Click here to listen to full CD preview of Hip Hop is Dead.
With this album, Nas had to prove that his declaration that “Hip Hop is Dead” is not just a clever marketing ploy to stir up controversy to sell more records. One can’t make such a bold statement without having the basis to back it up and without having an album that so goes against the grain of what is current in Hip Hop. The question everyone’s been waiting to answer is, does he succeed or fall short of the incredibly high bar he has set for the Hip Hop community?
“Money over Bullshit”, the first track, is a defiant call to arms. He incites the listener to, “join me in war” and explains to his opponents that he’s “afraid not of none of you cowards but of my own strength”. Finally, Nas is taking on an authoritative rather than just narrative role in Hip Hop. He’s not just bemoaning the current state of affairs; he’s rallying for a change as he refers to himself as the General. This track makes it clear, Nas is going to forcefully and fearlessly make his case and take no prisoners in the process.
Nas makes it clear in “You Can’t Kill Me” that he’s in a league of his own. He addresses the constant provocation from other rappers with, “Niggas want beef? I want some of that cow too, but I’m in my Princely robe, simply rich.” He’s a successful and renowned rapper with nothing to prove; so there’s no point in debasing himself with silly beef with sub par wannabe rivals.
“Carry on Tradition” is a searing commentary on the lack of respect for those who have blazed a trail for Hip Hop to be force that it is today. He criticizes the adversarial Hip Hop climate with, “f*ck a bum rapper make a career out of dissing.” He calls out the desperate attempt of authenticity with a hilarious line, “You have your man shoot you like in the Sopranos to get in the game.” Nas is commanding people to have deference for Hip Hop legends and not reckless bravado; as well as an increased knowledge and appreciation for Hip Hop history. Nas follows his own lead from “Carry on Tradition”, with his ode to Hip Hop legends in “Where Are They Now”. This song can be characterized as a venerable who’s who of the legends, Nas begrudges, have been forgotten. This song is a shift from Nas’ superior attitude to that of humble rap fan. In stark contrast to the rappers he criticizes, Nas shows that even legends have to show respect to those that came before them. In this song, Nas expands on his role as the Hip Hop General by being a voice of the forgotten ones.
“Hip Hop is Dead” is a fitting segue from “Where Are They Now”; because Nas makes the case that since the founders are gone or better yet forgotten, then Hip Hop is dead. He makes this point clearly in the line, “It forgot where it started, so we all gather here for the dearly departed”. “Hip Hop is Dead” is not just a criticism of the lack of acknowledgement or even knowledge of where Hip Hop has come from, but an even bigger indictment on how far Hip Hop has veered away from creativity, artistry, and diversity of sound and perspectives. Instead of just being a matter of producing hot tracks, catchy hooks or tight yet disingenuous rhymes; Hip Hop at its best should be rooted in respect for the past and strive to produce something that people can relate to.
“Who Killed It” is a hilarious whodunit spoof that features an incredibly innovative delivery. Once again as a play on his seasoned status, Nas’ flow channels the old man on the block who knows everything that’s happened over the past two decades in the area….get the picture yet? Nas is more clairvoyant and more knowledgeable of the past than the average rapper. The song’s story is a clever metaphor for how Hip Hop’s passing came to be in a surprisingly lighthearted way. On every album Nas brings some amazingly unique flow and/or voice, and “Who Killed It” is that standout song for this album. In a word- Brilliant!
“Black Republican” off the top sounds like a song a heavyweight champion would play as he walks into the ring for a big fight. For Jay-Z and Nas, there is no bigger fight right now than the fight over Hip Hop; as both of them have been brazenly vocal about their disdain for the current state. On one side you have two legends, seasoned vets, Hip Hop heavyweights…and on the other hand you have monotony and substandard yet popular rappers…So who wins the battle? Well I would say that this song knocks the haters and the antagonists on their ass like only a few champs could. For all of those that said that Nas sold out when he signed with Jay, the song proves that they couldn’t have been more wrong. They both came with incredible flows and militant rhymes. Eff Lil Wayne and Baby, can we get a Nas & Jay-Z CD? On “Not Going Back” (feat. Kelis), Nas makes the point that he doesn’t have to prove his street credibility as he’s trying to get to the next level. The next level isn’t about getting more bling or more cars, it’s about striving for wealth, ownership, and beating the system. To expand, the “system” isn’t just the institutional things in place to make it that much harder to get ahead, but the glorified ghetto mentality of blowing money on bull shit for the sake of an image. It’s a direct response to the misguided belief that if you’re not shooting people, not hanging out in the projects, then you aren’t real or credible (Take that Jeezy!) I find it appropriate that he features his wife Kelis on his song…another way he’s defying the status quo in Hip Hop by not being about groupies; but by being a family man and a business man. “Not Going Back” means moving forward by not doing destructive and senseless things to prove his manhood (and might I add things that have nothing to do with being a real man at all). A lot of people should be taking notes from this song!Some people are “Still Dreaming” (feat. Kanye West) rather than getting off their lazy a$$es and making something of their lives is the point Nas gets across. Kanye and Nas are a great combination for this track. The second Nas verse stood out to me for its interesting storytelling. I’ve always thought that Nas was an excellent storyteller and that verse offers proof for my position.
“Hold Down the Block” is a song with gripping stories of street life and how people’s lives get turned upside down as a result of shortsighted pettiness. Nas acts as the wise adviser and offers that one can’t think the same way and expect different results. Continuing on the theme from “Still Dreaming”, the point of this song is to say that success and better living is attainable if you elevate your perspective and divert your focus away from instant gratification and doing things that will get you caught up.
On “Blunt Ashes” Nas ponders, “Did I keep it gangsta or keep it classy”…kinda ironic to ask on a song where he’s reflecting over smoking a blunt. This song is a cautionary tale about the price of fame…the downside of it. What people don’t necessarily know about the glitz and glamour of the celebrity life…is that some these people’s lives are actually mired in tragedy. The song sounds awkward at times because he struggles to stay on beat…but you can’t help but be intrigued by the stories of so many fallen celebrities. This song isn’t a matter of making words rhyme, it’s true storytelling and it’s obvious he did his homework on this song.
On “Let There Be Light” (feat. Trae Williams) Nas calls for unity in the community and unity in hip hop and makes the case again for why Hip Hop is dead. To be perfectly honest, reviewing this album is exhausting, so I’m gonna take a break on this song and let you draw your own conclusions. This is one of the more straightforward songs so I trust that it won’t be to heavily misconstrued.
“Play on Playa” (feat. Snoop Dogg) has a real old school player feel to it. There certainly is not anything groundbreaking or revolutionary on this song…but it’s how funny how they both come off as old macks that still got it but just don’t have their business on the street. Snoop stepped it up for this track and actually doesn’t sound like a clown on this song; he adds a nice O. G. flavor to the mix. Overall, it’s smooth song, but not one to listen to for the lyrical content.
“Can’t Forget About You” is another great nostalgic track. The Honorable asked me, “How can Nas drop an album called “Hip Hop is Dead” and recycle the most commonly used samples in hip-hop and recycle his own music?” To that I say, what better way to communicate a call to return to the past, what Nas fondly remembers as the simpler times than by using classic samples to invoke the same feelings of nostalgia in the listeners? Try and listen to this song and the wonderful use of Nat King Cole’s voice at the end of the song and not reminisce about the good ole days…it’s not possible…which is exactly the point of using production like this. If you listen to this track and still don’t get it…I advise you to find another CD to listen to, because this one is out of your league lol. With that said…there’s a lot I can say about this song, but I’ll just say that Chrisette Michelle sounds beautiful on the song and there couldn’t have been a more perfect choice.
“Hustlers” (feat. Marsha from Floetry and Game) is a banging song that would’ve been more appropriate at the beginning of the album. I would guess that after a song “Can’t Forget About You” which makes it almost sound like he’s hanging up the towel, Nas is trying to make it clear that he’s not quite ready to go yet.
To try and explain “Hope” would be a great disservice to the song, because I can’t do so without leaving out something important. This song makes his case as lucidly as possible. There are no beats to distract the listener from the message, just him spitting over the mic. The song answers why Nas cares so much about Hip Hop, why he feels the way he does, and what is his HOPE for the future.
So the million dollar question is: is “Hip Hop is Dead” just an old man with sour grapes begrudging the mainstream success other rappers have achieved? I think everyone is going to have their own opinion about the answer. I’ve presented his case and I’ll let you draw your own conclusion. What I took away from the album is that the debate isn’t about stupid preferences in production, but about the soul of Hip Hop. It’s about the legacy and carrying on that rich legacy in the future rather than showing contempt for it and defiling it. He offers his insight as well as the solution. Whether you agree with Nas or not, you have to admit that he at least brought the debate to the forefront. If that isn’t a small victory in itself, then I don’t know what is. If you just want to shake your a$$ to mindless entertainment, then pass on this disc. If you’re interested in artistic and innovative storytelling, then this is one you don’t want to miss.
Posted By Reecie…Post your thoughts!
Reecie
thehonorable
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