Nas
King’s Disease
Mass Appeal
Listen Below
No one made quite the entrance into hip-hop as Nasir Jones. Introduced to most of the world on Main Source’s “Live at the Barbeque” in 1991, it only took one seminal verse for the 18-year-old, Queens bred emcee to send the hip-hop world into a frenzy.
Amidst the anticipation for his debut effort, Nas was all but coronated the prince of New York City circa 1993. Nas’ inaugural LP Illmatic, released in the Spring of 1994, remarkably surpassed its lofty expectations, and has endured in the conversation of the greatest albums ever released within the genre. In the quarter of a century since its release, Nas has gone on to become one of the most recognizable and celebrated figures in hip-hop, which inspires the appropriate title of his thirteenth album King’s Disease.
On the surface, 2020 doesn’t seem like a year that has garnered much to be celebrated, but from the onset of the album, we see that the celebration on display here is for life itself. Nas uses the album-opening title track “King’s Disease” to reflect on the peaks and valleys of his storied musical career, while setting the tone and pace for the creative chemistry he shares with producer Hit-Boy.
The duo hit full stride almost immediately into the album with the second song “Blue Benz,” showcasing Nas’ vocals which exude confidence over the crisp production, replete with vocal samples of the late reggae artist and actor Louie Rankin from his memorable role in the 1998 film Belly. Already off to an impressive start, the album picks up with Nas’ superb storytelling, taking us on a trip through his rambunctious teenage years of the late ‘80s, which is complemented by the vocals of R&B veteran Charlie Wilson on the smooth journey of “Car #85.”
One of the most anticipated songs on the LP is “Full Circle,” which represents the long-awaited reunion of the original Firm supergroup comprised of Nas, AZ, Foxy Brown, Cormega. Hearing the four legends who have individually grown to become rap giants reconnect with the cohesiveness captured on the 1996 song “Affirmative Action” is both a testament to their respective craftmanship and Hit-Boy’s talent as a conductor.
“10 Points” shows Nas embracing his role as not only an elder statesman within the genre, but its broader culture, as he offers sage-like wisdom to the younger generation. With another brilliant soundtrack provided by Hit-Boy, which is somewhat reminiscent of Q-Tip’s production circa 1996, Nas delivers one of the LP’s most poignant choruses, “King, Michael Jordan gives back and you didn't know it / like LeBron does, but it's just seldom they show it / King, get ten points from one bird doin' your thing / King, 'til one of your homies decide to sing / King, I started saying ‘Peace King’ on my song ‘The Flyest’ / and after that, it took off like fire, peace, King.”
Overall, the LP proves that Nas was in complete artistic focus during the construction of the project. Although the album clearly has highlights, it remains free from filler, as every song is listenable and does not disrupt the overall fluidity. Songs like “Spicy” are successfully fun, if not overthought by the listener. Nas tries out a more contemporary rap cadence alongside Fivio Foreign and A$AP Ferg on the youthful album closer. “All Bad” is a little more age appropriate and features singer-songwriter extraordinaire Anderson .Paak to prove Nas can still create hit records with the most talented artists in the industry.
“Ultra-Black,” the album’s lead single, helps frame King’s Disease and gives it both soul and context. The skillful and versatile composition by Hit-Boy directly refutes the all-too-common argument of his Nas’ detractors, that he has a knack for subpar beat-picking. The song recognizes the positive forces that are at risk of being buried during this time of uncertainty—namely the heroism exhibited by the dedicated members of the healthcare community during the current pandemic and the unshaken determination of a new generation of protesters who tirelessly demand that mainstream America embrace the proclamation that “Black Lives Matter” and support the fight for racial justice.
An anthemic set for our current times and another creative conquest for its iconic author and highly skilled composer, King’s Disease is well-rounded and succinctly delivered, with great replay value and packed with memorable moments. For Nas’ longtime fans, the 38-minute celebration of his acclaimed career further legitimizes the commonly espoused argument that he remains the greatest rapper of all time.
Notable Tracks: “10 Points” | “Car #85” | “The Cure” | “Full Circle” | “Ultra-Black”
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