Nastradamus - Nas

Advantages: A few big singles
Disadvantages: Generally weaker than previous albums

The fourth album from Nas, entitled "Nastradamus" came as the second offering from the New York rapper in 1999. "I Am..." was originally planned to be a double album, so the issues of rushing this aren't really relavent, as he had time after " I Am.." to brush up on material which he was already planning to bring out a few months earlier. 1. "The Prediction" (Outro) 2. "Life We Chose" You are made to think with this one, as with lots of Nas' conscious ...
...how messed up life is as it is dominated by capitalism, and very few are able to see past any of this, making for a world filled with hatred. **Three Stars** 3. "Nastradamus" For me, the is one of the best tracks which Nas recorded, and for once it has nothing got do with his lyrical talent. For this one you have him flow on some of the best beats I have ever heard. It is produced L.E.S., and he absolutely kills with his J.B.'s sample. On it Nas ... Read review

Advantages: Truly represents the best of the hip hop genre
Disadvantages: Not for those who like Eminem or Will Smith

Firstly let's dispense with the formalities. I have listened to rap music from the tender age of thirteen, but I am not a street kid or from a ghetto. I love the culture that is represented by this kind of music, but I don't wander around all day in baggy jeans, covered in gold, shouting 'wassup' at random passers-by. I have never tried to rebel against my parents or become involved in street crimes, I don't buy or sell drugs, don't spend all my ...
...and have a great deal of respect for women, except for maybe Anthea Turner. In short, I am not Ali G. Despite rap music being directly associated with violence, drugs and abuse of women, this does not imply that those people who listen to it are up-and-coming homies (short for homeboy- a close friend, associate). This is in no way an attempt to condone or endorse the behaviours and attitudes conveyed by the hip-hop genre, but merely to explain that ... Read review

Advantages: A few top songs that you get attached to
Disadvantages: On first play, nothing special

If you liked Nas' other albums then you'll most probably like this - on your first listen it is pretty much the same, but on a few more, I think you really start to appeciate each individual track, and even start to learn the lyrics. The lyrics tell a lot, and teaches of life in the getto, but without all the boasting which I think makes it stand out from other rap acts. There are some good tunes among the few on the album, and the ones that are ...
...seeming to have progressed much over here, this was a ground breaking album over in the United States for Nas, where it got heap loads of airplay. On this album he has gone back to some of his soulful roots and there's a few R&B influenced tracks too. I don't think that this album is above all his greatest, but It really is one that the more you listen to it, the more you like it. I've really grown attached to one certain song, but you see for your ... Read review

Advantages: none
Disadvantages: some bad lyrics

The new alblum by Nas is a for real fans. Nas does not hide behind guest appearances by other rappers to boost interest, nor does he stray away from the topics that got him to the status he is currently in in the industry. I feel Nas has put together an alblum for the fans who have grown with him. This alblum shows versitility, wit, and has appeal for everyone who loves hip hop. Every artist has a time where the material becomes repetitive but, Nas ... Read review

Advantages: Some excellent production and lyrics; ONE MIC and 2ND CHILDHOOD are CROWNED Queensbridge classics
Disadvantages: One disappointing guest rapper - AZ remains a SLAVE to THE FLYEST / Some overrated lyrics

...commercialised and mediocre album, 'I am….'. A few months later in 1999, Nas released what many of his fans feared would be his WORST EVER album, 'Nastradamus'. Nas was branded a SELL OUT and was no longer worthy to sit on the throne. His debut album (i.e. 'Illmatic') was becoming his forgotten CHILDHOOD and loyal rap listeners thought Nasty Nas was buried alive by Esco's trash (commercialised Nas Escobar ). By 2001, Jay Z seized his golden opportunity to attack Nas with his diss track - 'Takeover' (in 2001). Hoping to humiliate Nas, an egotistical Jay Z thought he would become more famous than he already is and become next in line to the Hip Hop throne. But in an ironic twist, Jay Z's arrogance on 'Takeover' merely encouraged Nas to make an amazing return to his CHILDHOOD days of ILL lyricism. In other words, the revival of Nasty Nas... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Neptunes Production, A Couple of Decent Joints, ODB
Disadvantages: Commercial Artists and Songs, Terrible Rappers

...the album with the terrible "Popular Thug", which is a huge dissapointment for a Nas fan like myself. This track sounds as if it was seemingly pulled right out of Nastradamus. Nas tries be a player / thug / gangsta once again, with uninspired lyrics and terrible subject matter, which is saddening. It sort of bothers me that Nas refuses to stick to one persona, and seems to sound like he is selling out once again. Kelis' vocals are admittedly nice, but boring at the same time. The song has a unique feel when it comes to production, as the Neptunes give us a semi-clubbish R&B beat, with guitars, synthesizers, and organ piano. However Nas (incredibly enough), has made this track unlistenable, with his terrible lyrics. The only thing Clones has going for itself is the beats. The Neptunes, though commercial, are very good producers and skilled... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Nas' lyrical talent, Teedra Moses, Swizz Beatz's / Paul Poli's production
Disadvantages: Jungle and Wiz's rapping are of low standards / Weak-hearted, crappy beats and lyrics

...*************************************************************************** * THE QUEENSBRIDGE RAPPER ALBUMS: BRAVEHEARTED Author: DJprimo *************************************************************** ************* (Note: Originally posted on www.epinions.com under my ID name - dr kdj primo ©. The profile should include - London, UK - Gangstarr's Territory) INTRODUCTION In the past, Hip Hop fans have heard the Bravehearts rhyme and make guest appearances on Nas' albums, 'Nastradamus', 'Stillmatic' and 'God's Son'. In 2003, Jungle (real name: Jabari Jones) and Wiz (real name: Mike Epps) of the Bravehearts decided now is the time to show to the fans of hip hop and especially Nas (and other QB rappers) what they are made of. So here they come with BRAVEHEARTED. After all if Nas can do it, why... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful