Nas’s Second Coming: XXL Rates God’s Son’s Resurgence

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  • nas-600x400
    Nas’s Second Coming: <i>XXL</i> Rates God’s Son’s Resurgence
    Over the last year, Nas has been on an absolute roll. Queensbridge’s finest has been flexing his lyrical muscle on tracks for everyone from Rick Ross to K’Naan to Amy Winehouse. God’s Son hasn’t sounded this hungry since the 1990s. With the QB MC delivering yet another stellar verse on Tyga's "Kings and Queens"—from the Young Money rapper's recently released <em>Careless World: Rise of the Last King</em>—<i>XXL</i> gathered Nas's work over the past 12 months and rated just how Nasty Esco is. Carry on Tradition!—<i>Jesse Gissen</i>, <i>Adam Fleischer</i> and <i>Mark Lelinwalla</i>
  • 1x1-1
    Nas on Raekwon's "Rich and Black"
    <object width="620" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1WFTDSx_-uk?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1WFTDSx_-uk?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="400" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><b>Release: March 8, 2011</b><p><b>Rating: XL</b></p><p><b>Best Line:</b> “Rare nigga, I’m a wonder/Your best success is my worst blunder.”</p><p></p><p>Reunited after years, Nasir and Chef deliver with potent lyrics on “Rich & Black.” From his opening bars, Nas comes correct.</p><p></p>
  • 1x1-1
    Nas on Mobb Deep’s “Dog Shit”
    <object width="620" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/exwhUGaw1pY?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/exwhUGaw1pY?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="400" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><b>Release Date: April 4. 2011</b><p><b>Rating: XL</b></p><p><b>Best Line:</b> “Yo every gang/Every hood’s/In my veins/It’s my thing/It's real/I’m in tune/I chill/Like the cold sign of the moon/Silence you dudes like an empty room"</p><p>For Mobb Deep’s first song since Prodigy’s release from prison, they recruited longtime fellow Queensbridge poet, Nasty Nas, to celebrate on wax. On the dark plotting track, produced by Havoc and The Alchemist, Nasir speaks on men being freed from lockwdown.</p>
  • 1x1-1
    Nas on CJ Hilton’s “So Fresh”
    <object width="620" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/V4RBkXhmXCk?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/V4RBkXhmXCk?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="400" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><b>Release Date: April 24, 2011</b><p><b>Rating: L</b></p><p><b>Best Line:</b> “She was a drug dealer’s dream/Shape mean/Good credit for the team.”</p><p>Seemingly out of nowhere Nas jumped on this R&B jam from newcomer CJ Hilton, adding a verse about a bad chick with a fatty that he met outside of divorce court.</p>
  • 1x1-1
    Nas on Common’s “Ghetto Dreams”
    <object width="620" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Qiudw2Rg2v4?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Qiudw2Rg2v4?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="400" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><b>Release: July 2, 2011</b><p><b>Rating: XL</b></p><p><b>Best Line:</b> “But I’m still single lookin’ for Cleopatra/African queen, yo look at me I’m a bachelor/Y'all niggas in trouble/Keep your girls behind closed doors/Cross your fingers, be happy I haven’t chose yours.”</p>Nas plays closer after two Common verses, as the lyrical duo sparks news that they’ll be working on a full project together.
  • 1x1-1
    Nas "Nasty"
    <object width="620" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wo97R0ib1CE?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wo97R0ib1CE?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="400" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><b>Release: August 9, 2011</b><p><b>Rating: XXL</b></p><p><b>Best Line:</b> “Any rebuttal to what I utter get box-cuttered/Count how many bad honeys I slut, it’s a high number/Name a nigga under the same sky that I’m under/Who gets money, remain fly, yeah, I wonder.”</p><p>Nas returned to the game strong, with the super lyrical “Nasty," which has him exhibiting the same kind of nimble wordplay that made him a hip-hop icon in the 1990s.</p>
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    Nas on Lil Wayne's “Outro”
    <object width="620" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MSXbeGLf85I?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MSXbeGLf85I?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="400" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><b>Release Date: August 29, 2011</b><p><b>Rating: XXL</b></p><p><b>Best Line:</b> “Smack adolescents who ask who the best is/I'm nasty like gas from a fat man's intestines/I pass it, you gaspin' for breath and you die fast”</p><p>To help round out Lil Wayne’s <em>Carter IV</em> “Intro,” “Interlude,” “Outro” trilogy, Nas spits a monster verse that clocks in at almost a minute and a half. In it, he uses verbal gymnastics to remind listeners about his longevity and influence, and in the process displays many of the skills that got him to that legendary status. </p>
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    Nas on DJ Premier's “Regeneration”
    <object width="620" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kiMb45BSLQ8?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kiMb45BSLQ8?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="400" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><b>Release Date: October 26, 2011</b><p><b>Rating: XL</b></p><p><b>Best Line:</b> “You know the flow's administered/By the deputy, rhyme prime-minister/Sir Nas, I'm certified.”</p><p>Any time Nas and DJ Premier have teamed up during their celebrated careers, the outcome has been pure magic. This offering, though a bit different sounding, yielded similar results. </p>
  • 1x1-1
    Nas on Mary J. Blige’s “Feel Inside” Nas on Mary J. Blige’s “Feel Inside”
    <object width="620" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tPU109IoCUU?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tPU109IoCUU?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="400" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><b>Release Date: November 21, 2011</b><p><b>Rating: XL</b></p><p><b>Best Line:</b> “I’m not at all happy or elated/This category ain’t my favorite/It’s my story Imma state it/You could love it or hate it”</p><p>Over the same sample from Wu-Tang Clan’s “Triumph” Nas joins the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul to tell a tale of heartbreak.</p>
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    Nas on Mobb Deep’s “Get It Forever”
    <object width="620" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/P7m5KxWp1s8?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/P7m5KxWp1s8?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="400" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><b>Release Date: November 21, 2011</b><p><b>Rating: XL</b></p><p>Best Line: “No clip in your glock/You ain’t prepared to fire/We call that riding with no air in your tire”</p><p>Nas links back up with M-O-B-B for this standout cut from their comeback EP, <i>Black Cocaine</i>. On the mencing banger, God’s Son closes out the track, spitting cinematic Queensbridge murder raps.</p>
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    Nas on Amy Winehouse’s “Like Smoke”
    <object width="620" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DdvWyn7Q-N0?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DdvWyn7Q-N0?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="400" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><b>Release: December 5, 2011</b><p><b>Rating: XL</b></p><p><b>Best line:</b> “Y’all know the story, y’all know the commentary/I kick the narrative, this is legendary/The good Samaritan, hood thespian/Like a polygamist, with a twist/Will I marry again? Maybe I guess.”</p><p>Nas spent the bottom portion of his verse, questioning why Amy Winehouse, who he called his sister, had to die. “Huntin’ for the answers, why did God take away the homie?” Nas questioned. “I can’t stand it. I’m a firm believer that we all meet up in eternity, just hope the big man show me some courtesy.” Nas even confirmed that Winehouse’s song, “Mr. Jones,” was indeed dedicated to him.</p>
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    Nas on Rick Ross’ “Triple Beam Dreams”
    <object width="620" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pjoW4Nt-9Mk?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pjoW4Nt-9Mk?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="400" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><b>Release: January 6, 2012</b><p><b>Rating: XXL</b></p><p><b>Best Line:</b> “My junior high school class, wish I stayed there/Illegal entrepreneur, I got my grades there/Blaming society, mad, it wasn't made fair/I would be Ivy League if America played fair/Poor excuse, and so I was/Throwing rocks at the pen just for the love."</p><p>Rick Ross brought the best out of God’s son on “Triple Beam Dreams,” on which Nas turns in what’s highly regarded as his best verse in recent memory.</p>
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    Nas on K'Naan's “Nothing to Lose”
    <object width="620" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kn3TFkxFKeE?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kn3TFkxFKeE?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="400" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><b>Release Date: January 19, 2012</b><p><b>Rating: XL</b></p><p><b>Best Line:</b> “I’m voicing my opinions, I forgot y’all was there/I ain’t know y’all was still listenin’, be honest I ain’t care.”</p><p>In his vintage storytelling form, Nas teams with K’Naan to recount tales of the depths from which he rose. </p>
  • 1x1-1
    Nas on Tyga's “King & Queens”
    <object width="620" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/a0Whf0_BrFY?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/a0Whf0_BrFY?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="400" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><b>Release Date: February 21, 2012</b><p><b>Rating: XL</b></p><p><b>Best Line:</b> “You’re in the presence of a majestic, esoteric/Message from the most ghettoest king, worldwide respected/I can say ‘ghettoest’ ’cause I come from where metal spit/Praying to God I can slide and slip out the Devil’s grip.”</p><p>Esco hops on this track from Tyga’s <em>Careless World: Rise of the Last King</em> album, alongside Wale, and talks greasy while putting on for Queens and boasting of his own greatness. </p>

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  • 1trakjack

    gotta give props to that “ive been in pressed silk since breast milk” line at the end of kings & queens, come on nowww

  • francis nasim

    hello. my name is nasim and when i swaw this rapper had the same name,i thought i’d stop by and say hello.uh-bonjour,lemme see uh je’mapelle.stay out of my way or ima beat you like oprah-hey diddy you are tasty!!

    • Jay

      His name’s not Nasim, it’s Nasir. Sorry to piss on ya bonfire. :p

    • Hunter

      It’s Nasir, not Nasim. And personally, I’m skeptical of this new album. It feels more mainstream, like It was written. I’ve loved all of Nas’s albums, but so far, not enjoying this one. It’s like hearing Blue print, and then hearing Blue print three. Not the same person :/

  • QuietRiot

    I think his verse on “Outro” is his best of the past year.

  • Jey Escalona

    Wouldn’t it be Nas’ instead of Nas’s??

    • mihdey

      Nope, Nas’s is the correct form because it is a singular possessive. This is a common mistake most people make. Singular form of the possessive always has an s following the apostrophe. The only exception to this rule are old names such as Jesus, Moses, and Isis.

    • Akash

      No, Nas’ would be if you were talking about more than one “Na”

  • Ricardo

    He’s been a complete beast the last year…Now it all depends on the production of his solo album! I’m just hoping that he finally recognizes why fans always harp on him about who he needs producing him & why! Nas brotha, make sure you get guys who understand that NYC sound & will push you. Not flavor of the month producers ( Hit Boy, Kane Beatz, Da Internz, etc)

  • Ricardo

    He’s been a complete beast the last year…Not it all depends on the production of his solo album! I’m just hoping that he finally recognizes why fans always harp on him about who he needs producing him & why! Nas brotha, make sure you get guys who understand that NYC sound & will push you. Not flavor of the month producers ( Hit Boy, Kane Beatz, Da Internz, etc)

  • @EBreeezy

    Best rapper alive! This can’t be debated…

    • NAPTOWNNUISANCE

      Yeah It can be debated. Nas is ill as hell no doubt but not the best alive.
      Rakim is the best alive in my eyes Then Eminem Then Scarface I would put him in 4th or 5th out of the best alive. But it is all opinion so who cares.

      • qb true g

        eminem? kill yaself

      • DerickMP

        Nas………Boyyyyy..lol

    • DerickMP

      Right…Right…!!!

  • http://twitter.com/mostelitelady MostEliteLady

    I’ve been a fan since Illmatic, It Was Written, Death Of Escobar (unreleased), I AM, Nastradamus, QB’s Finest, Stillmatic, Gods Son, Streets Disciple, Hip Hop Is Dead, Untitled, and now I’m patiently waiting on LIFE IS GOOD! NaS is THAT Nigga. LOL.

    • werd

      You forgot The Lost Tapes.

  • y

    he must be goat

  • yes

    Like Steve Stoute stated to Complex Magazine: “Nas is truly a real ARTIST.” Nas is what most hip hop artist dream to be passionate, versatile, vulnerable & most importantly talented. Nas has been tearing lyrics up since Live At The Barbeque…so what he has done to lyrics in past year is NO surprise to me. Nas is truly the GOAT!

    • land lord

      CHUUUUCH!!! XXL I appreciate da article but y’all truly robbed my boy. D#mn near every song U gave him an XL for was actually a XXL easily. U gave him an L for dat CJ Hilton rmx in which Nas effortlessly k*lled. But Anywayz Nas NEVER gets his true props so never mind me….

  • http://chancej.blogspot.com Chance J

    Nas still one of the greatest he top 3, he should be higher in peoples eyes but I don’t think that has ever been his goal but if it were he would be #1 easily if he made moves like Rick Ross and them but he rather be low key, these verses have inspired me for the day

  • GOATmaybe

    Damn a few tracks here I didn’t notice great article. People are hoping this album would be the next Illmatic. Hell I’d be happy if it was the next Stillmatic.

  • Shamar

    gotta give it to Nas the best rapper out there

  • Настоящий рэппер

    Well,these news are wack.We are those who stand the truth,we are those,who nuh see the future in dj khaled and tyga music,we say: Nas is the greatest mc and he doesn’t need to prove that he is number one mc by rapping with fake rappers,we call them rappers because they aint got rights to call themselves a mc,so the only thing that we believe is that next nas album will blow every bloodcloth mind by its truest hip hop sound

  • Adonri

    Nas! a true God’son, not a religious monk, but a true priest who carry God in his spirit…..Nas I love you till death take me away..1

  • hannibal

    those verses on amy winehouse are insane

  • mr.alfred

    nas never fell off!

  • QB Tru G

    If he retains this hunger for ‘Life Is Good’ I think it will be like Stillmatic Part 2, which would be a fucking great thing

  • Esco_c

    we need another illmatic!!!

  • TiiDo

    Nas has been in supreme form all year long. Really has been a piledriver, now he just needs to score one last classic album. He could take a note off of Raekwon’s ‘Only Built for Cuban Linx II’ in terms of producers to work with. I see an outstanding album coming if he links up with the correct producers i.e Salaam Remi, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, The Rza, Just Blaze, Maybe a Hi-Tek beat, Definetely No ID, guess it depends on the direction he takes with his new project. A collab with the Roots would be a good look too.

  • QKA

    No doubt most dangerous MC ,Worlds finest

  • http://www.thedropnyc.com Bryan Digital

    great article and get the latest from Nas at thedropnyc.com

  • el negro

    yo the version of triple beam dreams ya’ll have up their is dragging , it’s slowed up please put a more proper version up

  • BangEm

    Nas > your favourite rapper

    best in the game for a while now.

    has pure classic albums under his belt and is a top 2 at worst IMO when it’s comes down to the greatest to ever blessed the mic.

  • that nigga

    Regeneration!!!!!! Triple Beam Dream, Dog Shit…..He basically bodied everything he was on this year, cant wait fo the album.

  • nthnbrt7

    The best wining streak of all time….hit after hit

  • mona

    yeah let do it nas ya

  • Erik

    Nasty nas is back, Jay can go and retire now. He have fell off, the KING IS BACK

  • nattyblow

    Thanks xxl for taking time out to notice Nas bn killin it all year . great post.

  • Mikey G

    they shoulda put nas verse from patience with damien marley. ILL

  • Ming

    give’em some color see see!

  • Pingback: Nas Not Starting New Label, Contrary to Reports | XXLMAG.COM

  • Geert

    Speedboats, three tokes and pass it
    Grass lit, hittin’ slopes in Aspen
    No coat, just an oath to stay thorough ’til we back to ashes
    Driven in fly sedans to the MGM Grand
    Picture lots of sand, two blondes, implants
    Remy in hand, we tryna tan, deal my cards with an honest hand
    A modest man, aware of any counter-scam
    Palm trees, magnum Don Ps, LV monograms
    Hottest girls flew from Rio
    Mojitos, mucho frio, my libido
    Sex so strong, without the E, though
    Hollow threats, we don’t see those
    Higher death toll whenever we roll
    That process is pivotal
    My pitiful poverty-struck criminals will get a Jew
    Then we lounge in a Spanish-style house
    ‘Til it all blows over, Dolce Gabbana out
    Contemplatin’, there is no bond with Satan
    Say a little prayer for me like Aretha Franklin
    For my hustlers, here’s some motivation
    He who has begun is half done, why you waitin’?
    I’m too impatient to pray, too much patience for stress
    It’s too much paper to rest, fuck around, you face death
    I know some niggas from Astoria
    That’ll cut your daughter up
    Like I used to cut a quarter up
    Makin’ all the bucks, banana clips I bought in Georgia bucks
    Kill all you fucks, easy
    I be on the golf cart, sleepy
    Y’all beneath me
    Y’all be at the pawn shop, pawnin’ watches
    Obnoxious, can’t stop us, we shottas
    Say you killin’ Pablo? Impossible
    Nonsense, preposterous, bizarre at best
    Unfulfilled promises
    I feel intelligence is my wealth
    However, how enormous is Nas’ pockets is a pop quiz to gossipers
    See me at the Oscars, lookin’ dreamy, hood opulent
    Means esoteric, how I wore it
    Exoticness makes you curious to see how serious my closet is
    Shareholders wanna invest in that Nas stock, it’s just
    We be on that real shit, luxury four-wheel shit
    Niggas actin’ thirst on some just-got-a-deal shit
    Ha, for that victory we will kill shit
    Get out the way, playboy, this is real shit

    …..N.A.S = GOAT