No disagreement with what you said. Preaching to the choir is what I’m doing. lol. I just had to get my 2 cent in on the topic!

One!

I follow on your analysis/metaphor. But, after taking in Nas’s latest dish, I’m full. To me his music is for grown folks or should I say the fans that grew up with him such as myself (and you since you’re a Nas head). I expect this type of album from him. Thought provoking lyrics and a back drop that doesn’t F up the message. I have an understanding of what you’re getting at though.

I’m a lyrics first guy so I pay attention to those first (for certain artist). Now don’t get me wrong…I like some artist who are lyrically challenged, but I listen to them for a few gems they may drop and the production, but for Nas…lyrics come first. What comes to my mind is the line that Master Killa says in “Triumph”…..”the dumb are mostly intrigued by the drum” (or something like that). Now not saying you or Sean or anyone else are “dumb”, but that line made me focus or forced me to listen to what someone is saying first. It made me look at my Hip Hop differently.

Now I like that “knock” I grew up on the boom bap….I don’t want that to be lost in all of this. I’m not saying production isn’t important, but to me an album shouldn’t be “deemed” a disappointment because it doesn’t have the “in producer” on it; likewise an album shouldn’t be deemed a “great” or “classic” album because the production is above average and they aren’t saying anything. Now you didn’t say any of the above, but just my thought about the production issue.

The production wasn’t the “worst” I have heard. The message he is trying to convey to the listener isn’t lost within the production. Is the production on the level of “Illmatic,” “It Was Written” (which I love btw) or even “Stillmatic”…no. I think the beats/production is adequate for the message and theme that he is trying to get across. I think the theme of self awareness, issues within the black community, etc were well thought out and executed perfectly to me.

I did not think that the hype surrounding this album was just for promotional purposes. The title did spark a lot of interest and had everyone talking, but isn’t that the point? To get people to open up dialogue about social issues, music issues, etc? This has been Nas’s M.O. since he came into the game. I think anyone who believes that need to go back in his discography and check out “Black Girl Lost,” “Ghetto Prisoners,” “I Want To Talk To You,” “God Loves Us,” “New World,” etc. These songs would fit into the theme of “Untitled”. My point in naming these songs is he has always touched on these topics with production that fit the song. Now these songs are probably not the most popular in his catalogue; but I think it shows he isn’t worried about production too much or as I’ve said before he “doesn’t care” about production; just about getting his message across. I would like to see Nas hook up with a 9th Wonder, Just Blaze, Ye (again), Alchemist (more often), Preemo/Pete Rock/Large Pro (again), but I know that isn’t going to happen. Nas is cursed by “Illmatic,” after dropping that he could only go down.

I like The Game; I think when focused he has dropped some gems and has the potential to make a great, great album. The issue I have with him is; he is three albums deep into his career and every project he has released is feature heavy. I don’t think I can make a 80 min CD of just Game cuts (no guest). But, when I pick up a Game album I expect this and accept this fact.

But, I think we will agree to disagree about the new Nas album and this Game release. I don’t think LAX is better than Nas’s joint. But, I respect everyone’s opinion about the topic. Dialogue is good. Love everyone’s passion about this music.

BTW…I wish I was a “young grasshopper” or at least younger than I am. I wish I could go back about 7 years for about 3 days…..oh the fun I would have.

The album is getting a lot of spins. I’m convinced Angel is one of his best songs.

ONE!!!

I know this as a manager of 2 producers myself, new artist especially need that choice so they can find where their upmost passion lays in the track. Of course, they can only get that passion from beats that evoke it.

I’ll give him credit for at least 1 1/2 years, but not 5. Before I get the hate. I like Game. I think he is a good rapper.

Anyway off topic again. Enjoyed the review.

Of course you know I disagree with your assessment, but you answered my question. Can’t be mad at that.

While the lyrical ability of Nas is superior to Game, Game’s ear for beats in the last 5 years is superior to that of Nasir’s. And the production on the album more or less put it above Nas.

Also, I felt that Game was fairly consistent. Like man,y I’m not a huge Game fan, but I give him his respect when it is due.

Even though I’m a reviewer, I’m also a person, and I must say the hype and anticipation for Untitled also dropped that score down a bit

To TFF.. I can only laugh at that. One Dimensional is only in my vocabulary when talking about posters who post one line of hate and incorrectly judge the review.

This doesn’t seem like a 70+ album, in my opinion. I don’t have a rating for it; but doesn’t seem to meet the criteria for 70+.

Lyrically, this album doesn’t hold up to the Nas joint. The production may be slightly better than Nas’s joint, but as I’ve stated before IMO Nas’s lyrics outshines the production just about everytime out.

When Game is focused he has songs like “My Life” and other songs above; but when he isn’t we get “Game’s Pain” (btw wastes a good Keyshia Cole appearance) and “Touchdown”.

I am not the biggest Game fan, but this came off as if the reviewer was out for a negative Review from the jump…..