Nas holds a unique position in Hip Hop’s stratosphere. Like JAY-Z, with whom he once famously sparred on wax, he has managed to hold onto relevance as the rap game transformed and evolved.
To put his unwavering stature in perspective: it’s been 27 whole summers since his holy grail debut Illmatic dropped.
Unfortunately, the iconic Hov bar, “One hot album every 10-year average,” has also proven to be an eternal talking point within the Queensbridge legend’s career. Fans (or antagonists?) have relentlessly hammered the Hip Hop luminary for a dicey beat ear that resulted in a handful of albums some heads probably don’t remember that well — and likely won’t revisit.
His latest LP King’s Disease is a defiant answer to whether he can still scale the lofty bar he set all those years ago. From commenting on timely topics like Gayle King and the GOP (see “The Definition”) to reuniting The Firm on “Full Circle,” he celebrates Black excellence and drops a plethora of gems along the way. King’s Disease is Nas living up to the hype more so than his last few releases. This is closer to the MC we’re referring to when, without thinking, we plaster his name atop any list related to rapping ability or best to ever do it.
New Music Friday - New Albums From Nas, Mulatto, Vic Mensa & More
With Hit-Boy at the helm for album No. 13, Nas and his beats seem entirely in tune with sparse instrumentation and subdued drum loops, giving plenty of runway for the lyrics to be center stage. The creative process seems more organized and thought out, allowing Nas to do all the things he’s good at, without embellishing any of them. Notably, he plays his familiar elder role without over-preaching — the song “10 Points” being an excellent example.
The highs are packed with the lyrical cinematic experience fans come to expect from a legend of his caliber. “27 Summers,” which is possibly the brightest (albeit shortest) moment on the LP, sees him lamenting on longevity while still being on the scene. “Smokin’ weed in a tux, sippin’ Ricard/Sitting on Governors Isle with all the killers/Premier movies with my man De Niro/And Johnny Nunez got all the pictures,” he flows. Likewise, the majestic “Car 85” takes listeners on a late-night drive through New York City without leaving the house.
However, the album isn’t bulletproof, leaving several cringe-worthy moments lingering in plain sight.
Appearing to throw his hat in the “cancel Doja Cat ring” on the debatable lead single choice “Ultra Black” overshadowed and muddled the bursting sense of Black pride and love message felt throughout the record. “We goin’ ultra-black, unapologetically black/The opposite of Doja Cat” he spits, only to later admit is was all in the spirit of rhyming is just wack.
Also, on the Lil Durk-assisted ode to single Black mothers, “Til the War Is Won,” he uses a “Never me” adlib regarding domestic abuse, which feels unnecessary, given the accusations his ex-wife Kelis forced him to answer to. While the topic shouldn’t be off-limits, we’re living in a time where we’re collectively trying to protect Black women and a more appropriate elaboration would have been appreciated.
Still, this album contains far more positive than negative qualities. While the few attempts at commercial fodder that reside on the tracklist, such as “Replace Me” with Big Sean and Don Toliver, are more good than great, Hit-Boy never allows the vibe to go off the rails (although the Fivio Foreign and A$AP Ferg TikTok-ready “Spicy” comes extremely close). All things considered, King’s Disease is just as much a triumph for the “Sicko Mode” producer as it is for Nas.
3G cellphone towers didn’t even exist when Illmatic dropped, and even Nas himself has moved on. We should all do the same as well. Twenty-seven years later, the now 46-year-old MC has managed to craft a body of work with the right ingredients to age into a modern classic. If this one happens to be his final full-length release, considering the other ventures on his plate, it’s a far more fitting closing to his saga than NASIR ever could be — and that’s something to be celebrated.
Nas after 30 years is still relevant in this young man’s game.
“Unfortunately, the iconic Hov bar, “One hot album every 10-year habit,”” …. Hov says average… please quote this right… it’s important.
The author is a clown
You corrected it..well done
It’s every 10 year avg. Sorry bud.
I misread what u said. My fault, Old Head.
Nas is my favorite MC of all time. I’ve allowed the album to grow on me, but being real, I was mad as hell at these beats when I heard this. There’s not literally one beat that comes on and gets you excited BEFORE Nas speaks. So yes, Nas’ vocals completely carry the album, and I’ve gotten used to that. But I wish one of the greatest MC’s of all-time could get some production to match his greatness just one damn time this millenium besides Stillmatic. The great orator did his thing again, BUT
4.5/5 really good album
The fact that Kelis falsely accused Nas of domestic violence justifies that adlib. He had to let the people know that he wouldn’t and didn’t do that. Black women need to stop trying to play victim when that’s not the case. There are actually a lot of victims of domestic violence, but a lot of women are using that towards any man they are angry at. That’s just not cool.
On another note, 4 is a good rating, a very solid delivery, but easily forgettable. Not, IMO, a classic.
I blast this album on my Beats Pill speaker and shove it deep inside my butt hole. I’ll leave the aux cord hanging out too like a tampon string
for nas fans then i won’t be hearing it.
This shit hard
Album of the year!
Another trash review from a white guy in Toronto. Everyone I know is mad @ Dojacat for her racist song Dindunuffin and her behavior in chat rooms, why can’t guys like this get it? And it was also a double entendre that contrasts dojacat complexion with Michael Blackson, while also trying to humble or humiliate her for her behavior.
That he is.
This album is Fire!!! Love the vibe!!
I enjoyed the album upon its initial release, and that appreciation has grown in the ten days since. It is a true ‘album’ in that it is a cohesive collection of songs. The music shifts but still has congruence, while the ideas in the lyrics impressively build as the track list rolls on. This review felt a little short for such a well-put together album, but I appreciated that it was well-written and edited; thanks to R. Wallace for writing something worth reading.
Awakening!
This is so cohesive! This album proves why Nas is still top 5 even after 27 summers ! Like a real musician,he can adapt with the times without losing what got him to this point ! Fits well with the concept of King’s Disease! Can’t wait for the next album!
Take Foxy, Durk and Fivio off and this will be 5/5. Foxy basically rapped about nothing besides rapping. AZ and Cormega rapped circles around her. I feel like Nas should have higher echelon MC’s on the features. Dope album though but could have been longer. Blue Benz, Car #85, Full Circle (minus Foxy) and 10 points might be my standout tracks
Take Foxy, Durk and Fivio off and this will be 5/5. Foxy basically rapped about nothing besides rapping. AZ and Cormega rapped circles around her. I feel like Nas should have higher echelon MC’s on the features. Dope album though but could have been longer. Blue Benz, Car #85, Full Circle (minus Foxy) and 10 points might be my standout tracks ….. edited. Forgot to rate it. I give it 4.7 if I could
Agreed Foxys verse made me cringe.. so horrible. Between Foxy and Fivio I don’t know who’s verse was worse
Facts!! Plus tax! Someone should have wrote Foxy’s verse. Might be a tie between her and Fivio. I just don’t understand Nas putting wack rappers on the album. I get trying to put new rappers on but I much rather hear a Benny the Butcher or someone with bars that can hold weight.
Life long Nas fan here. This album was his best work in years. (Although in all fairness he doesn’t drop albums too often, but this was better imo than Nasir, Hip Hop is dead, and possibly Life is Good) Back to what Nas is best at street tales/wisdom over solid production.
PS Stillmatic is actually Nas’ greatest album ever NOT illmatic.
Agreed on everything you posted. Do you think nas’ Life is good is relatively slept on? Its an album i find I constantly go back and listen to.
This is a great album but better than Life is Good?? Hip Hop is Dead??? Y’all are buggin for real. Great album tho like I said.
Stillmatic isn’t better than Illmatic….You’re just more used to the beats on there because they’re more modern sounding.
Don’t get me wrong both albums are bonafied classics. I give Stillmatic the nod because it was made when most thought Nas had fallen off and he responded with an album with full range. One of the best diss songs ever (Ether), one of his most creative songs (Rewind), one of his greatest songs ever (One Mic), aggressive street anthem (Got Yourself a Gun). Not because the beats sounded modern.
Illmatic is his best!!
Stillmatic #2!!
This album a 4….. The beats are dope!!
What was it about Hip Hop is dead you didn’t like, ive seen that album get bashed a lot lately but I thought it was very solid.
I’m not sure this is better than Life is good, but the fact it’s debatable should put all this dummy talk about his catalogue to rest, LIG was just two projects ago….
This is not better than Life is Good and it’s not debatable lol Great album tho.
High quality album. Although there are some questionable moments, the beats are on point and the rapping is smooth. Nas fits surprisingly well with the trap beats.
Trap beats? Huh? Are you sure you listened to the same album as we did?
Fuck you
Another great album for Nas.
Nas is the man
All Nas albums are good except for my least favorite which is Nostradamus …
King’s Disease is a Tru gem for hip hop heads …
4.5 out of five. Damn near perfect. The lil Sean verse / song… isn’t the strongest, but very cohesive album. The king/ goat
Fire album
4.5/5 or 9/10
Hit Boy is making a case to be the new Dr. Dre of beat making. The price for Hit Boy beats just shot up. This is the Album of the Year so far. I’m giving the album 4.5 stars. The album gets better every time I listen to it. I didn’t catch the line from Full Circle about Nas boxing training telling him to stick and move until today lol. It is full of lyrical gems.
NaS was in his bag when he wrote this. Don’t complain about the quality of Hip hop albums if you ain’t buying King’s Disease already. My favorite song is probably ’10 Points’
4.5/5
We live in a time where we’re “protecting” black women this writer states. Tell that to the ten articles you’ve wrote glorifying WAP
Dope
Album of the year easily! This album is complete fire… Nas is simply amazing! He is still the best in my opinion! Everything about this album is flawless man! Proud of Nas!!! Every single song is a lyrical gift including the features. This is another classic for Nas! Rap fans got to remember in this rap game that we are talking about. Not just 1 record!!! King Disease is Complete Album! Nas is doing this at his age where my young generation cannot pull off save their a****! We just do not get complete fire albums anymore! Sad!!! Period!!! Nas GOAT
10/13 aint bad
Classic Album on the way… I give it a 5! Played this two weeks now and I cannot seem to let it go! This is fire album no doubt! Nas Is the GOAT!!!
5 out of 5! Classic album no doubt!
Classic… no doubt! Rate as a 5 easily. Every single record is flawless!
This album goes hard! 5 of 5 for me!
King Nas… GOAT
Excellent album. This is exactly what Nas fans wanted.
I can’t believe y’all even compare ESCO!!! Best lyrical influential MC!!
Probably a classic
Just sad that people don’t appreciate Nas just bcoz he’s 2 real n deep
This site is run by politically correct culture vultures who don’t even know the Jay verse they tried to quote to shade Nas. Pathetic review. Album is nearly a classic.
I agree they are PC, but culture vultures? Culture vultures for writing reviews? lmao. Fk off with that shit. Other people can support the genre financially, yeah? They have helped make hip hop what it is today, but they can’t profit off it themselves? You are a racist moron blind to your own hypocrisy. People like you are the real problem.
no nas in my playlist
Not surprised, Johnny. Probably got a mouthful of Drake and Weezy tho! #clown
Sorry to disillusion you but nowadays I mostly listen to West Coast underground music like Living Legends, Hiero, Saafir. I’d be surprised if you knew any of these.
Great album if you listen to it a few times, you realize how Great of an album it is!
Another classic
True Nas fan here. My #1 rapper since I got into the genre. Beats are average.
Wow y’all really reaching with the parts of the album you claim negatives. First off his explanation to the doja cat rhyme has absolutely nothing to do with quality of the album so wtf is that even brought up for? Its obvious the line meant plenty but after he decided its not a good look to start beef with a female pop star, which is the best choice anybody thinking otherwise is a huge fool, not much to gain but plenty to lose. Next up why would some unproven and never legally pursued allegations also have any effect on the album? He denied it, he didn’t admit to any abuse when he responded and nothing came out of it, so now he’s not allowed to say that he’s never abused a woman? How does that make any sense and most importantly how would that have any impact on this body of work? Its some pretty stupid points to make for an album review
It has everything. Perfect compatability between Nas and Hit-Boy.
Wow y’all really reaching with the parts of the album you claim negatives. First off his explanation to the doja cat rhyme has absolutely nothing to do with quality of the album so wtf is that even brought up for? Its obvious the line meant plenty but after he decided its not a good look to start beef with a female pop star, which is the best choice anybody thinking otherwise is a huge fool, not much to gain but plenty to lose. Next up why would some unproven and never legally pursued allegations also have any effect on the album? He denied it, he didn’t admit to any abuse when he responded and nothing came out of it, so now he’s not allowed to say that he’s never abused a woman? How does that make any sense and most importantly how would that have any impact on this body of work? Its some pretty stupid points to make for an album review
100% agree.
Kelis was reaching, till Nas wrote that essay on twitter (or was it IG).
Then shit went quiet.
Now you wanna slander the dude.
That’s a coward move.
If this was Eminem or Kanye y’all woulda said they were washed and called it lackluster. It was ok. Mid to lower level in his discography (a discography that has some trash). I love Nas, I liked some songs, others were average. Don’t really see why so many people are praising Hit-Boy so much, he did ok. Just because it’s better than his last album doesn’t mean this one is fire. Life is Good was the last good one, between God’s Son and then is a little rough, and between It was Written and Stillmatic was also rough. Hip hop still needs him so I won’t hate, I just dont like when goalposts are moved for certain dudes.
Classic album. I love everything about this album and Hitboy did this thing on this. I don’t get the criticism about Nas defending himself on allegations that have never proven to be true. Like what else is he supposed to do when he has maintained his position already??? Seems like the reviewer just wants him to be guilty. As for the doja cat line, she deserves that, shes a self hating mulatto, we all know what time it is wit ppl like her. Anyways, this is album of the year, with today’s climate it sticks out like a sore thumb. just completely refreshing coming from a dude that began in the early 90’s. #EscobarSeasonHasReturned
Agreed. I think the whole controversy around that Doja Cat line has just been way tf overblown. It was a clever line, that’s it. Everyone just needs to move on.
nas sounded sharp. beats were so so. (some average, some pretty good).
best nas has sounded on commercial/modern cuts, but still not the best vibe for him
this nas album is super dope instant classic grown man music !!
Dope
From Rakim to Jay Z I never heard anybody this lyrically sharp after putting out 10 plus albums period
I’ve been a Nas fan for 20 years…I would give this album a solid 4. It is not Stillmatic, It Was Written, Godson, or Untitled, but it is still a solid album. I can’t say there is any song I don’t like on the album…I love every song, I just wish some songs were longer.
I know Nas still has it in him to make a 5/5 album, and as he is now in creative mode once again, I know he will lock in and make another great album.
I’m really Glad that Nas came with great energy. He’s been my gateway to hip hop for over 25 years now. I always learn new things when he comes out with new music & he didn’t dissapoint at all. Everything thing was relevant. He talked about his life & came with Ultra Black ! I mean the people need to be told that Black is Beautiful.
5/5….
He did it again form the heart. What he has always been about. So true to his craft.
Great Album 4.5/5
True hip hop at it’s finest!! This project shows just how Nas’s content, life experiences, and perspectives have grown since Illmatic.
This album is terrible and what a disservice you are doing Nas by calling a weak album great. All his beats are complete garbage and his flow different. He still has lyrics but how good are they if they have bad beats. Being a man that was once hip hop to rap over these beats is a sin. I don’t want the subject matter of Illmatic I just want compete bars and beats.
shut up man we are too busy listening to this masterpiece.
Have to agree man. None of the beats really stand out. Its a good album but not a classic like people here are saying. I like mellow beats and listen to a lot of laid back jazz. Also like beats with subdued drums so its not like I expect it to sound like 90s boom bap but its just not THAT good. Nothing stands out here. 3.5 out of 5 for me.
Great Album. Been bumpin Nas since Live at the BBQ. This up there as one of my favorite Nas recordings. Grown man shit. Real hip hop.
Car #85 ??????? Summertime 88 NYC. Nas paint it with words. Super dope
Best album by Nas since life is good all I can say is ??????
Forgot to cast my rating.
Classic shit!
You know what time it is.
#EscobarSeason!
Master piece in our hands!!
Best album right now
had to give my rating 5/5
How is this not a classic??
Fire flames.
Classic Nas is the greatest ?
My only issue with this is that I wanted more Nas AZ.
one of the better albums of the year!
Love this album. We also have to protect black men. (Watch the clips of us getting killed by law enforcement.)
Love this album. We also have to protect black men. (Watch the clips of us getting killed by law enforcement.) It was an album that made sense… Unlike most albums we’ve heard…
We need to protect black men from other black men. Why don’t you look at the statistics? Idiots like this don’t even do the research. 9 unarmed blacks were killed by cops last year. Maybe if they could just cooperate, not resist arrest and didn’t sexually assault women and obtain illegal guns
This is a classic, hands down!
It’s more like a 4.5 to me, but Nas delivers as usual…and the Firm reunion track was FIRE.
I think this is his best album after GOD’S SON , I mean…this dude manages to make an album that has half the 90s vibe and half this Era’s Vibe. . Its like he’s swimming in both seas successfully. I give it a 4 out of 5
King DISEASE
King DISEASE is prolific. historical and on .point.
Solid album. Very good body of work. No over hype.
BEAUTIFUL WORK OF ART!!! NAS
Solid
Necessary.
Better than Nasir
This album was borderline fantastic piece of work from top to bottom. Nas and Hit-Boy did a very god job with this project.
King’s Disease is an appropriate name, because this album is ill.
The album is ?. The track Til The War is Won was ?.
This is the best album of the year. straight fire, God Son keeping hip hop alive
I think Life is Good has songs (No Introduction, Locomotive, Accident Murderers, Queens Story) that are better than most if not all the songs on this album but I’ll say this album does not have a song as bad as some of the songs on Life is Good (Summer on Smash, The Don).
This album is incredible from front to back. Not sure why he is losing points for mentioning Doja Cat or saying he never abused his wife. Who cares about Doja Cat and he was never convicted of domestic assault. Kelis admits she would hit him and attack him. But her claiming the opposite is her word only. Doesn’t mean it’s true. Cancel culture don’t ever need proof though, one accusation is all they need. Lol classic lp. Nass still got it!
*mention (since I can’t edit my words)
It’s a Nas album for the younger generation. It’s not for me, but I don’t knock Nas for it. I get it. He has a younger management group that persuaded him to do this. I’m ready for that Nas Preemo shit that’s coming tho
Nas got dozens of song sour here with DJ premier. Dudes be stuck in the past I swear…
Nobody’s stuck there…we just miss it, Hiphop is borderline embarrassing right now.
Big Nas has always been my favorite of all time,he is truly a legend, And infact he is the best who has ever did it in the game I love you Nas keep going
Good to hear a new good Nas album his best since God’s Son but not great but satisfied ?
His best since gods son? Thats not facts thats YOUR personal opinion. Personally I preferred it was written and stillwatic over Gods son. And I prefer those albums over this joint. But still dope regardless
Album is completely dope, no skips for me.
Modern day classsic!!!
Nas is the greatest to have ever done it from any generation salute my king, one love from the 3rd world South Africa.
Grown man raps
Definitely a top 5 Nas album and possibly even top 3.
Classic
To be honest, I haven’t skipped any tracks listening to this album, and what’s crazier, every day, I’m loving a different song. Well produced Nas album. It’s up there in his top 5 catalog
When Jay z was talking about 1 hot album every 10 years he was also talking about himself. It was written is pretty much better than any Jay z album apart from his debut.
You Serious? You put Jay in the 1 every 10 category? You bump your head man? How many fingers am I holding up?
TO BE FAIR THE LAST 2 JAY Z ALBUMS I LIKED ARE 10 YEARS APART. 444 AND AMERICAN GANGSTER.
Fire album and as a Nas Fan proud to see him bounce back
Greatness
I just love this album Nas still has it after all these years
yall daft at times this is a 4.5 at minimum look at the user rating idiots..
5/5 rating. Easy.
5/5 for the content and lyrics but 2/5 for the very average beat selection.. Anyone who gives this album 5/5 ask yourself which song will you go back to after 1 year…none. To be honest was expecting much better. Cormega latest album is far much better and a true classic
Car #85 will get spins for the rest of my life. So will that Firm joint. that’s two off top
WOW MAN THANK YOU FOR PUTTING ME ON THE CORMEGA. UNREAL GOOD
Man you got Joe budden as a profile pic stop it
Perfect 10… Another Nasir Classic‼️?
Album is ?????????????????????????????
Album is definitely a classic NAS is the greatest bro ?
This album was supposed to be number 1 on billboard. One of the greatest albums this year.
Album is average. 3/5. lyrics: 4/5 production: 2/5
Nas fell off.
Weak production? How so?
???yea right NAS is classic nicca ?
Your name indicates you just say hot takes for attention smh
Solid album best nas album in awhile salute ?
I love this album. Incredible marriage of beats, rhymes, and concepts! 5/5
Dope album! Nas and Hit-Boy delivered a great album!
Just popped by for your monthly review… did everyone quit or something? What’s with so few albums being reviewed on here these days?
This album is supposed to hit no 1 on the billboard this year.
NAS made a classic album whole album is ????????????????????
Only a few cuts not impress tho nas need go back to the lab and get with alchemists preemo and pete rock and etc. Bring it back to the nas we know hiphop fuck all that trying to be commercial its not working Bring real rap back its much needed don’t get me wrong nas the dude but this album won’t get a second listening too i rather listen to his old shit thats the nas i know
Nas is long gone and dead, his days are over!
There is nothing he can rap about that is worthy to talk about.
This album was just trash.
I just wasn’t feeling it. My expectations are low to be honest. I miss that Large Pro Nas chemistry
Aka Stuck in the 90s
classic.
This album is classic Nas! I just wish the songs were longer.
Nas just proves he’s like a fine wine, he just gets better with age even though he still looks 25. Truly the GOAT
Living legend still at the tip top of the game can’t be out done
Show some motherfucking respect
Classic Nas Album is definitely a 5/5
This album was dope 5/5. They just mad because it didn’t have auto tune, mumble rap, purp drinking, dress wearing ass rappers on it.
Album of the year
Solid Album, I liked how Nas came together and collabed with newer artists instead of hating on them all the time (cough) Eminem (cough). Terribly underrated album this one, in my opinion.
The album is fire so I give 5.5 rating ,this is classic and album of the years
Nas prove all his haters wrong on this. People just like to hate Nas cos of his creativity and wisdom something they can never comprehend. Jay can’t Match Nas no matter what. Even if he succeeds in buying all the publishing houses and commentators.
Well Deserved Grammy! Best album easily this past year
Top top album…
!
NAS is still certified&official