The Cold Cut

Nas has some serious issues. Huge, eye-achingly massive problems. And thank god. As rap wouldn't be nearly as interesting without people like him, who adore controversy and love to channel the world's problems into an album. The majority of the albums he has penned have a clear message, and when it's been lacking, the music struggles. 'Illmatic'- urban poverty. 'Hip Hop Is Dead'- the recent degradation of the quality of hip-hop music. 'Streets Disciple'- the women in Nas' life. And where the focus isn't there, neither is the quality. 'Nastradamas'- whilst still a cut above normal fare, arguably Nas' worst LP- flitted between themes.

9 albums into his career, Nas has finally pounced onto the biggest and most controversial subject matter. Race. And now is the time. Whilst his approach was at first a little crude, Nas confidently pulls off the album through sheer force of will- it honestly feels as if he is an unstoppable bulldozer, and we are set for demolition. Now, I am not particularly knowledgeable on this side of music (something I'm working on, guys), but I would say that this is the rap album of the year. Whilst it may not impress hard-core rap aficionados, I am unfortunately not one of those people- basically, this album blew me away, and will do the same for a frequent reader of The Cold Cut. And that is enough.

The controversy surrounding this album is close to detracting from it. In the run up to the release, various artists stepped forward to support or condemn Nas' title choice. And yet, all the controversy was in vain, when Nas buckled under the pressure. Anyone would in his situation: huge contributors threatening to withdraw hundreds of millions of dollars from Vivendi and Universal, as well as rumours that Def Jam were going to drop Nas unless he gave in. It's a small loss- the album is simply 'Untitled', due to the effects the original name (yet we all know it now), and yet the 'Nigger tape' remained (also brilliant- download it). 'Be A Nigger Too', the original choice for lead single, was also removed from the album, and was a dedicated 'street' release... He addresses the title change on 'Hero': 'No matter what the CD called, I'm unbeatable, y'all'.

Nas- Be A Nigger Too (Link 2)

I always like to see what other people think before I write my review to get some different perspectives- what a surprise, Pitchfork gave the album 3.8 out of 10, with their arguments hanging on a string- they use 'Graduation' as an example of a mentally challenging Billboard blockbuster, almost suggesting that the quality of an album is dictated by how many units it shifts, or potentially will. Interesting nonetheless, but everyone else unanimously gave it at least 8/10. It was a match made in hell- both Nas and Pitchfork are vying to get their message heard. Unfortunately, Pitchfork, Nas is an artist, and we are just commentators. So he comes off better here.

Nas- as a lyricist- is all about the ego and his views. He's always been opinionated, from an ongoing feud with Jay-Z to the various Fox controversies. Those peak hostile days have mostly passed, but Nas still has the same chip on his shoulder. Whilst his verses are largely devoid of 'my sex is greater because my dick is bigger' style sections, Nas does have things he want to prove. As in, he's the saviour of rap. 'Queen's Get The Opening' uses the familiar sample from the 'I Am Sam' theme: 'hip hop was dead so Nas breathes life into the embryo'. It's a short lived reprisal of the 'Hip Hop Is Dead' theme.

This is a mature album, relentlessly challenging and might be accused of taking itself a little too seriously. The accusations might be true, save for one redeeming factor- 'Fried Chicken', featuring Busta Rhymes and produced by Mark Ronson- 'Untitled's sole release, Busta putting in a strong contribution as a featuring artist, elevating the song with his absolutely defined brand of rapping (although he might want to watch out for Gorilla Zoe of 'Top Ranking' fame).

The quality never dips, though highlights include 'Sly Fox', a headstrong attack aimed directly at Fox News, a battle against racial bias in which Nas has been embroiled. On 'Make The World Go Round', Nas flirts with mainstream ideals by roping in both The Game and Chris Brown and then... well, the resultant song sounded very different to my expectations. Chris Brown's talents are used effectively, and The Game impresses, as always.

In terms of raw talent, Nas is currently one of the best on the scene. He has an intelligence possessed by few people, notable exceptions include Lupe Fiasco (listen to 'Dumb It Down' and tell me rap isn't one of the most intellectually challenging genres) and Common, amongst others. And yet, even in comparison to these guys, it appears that Nas is currently on some higher plane- the lyrics on this album are hands down the best I've heard in a long, long time. Unfortunately, those who have this talent are outnumbered three to one by those who market their generic brand of posturing. Don't get me wrong- I'll settle for AYO Technology any day, but a whole album stretches my patience.

Then, I realised about half way through 'Untitled', that I was enjoying the experience much more because of the aforementioned circumstances. Songs like 'America' just aren't recorded anymore, and I really appreciate their rarity all the more. If you need an example of how Nas is from a different breed of rapper, this song is a perfect place to start. In essence, this is just an extended observation of the title country, but the resultant piece of music is expansive, and more engaging than it appears on paper, with beautiful vocals from Flo Simpson.

Nas- America (Link 2)

The ambition behind the album is clear as day. Lets begin this analysis with 'Black President'- a Tupac line on loop begins- 'And though it seems heaven sent, we ain't ready for a black president'. In this song, he tells the story of the first black president of the united states, revealed as Barack Obama in the closing seconds of the song. We can only hope.

I struggled to find anything wrong with this album. At a stretch, the beats might not be the best, and that's the only area where Nas can improve. The music is still engaging, though. It just shows that putting time and effort into your lyrics more than makes up for overproducing. 'Untitled' is also thankfully devoid of skits. By this, I mean no expositional moments of random chat- instead, the vocal elements are found in most of the songs. We have a couple of monologues, but they are never lacking in actual content.

'Untitled' isn't 'Illmatic'. Thus far, no album Nas has recorded has touched that level, although from my previous experience, this comes closest. And yet, we are in a new age of rap- why ponder what has passed when there are still people around making engaging music? I think Nelly (of all people) said it best in a random interview with NME a few years back: 'Who says hip hop needs saving? The original rock music has been dead for twenty years and they seem to be doing alright.' Although Nas keeps pointing it out, he is the very man who makes me question whether hip hop needs saving at all. 'Untitled' is just fuel to the fire.

'Untitled' can be purchased from Amazon.