drop his title? Even more, if Nas was really trying to make a statement (and was really infuriated about the entire debacle), then why not release "N.I.*.*.E.R. (The Slave and the Master)" as the lead single? The release of "Hero," instead, seems like a poorly calculated "chess move," since it was devoid of controversy and happens to be the album's most "radio-friendly" cut.
Article comments
1 - Kevin
I agree, this was a well-written argument. The New Yorker magazine caused a bigger stir because they refused to sensor their cover, although the message was mistaken, it was subject to a massive debate by all mediums. Nas' eventual dropping of the title drastically weakened the message. I've listened to the album many times, and absolutely love the album; but his purpose to diffuse the word most definitely failed. What he accomplished was AWARENESS. The select few who actually listen to this album and get something out of it will undoubtedly be enlightened. As I've defintely researched the likes of Ivan Van Sertima, Louis Farrakahn, his view of women's right's mentioned in "America" The actual interest that those who listen to rap in "white suburbia" actually care for black people, the struggle from slavery to civilization, and the strength that we must have to be able to endure 400 years of slavery and to now dominate nearly every aspect of life, from sports to entertainment to now politics, how America sensors our text books by not highlighting that our American Heroes were undoubtedly slave owners, "Bet she had a nigga wit' her to help her old as*". Rap may not be the best medium to diffuse the word, but those of us who listened to the album and want to make a difference now have the initiative to make the change simply by listening to the album.
2 - JP
Clayton,
This is a good argument.
Nas is one of my favorite artists and always manages to creatively produce a positive message, while not getting too preachy. And at the same time, he seems to have become a master at innovative marketing tactics. his last two albums have been based on themes that are mad controversial, and the titles have reflected this, thus giving him some free marketing in the mainstream press. The more controversy one stirs, the more people are interested.
All the same, I thought Untitled (formerly known as Nigger)was off the chain (content wise). And although I have never heard him explain the purpose of his original title very well, and I was disapointed that he changed the title and gave in to the pressure, it will still be remembered as a very significant piece of history and artistic vision.
3 - TYDIED
There does come a time when the album cuts do become bigger than the album Title, when you're distributor says that no major retail chains will pick up an album called N**GER, you realize that the chips are stacked against you and the decision has to be made right then and there, which is do you kill the product for the sake of the title or do you forsake the title and keep the message flowing?.
We all must remember that a record contract is still in some instances indentured servitude with you master owning your masters.
Yes. NaSir Bin Olu Dara Jones did sacrifice the title but message remained...
ONE LUV