My first point is that as soon as people start mentioning production, it is then a problem. I’m not saying that you are jumping on the bandwagon. Actually, this was the first site that I saw that openly criticized the production. I decided to listen to it again to see if there is flaws in the production but while I found somethings to possibly be lacking production wise, I also realized that it wasn’t my thoughts on the production. Then I wondered why? Well, the reason is that the lyrics drive the production so well, it creates a perfect synergy because the message comes across.

Look, we are in a society of production. That is why the musical content is dwindling. I know that there are fresh cats out there producing good stuff. I just think that as long as we focus on production, production, production, we will start to lose some quality. A producer cannot save everybody. For example, Kanye couldn’t put Rhymefest on the map.

Anyway, so the knock on Nas and his career will be defined by his ability to not satisfy peoples new found panache for production. Come on.

I don’t think you can criticize a record because it is targeted for a specific audience. All music in some form or fashion has an intended audience. Great albums are defined by its body of work. If the body of work is intended for a specific audience and can branch out and expand it’s arms to reach more than it’s intention, then that further adds to its greatness. The point is that Nas feels that he has a message that he wants to speak to the black race. He’s black. His audience is black. What’s the problem? Is the problem because white, Hispanic, Japanese, or a multitude of races listen to the music? Yet, while hip-hop has evolved to be multicultural, it’s foundation was in the black community. Its great that the message can reach beyond the black race. It will help the world and society.

The Dark Knight is hailed as one of the greatest movies of all time. People are entranced by this movie. If you ask me, it’s just another Batman movie. Was it good? Yes? Was I blown away? No. It was semi predictable and while Ledger’s performance was great, would it be as great if he was alive. Who knows. It would have had it’s place in history. However, while as good as this movie is, it isn’t a movie for children. Children cannot go see a superhero movie. I don’t recall people stating that it was a problem that it isn’t universally entertaining for all ages. It’s still a good movie for the audience it was intended to be and that is what Untitled is.

Nas’s comment a few months ago in regards to hip-hop is fine. Remember, Nas’s album was made for how he felt at that time. Because of him, he inconsequentially revitalized the artform. No publicity stunt. Just an expression of how felt at a time he was creating his work.

I’m not one for record sales but the chart does speak for itself. If the beats were absolute garbage, I would agree with you. They’re not. It fits the theme and flow of the album. And no one really seems to care about the production. Sometimes, you have to look at the totality of the project and not the bits and pieces.

When I cop a new Jay-Z album I’m expecting bangers (I’m checking for his lyrics as well, but Jay’s ear for beats is a little better than Nas’s. It’s just Nas and what I’ve grown to expect from him as a fan that first heard him on the Main Source joint in ‘92.

Anyway good work as usual. Haven’t seen this many comments since Kev dropped that Malib/Doom set…good thing.

Production is certainly important, and as the manager of one, I’d like to think it is still relevant today. If the production was better on Soul On Ice, that album could’ve easily been a classic, but that album was known notoriously for having garbage production.

Keith, I thought it was a mediocre album at best. It was an interesting thought at first, the idea of hip hop being dead, then I found that there wasn’t a strong binding theme with the album. I certainly think Play on Playa is the worst song on the album, but to each’s own. I do believe Black Republicans may be one of L.E.S’ best beats ever and Kanye came nice with the verse and beat on Still Dreaming. I’m still laughing at Chris Webber being on the album

Kinge, I don’t get your first point first of all, how was the production ‘fine’ until people started criticizing it. Are you claiming that I jumped on the bandwagon of bashing the production? I don’t think it takes a genius to realize that Nasir’s ear for beat is ridiculously inconsistent… but then again, i could be misinterpreting what you are saying

The fact that this album isn’t for everybody already takes away points, especially if Nas is everywhere at majority white race audience filled shows telling people to buy his album. When Orwell wrote Animal Farm you have aspects that 14-15 year olds can look at, then themes that 30-40 year olds can look at, something like that makes something universal. This album is far from being universal.

I think you are downplaying the ‘people’ too much. Nas himself seemed lost in his “Hip Hop is Dead” direction when just a few months ago he was commented simply by saying ” no no, its fine, hip hop is alive”.. lol nice.. can anyone say publicity stunt?

And as an MC you have a responsibility that goes beyond Rhyming and Writing. As an MC you are getting paid big bucks in Nas’ case to provide for the people. That includes having an ear for beats. He exec produced the album too, so, he was heavily involved. Its not fair to say that he ‘isn’t to blame’ or anything for the lack of production on this. He too has a responsibility to attend to those listener’s needs

This album is dope. The production was fine until I read about people criticizing it. For the most part, the album is one of a message and a point. Yeah, some may feel left out because it is hard to identify with the content but it is also an insight into what the black race has to endure. This album is not made for everybody.

For years as hip-hop has turned into flat out garbage with no direction, it is nice to see one mainstream artist stay true to form. “Hip-Hop is Dead” was another album people didn’t get but that’s because they are blindsided by the trash that continually gets the publicity. I’m thankful and I believe that Nas is just the beginning. All of these great MC’s that deliver quality material may just finally get their chance to shine because people will look for meaning to the music they listen to.

I can listen to the album over and over again. It’s just that great. And if the production is lacking, so be it. I, personally, don’t think it’s that bad and the lyrics are fire enough to carry the album on it’s own because they are so powerful. You actually get lost in the lyrics. Only Nas can put out and album like this. Jay-Z or any other prominent mainstream MC would put their career on the line like this. This album has been a long time coming. In years to come, it will be a classic that people are looking for.

I agree the NY Finest was “do do”. My ear isn’t that good, but I think he totally jacked the track for “Watch Yo Nuggets” from Redman’s first joint…. for his “914″ with The Lox. The only difference is the ESG sample stands out more (in “914″) than in the Redman joint.

I’m fine with no Pete Rock. Beat has to handle his own shit first because that NY Finest album he dropped was kinda do do…

If the cd booklet says it, then yes… he probably used that

Sean I think we are going to agree to disagree on the topic of “Nas not caring about beats.” For example, on “Queens Get The Money” as we all know the lyrics were on point, but why that track? Its terrible…I think its an ego thing. I think that is what makes an artist, athlete, a good CEO, etc who they are because they have that ego to think they can accomplish something with nothing….and that track is nothing. IMO he can’t care too much about the beats if he thought that was hot. For that particular track I didn’t pay attention to the beat until I read your review today….the lyrics are that strong to me.

As far as picking Green Lantern over Remi….really don’t have an answer for that one. I’m still puzzled on why no Pete Rock after Illmatic. Nas just seems like a dude if you can get into his circle and got something “ok” he’ll give you a chance?
Maybe the problem is he is executive producing his own albums (and probably doing a huge part of the A&R of the album as well). Maybe he needs to go back to Steve Stoute and Trackmasters?

I still need the question answered about the “Message From a Black Man.

Keep Beats, Rhymes and Life on the backburner for down the line.

that can certainly be a candidate

On the other topic, I think “Rip the Jacker” was totally slept on as well. “Poet Laureate” was one of the illest rhymes I have heard from Bis, and even though his lyrical content was directed at the college educated, his delivery and wordplay was a treat for any listener, even if they didn’t know how “the maximum field rate application of runaway glaciation surrounding the ocean basin affects the population circulation on a continuous basis but that’s just the basics!!” (Don’t ask me how I memorized that, but I can explain it if you need me to LOL!)

To choose producers like Green Lantern over someone even like Remi, who didn’t get enough beats on this, is questionable. I think its also silly to say that Nas doesn’t care about beats, because every artist does. Its hard not to be inspired by a beat.

I’m not asking him to ‘recreate’ anything, but I think an album has to be based on an entire package ordeal.. and this is below 70 simply because its missing plenty of the package
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I probably won’t review Beats Rhymes right now because I just did a review for Midnight… nice call on Can I Bus though..

I buy a Nas album for the lyrics. If I want to hear top notch production I just go back to “Illmatic” or “It Was Written” (I’m a big fan of this album…really think people hated/slept on this one unjustly…”I Gave You Power” and “Live Nigga Rap” defecates on just about anything you can think of for that year).

But, growing up listening to Nas IMO I don’t think he cares about beats….I think his ego is such that he feels he can spit over anything and that ish be hot. I think he has that much confidence in his lyrics (and rightfully so). I don’t really want another “Illmatic” truthfully; I think artist get trapped in trying to recreate something because that is what people want. As a fan that owns every album he has made I’m satisfied with the direction his career has gone and the catalog of music that he has (released and unreleased). Trying to recreate that “2nd Childhood” is difficult.

As we get older we should be progressing forward and not looking back and I think that is what he is doing…moving forward. IMO. I of course want that Nasty Nas, but as a man in his early 30’s (me) I can understand the need/want to move forward. I want my favorite artist to progress not regress…..in this case particularity Nas.

Now for the sample. Did he use the Spinners joint on the Whatanuts (remake). The cd booklet has the Whatanuts (as does RZA)? Someone enlighten me please.

As always good review.

Request for review.

ATCQ- “Beats, Rhymes and Life”
Canibus- “Can-I-Bus”

I think both of these albums are slept on. The ATCQ joint just knocks from beginning to end. I forgot how much I like this joint. I thought Q-Tip’s rhymes were on point (why doesn’t anyone ever include him in the “Best Rapper Alive” debate? I think critics (if I remember correctly) didn’t think this was the “typical” Tribe joint. I don’t think people like that Tip’s little cousin was featured heavy on this joint. Also if I remember correctly the beats were blasted (how ironic that Jay Dee did a lot of production with them and critics were critical of the production, but years later he was hailed as the next coming).

“Can-I-bus” if this came out now would be labeled as a “breath of fresh air”. The production wasn’t great, but it doesn’t sound any different than what a lot of (insert favorite producer) is doing now. Of course the lyrics were on point.

Well enough rambling…I think I’ve gone past my word count limit.

I hope that helps G.C.

I see what you are saying though, the melodies are identical, but thats because thats how the original was done.

Interesting how the Spinners cut was never used, but the Temptations one always was