Finally a mainstream rapper taking a risk on a record! Recently plenty of mainstream rappers that I have enjoyed in the past (Jay-Z,Eminem(a review for his new record Recovery should be up in the next couple of days,etc) have sold out and made complete commerical shit that has nothing in common with their previous records. Nas has always been one of the best rap acts around and with his new collobration record with Damian Marley he proves that he is not going down the same path.
The best thing about this record is the beats. There is a lot of experimentation with the tribal music of Africa and other world music that is really original and fresh. I haven't heard beats this good in quite some time. Damian Marley's prescense also adds a whole new range to Nas's style and they suit each other very well. Reggage and rap might be two different genres,but on this record the blend is just right with not letting one another completely take control of the record. Another huge standout is the lyrics. They are extremely heartfelt about the world's problems. "Africa Must Wake Up" and "Land Of Promise" are particularlly powerful and convey the strongest message on the record.
This is a must-listen record for hip-hop fans. In a genre that is currently full of forgettable, meaningless trash, Nas and Damian Marley have made a standout record. Kudos to Nas for not selling out and sticking to his artistic vision unlike so many of his peers.
4/5 Stars
Standout Tracks
1.Land Of Promise
2.Count Your Blessings
3.Africa Must Wake Up
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