The King’s Disease series for longtime Nas fans has been nothing short of remarkable. After converging with Hit-Boy, Nas managed to shake his long-held title as worst beat selector while the duo emerged as one of the better producer/artist combinations in contemporary Hip Hop.
After the arrival of KD2 last August, Nas and Hit-Boy surprised fans with a follow-up album just in time for Christmas Day — Magic. The tightly sequenced, nine-song release was meant to tide fans over until King’s Disease 3 but easily fares as one of the more potent in the 48-year-old MC’s catalog.
Taking a page from his iconic debut album Illmatic, the LP is light on both filler and guests, with the sole features coming from A$AP Rocky and DJ Premier (”Wave Gods”), allowing Nas to maintain the spotlight.
Lyrically, Nas remains immediate and reflective as he touches on a variety of topics. The unmistakably paranoid “Ugly,” with its slightly off-kilter vibe, is focused on the dark cloud of violence and death that has always plagued humanity. As he reiterates it’s something that even fame or money can’t protect one from—and when someone’s in a financial position like Esco, it’s bound to cause consistent unrest. Referencing names such as Marvin Gaye (shot by his father in 1984), Big L (murdered by a childhood friend in 1999), Jam Master Jay and Young Dolph, he highlights the cyclical nature of it all.
Those examples also underscore the themes of betrayal that weave themselves into numerous other tracks, whether ominously noting it’s those closest to someone who will take their success the hardest on “40-16 Building” or working to expose fraudulent facades on “Truth” and “Hollywood Gangstas.” On the latter, specifically — which he dedicates to drill rappers — he references self-professed street warriors who rap more cap than a Lids location and, as a byproduct, walk around with goons for safety.
Without coming out and saying one should move smarter, he manages to subtly infer the point. Under the fiery grit of it all, there’s a sense he’s trying to steer a new generation of artists without being overbearing as an elder statesman, at least, compared to his Hip Hop Is Dead days.
Nas Puts Poetry In Motion On ‘King’s Disease II’ But Doesn’t Match Gravity Of Original
“Wu Is For The Children” is a standout, with Nas appearing heavy-handed on artists who blame career shortcomings on others; it’s also a walk down memory lane for longtime listeners, as he ponders his missed opportunity with Notorious B.I.G. on “Gimme The Loot Remix,” touting himself, Biggie and JAY-Z as the Drake, J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar of their time.
Hit-Boy’s production is grimey and refreshingly modern, giving the project vintage Queensbridge street-hop aesthetic without sounding dated. The album isn’t far removed from the formula that’s been working for the duo thus far. But by whittling the experience down to under 30 minutes, they’ve managed to make it more impactful, allowing for Nas and Hit-Boy to make their points and get out without overstaying their welcome. The formula closely resembles what worked for Freddie Gibbs and Alchemist on Alfredo, minus the cinematic touches.
King’s Disease felt like an attempt to finally put a proper exclamation point on a career most commonly hailed for a peak reached before Nas was old enough legally to drink, but what he ultimately crafted was a project capable of becoming a new context point for listeners — who would generally have used Illmatic as their example of his greatness (a fact he alludes to on “Wu for the Children”). While King’s Disease at times feels pandering and the sequel has some obvious lulls, Magic sidesteps those pitfalls. Nas and Hit-Boy’s chemistry has only grown stronger and Magic is another milestone as the legendary MC seems invigorated by the superstar producer’s commitment to giving him beats that fit his wheelhouse but don’t bore the listener.
Magic may have had a slightly disappointing Billboard debut but upon pressing play, fans can quickly hear that isn’t the aim. Nas has absolutely nothing to prove. He could never rap again and still be considered the G.O.A.T. by some. And that’s what makes his recent run so special.
Without any pressure or constraints, Nas is free to speak his truth and tell stories like a wise sage without a care in the world. Much in the same way he was able to capture his reality so vividly in the early ’90s, he’s come full circle and is able to show growth, share hindsight and impart hard-learned lessons without losing listeners with abstract, unrelatable wealth like JAY-Z or with an overly bitter tone like Eminem.
Despite how direct the lyricism is, it plays like two friends riffing in the studio and building off each other’s energy; listeners can hear how much Nas loves what he’s doing. The fact Hip Hop fans are getting appetizers of this caliber to hold us over until an inevitable third entry in the series is, in itself, Magic.
REPEAT ME:
We should all appreciate how great this album is. Nas is at peace and comfortable but in a great creative and artistic way. Respect!
You rated playboi’s Carti incoherrent s***-show of an album higher than one of the best efforts from arguably the best MC ever?
That’s one thing that’s wrong with this genre. Too many people giving too many poor opinions.
Anyway, this review by Riley Wallace is at least more respectable than Pitchfork’s atrocious review of the album.
But again, the larger issue is when a guy like Vivian Medithi sets a poor precedent by rating a mediocre album like “whole lotta red” by an unoriginal mediocre rapper like Playboi Carti , a rating as high as a 4.4/5.0
Look at the community rating for the “whole lotta red” album vs the actual hip-gop DX rating
This is what I mean by too many people giving too many poor opinions. Hip-Hop is not for everybody. Its nothing personal against him but Vivian Medithi should not be rating Hip-Hop albums in any type of capacity.
5/s5
For this to be an album to hold us until Kd3, it’s definitely holding us for sure!! Nas has definitely made a mark to be the greatest ever!!
3 peat just like Jordan. The best to ever do it. Rate the album 5,/5
4.5/5
I really like this one, it’s my favorite of his recent run.
It’s amazing the run he’s on.
Nas showing why he is the best rapper of all time
Wow can’t explain what this man is doing. GREATEST OF ALL TIME.
I love it Hitboy has Nasir hungry again the BOAT!!Best if all time!!!
Nas and Hitboy came through again. Album is crazy 5/5
Great project! The beats are so soulful and Nas lyrics and flow mesh very well. Definitely one of my favorite nas albums.
Said before and Ill say it again. Album title shouldve been Illmagic cuz its straight fire. No skips!
Bruh when this album dropped I listened to it all week back 2 back. No skips. 2 Nas albums in one year is unheard of. 21 was one the best years in music ina long time. Nas definitely helped cap it off. Nas and Hitboy is greatness. Best Rapper Alive!!
It’s a classic for me.
It’s a classic for me.
Haven’t stopped listening to this album since it dropped, I keep it on repeat, an instant classic
Possibly his hardest offering since Illmatic
Classic Nas ! The fact that he is spitting this good after 30 some years in the game ! Sheeesh!
Superb
Classic
4.3 kinda low on the rating. Real talk it’s a 4.8 because the project is that good! Play this shit from front to finish and you won’t be disappointed ???
It’s another classic! Esco hungry…
Classic.
WOW this album is a whole vibe. No skips. Nas hip hop’s fine wine.
Instant classic ?. Nas is the GOAT. ?
5/5. W classic definitely. We older Nas fans have to make sure to buy these albums to support our legends when they release new music.
Oh yeah. To the reviewers at Hiphopdx,
Playboy carti has a higher rating than Magic. That’s utterly ridiculous.
Sick album!
Excellent project! I knew it was gonna be a home run by the way he started off with Speechless. Nas putting the pressure on his peers to get in the stu! ??????
I’ve just listened to it yesterday because I found myself listening to one of the songs constantly due to Spotify recommendation. And guess what, I listened to it on repeat. So addictive. Wu is for the children.
4/5 Great album, but for being to short and compact, it feels like his “Found tapes,” (not lost. ?
Str8 ?
Great album but can’t give a 5 bcuz Nas has made better records himself. He’s been on ?ever since he started working with hitboy. 3 records in and I hope they continue to work together.
They call it magic because it’s an instant classic!
Magic is an understatement. This album it fire.
This #Magic project by NaS & Hit Boy is special. I can’t turn the album off it’s getting major spin. Salute to the God for giving us a classic this late in his career.
Best lyricist alive no ?
Amazing album, definitely prefer it to KD1 and 2 (not that those albums were slouches either). Felt like Nas tapped into his Illmatic flow.
the album was straight up fire
Speechless
Ugly
40-16 Building
Wu is for the children
The Truth
are all standout tracks
Hollywood Gangsta
Wave Gods
Meet Joe Black
Dedicated
are all good aa well
Straight ?
This album is amazing it seems like Nas is getting better with age in a youngsters sport.
KD KD2 & MAGIC IS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ FOR ME?????????
Nas and Hit Boy did it again! They made MAGIC! Nas is in his 2nd prime like Brady and Bron he keeps goin on and on, and on! ?
–
48 year old Nas closes out 2021 by dunking on everyone in the rap game. Dropping classics 3 decades deep and still “leaving they face scrunched”. No tricks, just pure fkn magic.
5/5 ??? Album. Lyrics, Production. ?
5/5 Album. Lyrics, Production. G.O.A.T
??
I think Nas got Hit-Boy trapped in his basement on some Teddy Perkins shit.
Nas is rapping like he is a new rapper trying to get a deal… I wonder how he is able to make time to get into a creative space to make these albums. Magi is definitely magic… 5/5
kay, u def read my mind. Dude rapping like he has no record deal. unsigned hype. crazy. he’s a genius. hit-boy is so dope.
Hitboy is mid.
Straight fire!!
I’ve been a Nas fan since (forever) And his most recent album (Magic) he most definitely did his thing without doubt it reminds me of the good old days, and alot of the things he mentions in the album is on point…so I give it 5 stars Nas hasn’t let his fans down. Thanks brother!!
I like the vibe of this magic album…. Speechless sets it off for me “the only thing undefeated is time” God must be on my side”- – I’m feeling that rhyme…
On Meet Joe Black “The QB chain birthed most of the chains in the game” sheesh Nas is spittin!
Listen to the album! It’s “tuff” Hit-Boy is Nas Quincy Jones foreal.
KD3 on the way, this is just an appetizer. Magic ???
Nas still spitting Fire my fav so far out of his most recent albums …Love the production and his flow over it ….Hit Boy did it again ..
Fire! except the track *Ugly*
I love these past two albums and I believe Nas is making that argument for king of ny/goat talk with these past two albums. #Remarkable
I appreciate these nine songs. Just to keep the trail blazing. Love hearing Nas just do his thing on the beat. Hit Boy going nuts with the beats. Keep doing yall thing. Salute!
5/5…. its like 94 nas took the delorean from back to the future and transported himself to 2021 and sees what is happening. 94 flow, production is wayyyyyyyyy better than salami remi , in less than 30 minutes…..
5/5
Absolutely incredible album
5/5
Fire
Nas was in rare form, he brought back 90s Nas and put together a classic album.
Exactly!
Heard the kd2 I thought that was a classic but this is a classic album too NAS is definitely in his 90s pocket.
Classic album. Nas rapping like it’s the 90’s. What more could you ask for?
This is indeed Magic.
Top notch rapping you can hear the passion in his voice.
Rare form.
Rare form.
This is classic hip hop ? the single Wave Gods was the weakest song in the album and that shows how good the album is
DEFINITELY, this is STILLMATIC part 2, Amazing album, pure boom bap ,Hip Hop . LOVE IT.
Nah
First off Only fools like Vlad from Vlad TV go on and on about NAS and beat selections. And that is because that sucks is the greatest Nas hater and troll. Many NAS beats have been fucking bananas!!!!!! And Hit Boy has just hit the sweet spot with NAS. But there are some.of the more boom nap style beats on this and a couple from the last one that wont be everyone’s taste. And some of the others will hit only with the suckss that only listen to new southern style beats. So rysof that stupid comment, the album is Banging!!! As we’re tye last two. And if this is just atease to hold us over before KD3, then I can’t wait to hear that joint!! 5/5
When it comes to Nas and Hit Boy, its like a perfect match. Nas over the years has never just given trash to his fans. The only reason a “real” fan of the art will state that a Nas album wasn’t all that good them is, the production. Nas is a GOAT that’s aging like fine wine. That’s not uo for debate. Nas has proven his value to the culture since day 0. Ive appreciated his work since Illmatic. Then his body of work is being taught at some of the most prestigious schools this country has to offer. Just whwn some countes Nas out. He gives us 3 back to back to back albums that are basically perfect in almost every conceivable category. How does one do that? Only Esco knows.
Hit Boys production alone is a work of art. KD 1 let the world know that Hit was here to stay. KD 2 made it clear that he’s a monster. Magic proved that he’s not slowing down and therea plety more where this came from. Its very rare nowadays to here a sonically perfect album. To name a few, Aquemini, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and Wu-Tang Forever. Hit Boy is the Kung-fu Kenny of production. I cant really think of any solo producer in all of hip-hop that can do 3 above top tier albums in a row.
9 tracks sounds like the perfect number for Nas. Incredible album.
“Addicted to having more”. ??
First time (IMO) I enjoyed back to backs like this. In the zone …
This album is straight ? nas is an alien on the mic!he absolutely skates on beats! He’s so good it ain’t fair to other mcs!
Dude already gave us timeless albums and still keeps dropping heat. He and Hit Boy are a great duo.
This album is mature.
Most people who review rap albums now are in their 20’s and they will not understand the music until they’re more mature.
Nas is the best rapper in the game if rap as “ye” said on Drink champs. “What does it take to be a legend like Nas is”!
3 stellar albums successively within just a year and couple of months.
Nas is Hip-hop Chosen One, period!!
Straight Fire, l haven’t seen Nas feel extremely comfortable and at the same time not compromising writing, rhyme pattern and most definitely delivery.
This is a knock out 5/5
Album was incredible. KD was sick, KD2 was amazing and Magic was is Nas charging up his Kamehameha for KD3.
It’s
It’s Nas…enough said!
First time listening to Nas and what an album. Gives off an old school vibe that is projecting his cool aura.
The GOAT nuff said sayless! Top 1 out of the 5
Dope as ever. Nas outdoes himself on this one with hot beats by hit-boy.
Fire all through
Nas the goat.
IllMagic!
IllMagic!!
Classic Nas
Nas and HB,
Hiphop in it’s purest form.
Illmatic2022
5/5
Fire, the GOAT
Album is fire ?, THE GOAT
5/5 classic
Instant Classic!!
This is exactly what I want from Nas! I really like this album.
He could drop illmatic today and people will rate it 4 stars , we just refuse to accept the fact that nothing can top illmatic we just assume he’s not capable enough to drop another illmatic. Well….I’ve been listening to Hip Hop since 1986 , and I can tell you , this album MAGIC is as good as illmatic, we just live in a fast life era with the internet and albums coming out every second. We barely have the time to appreciate this masterpiece, the way we appreciated illmatic back then , if you listen to this album enough to let them tracks grow in your head .you’ll find that this is probably Nas best album after Stillmatic. And who knows. Maybe …it grows enough to go head to head with illmatic, because this album is definitely in that Level, pure MAGIC
Nas ? greatest rapper of all time dead or alive. MAGIC!
Nas greatest rapper dead or alive officially! ?
MAGIC!