Released in 1996, "It Was Written" was the second album by Nas and his biggest seller to date, most probably due to the popularity of his debut, which was considered to be a classic by most Hip Hop fans, and general music fans too as it was refreshing in its lyrical depth and originality, and ... Read review
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Advantages: Consistant quality Disadvantages: Mobb Deep
...general music fans too as it was refreshing in its lyrical depth and originality, and everyone expected the same of this, but second albums are notorious for being let down for fans would expect to hear something based upon the original, but the artists tend to want to advance. 1. Album Intro 2. The Message As this album was relased in 1996, the height of the East Coast-West Coast rivalry, tension were high between rappers from Cali and New York ... ...slug" you immediately belive that it is a sublimial directed towards the Cali MC 2Pac, who was known as a 'thug' at the time. It resulted in a beef between the two, even though it was directed at the person 2Pac hated most, The Notorious B.I.G. (wo claimed to be the King of New York), it was fortunate that wit was settled proir to 'Pac's murder later on in the year. When you hear "...there can only be one king." later on in the rap, you can hear ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Great Lyrics. Disadvantages: Some Tracks Let It Down.
...towards getting a better life. It may not hit you between the eyes but it gets you 'in the mood' for the album.
- The Message: 5/5
A personal favourite and is a song that quickly entices your ear. Even though the rhythm of the song may fool you into thinking that this is a track focussing on the struggles of growing up in a bad neighborhood it is actually a diss track aimed to Hip-Hop icon The Notorious B.I.G.
- Street Dreams: 4/5
This is another ... ...about this song that makes it seem unfinished. Lyrically though it tells a great story which saves the lack of harmony between his flow and the instrumental.
- Watch Dem Niggas: 3/5
Is it me or are the ratings slowly starting to go down? this isn't one of my favourites and is another that seemed 'unfinished'.
- Take It In Blood: 3.5/5
Even though the feel of the two previous tracks continues on this one the lyrics once again lift it up to a more ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Originality
Lyrics
Quality and consistency...
Value for Money
very helpful
15.07.2008
NAS IS COMING Review ofIt Was Written [PA] - Nasby
messsingh
Advantages: Good production and lyrics Disadvantages: none
...the case with Nas' alcum, It was written. My brother has a Nas album, Illmatic and I like it so I thought this wouldn't be bad either. I have to admit I bought it because it was reduced to £4.99 in HMV, and I thought my brother or I might like it so I couldn't really go wrong for the price.
It was written has 15 great tracks. The three I knew before buying the album were Street Dreams, The message and If I ruled the world. I didn't realise these ... ...these songs then I think it is safe to say you would like this album.
The message is a cool rap tune with a good backing and clever lyrics, and gets your head bopping, but this is true for basically all of the songs on the New Yorker's album.
Street Dreams is quite upbeat, but is an interpolation of "Sweet dreams" written by Dave Stewart and Annie Lennox performed by the Eurythmics. However it is not Annie Lennox singing before you get surprised! ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Great tracks, fantastic song clarity Disadvantages: some songs seem the same!
Nas is a well known artist with a truly great rapping style. He can easily compete with other top rappers. Almost anyone will love this CD with the great music and some great artists on some of the tracks! Even though there is this so called war between west coast rappers and east cost rappers nas is like a mixture between the two sides rapping styles this sounds like proper street music just good to listen to! Here are just some of the great tracks ... ...If I ruled the world
Suspect
The message
Street dreams
Silent murder and that's just some of the greats !
Well worth buying wether you like old skool or new skool! ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Label / Distributor: Columbia / Sony BMG/Arvato Services
Pieces in Set: 1
Studio / Live: Studio
Stereo: Stereo
Format: Performer
EAN: 5099748419620
Catalogue Number: 4841962
Additional notes
Album Notes: Personnel includes: Nas, Mobb Deep, Dr. Dre, Lauryn Hill (vocals); Delight, Dave Atkinson (keyboards); DJ Kid Capri (scratches); JoJo Hailey (background vocals).
Album Reviews: NME (12/21-28/96, pp.66-67) - Ranked #41 in NME's 1996 critic's poll.
Titles on disc 1
1.: Intro
2.: Message
3.: Street Dreams
4.: I Gave You Power
5.: Watch Dem Niggas
6.: Take It In Blood
7.: Nas Is Coming
8.: Affirmative Action
9.: Set Up
10.: Black Girl Lost
11.: Suspect
12.: Shootouts
13.: Live Nigga Rap
14.: If I Ruled The World (Imagine That)
15.: Silent Murder (bonus track)
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