Untitled [PA] - Nas

...the new title - ' Untitled ' however, the original title will be remembered by many and with a title like 'Untitiled' those who do not know will ask and get to know. Therefore Nas has somewhat defeated all those who went against him. There was such rebellion and Nas has now produced an album with the help of others, which should give you an insight into who really has control and his statements towards censorship and how it will never be avoided ...
.../> == The Album - Untitled ==


1: '''Queens''' '''Get''' '''the''' '''Money'''

The intro to the album and the first track is at a standard I expect of Nas. Music that includes a catchy piano melody covered with great lyrics allows the listener to enjoy the music whilst listening to the lyrics and thoughts shared by the guest MC and Nas himself.
The surrounding controversy of the album did have me expecting ... more

Nas - Untitled.

The Background - Who is Nas and Why the Album ?

Nasir Jones aka 'Nas' was born September 14th, 1973. He was brought up in Queensbridge, New York City by his parents and his dad was already a successful jazz musicisan locally so Nasir was sure to be influenced and strive to follow the steps of his dad.

It all started for Nas when he managed to reach a record signing deal with 'Columbia Records' in 1994. His debut album - 'Illmatic' achieved bestseller the same year of his signing and this massive response pushed Nas on to further projects and numerous albums. He continued to live up to his debut album and in fact his success had risen so far and so high he was now in conflicts with other well known established rap artists.
But these conflicts soon ended when Nas decided to do something good for his home town by sponsoring and attending local radio station gigs and this soon earned him more respect among the people which ended up meaning he had the respect of Jay-Z and other artists he had previously argued with.

In 2006 he signed up with record label - 'DefJam'. This is when many people including his fans got a new enhanced version of Nas originality. Nas came back on to the scene with songs like 'I Can' and once again record sales jumped through the roof and his popularity was clearly visible again.
In fact, he has been such a star in the public spotlight that the parent company of 'Fila' shoes agreed to sponsor 12 months marketing for this album providing he wears 'Fila' shoes to all public concerts and parties.

It was in October of 2007 that Nas had publicly announced his new Album with the title - Nigg*er*.
But because of the huge levels of controversy surrounding Nas announcement, $84 million dollars was in question as the state declared the money would have to be withdrawn from the State Pension Fund which was paid in for Universal if the albums title had not been changed.
This was following uproar from the Fox TV Network of U.S.A and Jesse Jackson among other faces and names.

So the album's cover title was changed against Nas wishes but because they had to, not because they chose to.The title had been given the new title - ' Untitled ' however, the original title will be remembered by many and with a title like 'Untitiled' those who do not know will ask and get to know. Therefore Nas has somewhat defeated all those who went against him. There was such rebellion and Nas has now produced an album with the help of others, which should give you an insight into who really has control and his statements towards censorship and how it will never be avoided but how you can tackle.

Why did I Buy ?

I brought it because I had enjoyed Nas late single - 'Hero'. I was reminded of the reasons why I like Nas, his talent and why he offers much difference compared to many other U.S rap artists.
In fact also, I had this on my mind for some time, I kept asking friends which album was his newest and which one would be the best buy considering the many different albums Nas has on sale.

Then in a local supermarket while looking for a bite to eat I heard some coins rattling as I put my hand in my pocket to count my moneys. I realised I had £20, I was in a supermarket and supermarkets = cheap CD's. So I took a look and there it was, Nas album for just £8.99. To be honest, I was before hand looking for his most recent album, but with such a low price I couldn't of cared. That's not great advice to beat the credit crunch, do not spend needlessly. However, what seems like a needless random spend turned into luck and satisfaction as this was Nas most recent album - Untitled.

The Album - Untitled

1: Queens Get the Money

The intro to the album and the first track is at a standard I expect of Nas. Music that includes a catchy piano melody covered with great lyrics allows the listener to enjoy the music whilst listening to the lyrics and thoughts shared by the guest MC and Nas himself.
The surrounding controversy of the album did have me expecting a strong message and loud statements shared in the intro track however this is not so. I believe that 'Queens Get the Money' is a great start to the album because it doesn't jump in to the battle Nas clearly has concerning his statements about the album and what it includes.

The music in this track is all round very good. It's a light-hearted approach to introduce the album to both Nas fans and listeners unfamiliar with Nas. Low noise beats and a catchy melody gives us listeners to the music a good track which is similar to lots of Rap music but allows the listener to have a general mood when listening rather than thrown into complex statements and strong views.

2 - You Can't Stop us Now (feat. Eban Thomas of The Stylistics & The Last Poets)

The second track listed and the second track you will hear on the album and the start of realising Nas history of battle and conflict because of race. This track features a message which is very clear and one you will understand no matter your race or history. It addresses Nas concerns but also how determination and the route he followed led him to victory but still the struggle goes on.

This track is the start of why so much controversy surrounded this albums release and the track has much bigger beats which hold your attention closely to what he is saying. 'The Last Poets' feature on this track and gives you viewpoints from others associating with Nas. I enjoy listening to this and I like the rhythm you feel to the music and lyrics in 'You Can't Stop us Now'.

3 - Breathe

This is the third track to help you settle in to Nas album - 'Untitled'. I enjoy the music a little but the music no matter the quality is hampered by the vocals. It's not the only track on this album which I can not fully understand but by far I find it the most impossible to understand its placement on the album or what in fact the message is.

It could quite easily be an attempt to produce a song like one that's mainstream and very commercial, but even so the music on this track would need some improvement. Nas enjoys using new futuristic samples and riffs which can be integrated into his style of song, but here I find almost nothing significant and the track is very easily skipped past without hesitation or regret.

4 - Make The World Go Round (feat. Chris Brown & The Game)

The next track you hear is one which cannot be missed. 'The Game' features on this track and since 'Game' had lots of controversy himself following incidents with '50 cent' I am and many of us are aware of 'The Game' silence on the Hip-hop ground so seeing a recent collab' with Nas makes you very interested straight away.

The track doesn't let you down. Whilst I myself do not entirely like the music choice for the track, the message shared brings some thought to your mind. The music has lots of power in this track and seems to be wanting to force you into to standing up and paying attention as the beats and bass line hit you hard however, I do not find much rhythm in this one and that is a shame for me personally.

'The Game' has done a great collab' with Chris Brown and Nas and together they worked well on this track which even if you do not fully enjoy like myself, you will remember.

5 - Hero

This track was released a few months ago from the album and I heard the single before I heard anything of this album. 'Hero' was an amazing tune for me. It really brings Nas best attributes to surface because the production of the music is powerful, steady which gives rhythm and amazing when it comes to the lyrics.
I enjoy this track so much, I feel the music leads Nas vocals at first, but Nas very cleverly integrates his vocals to the beats by slowing and speeding his vocal lines.

There is a message in here, but the message is very general and something we have all heard before however, Nas puts this message across vocally in a style like no other and I think the great music produced for this track really puts a stamp on the album and makes you realise just how great Hip-hop can be.

6 - America

This track next on the album at first I did not enjoy, I am not a patriot but I do not like America this America that. But in fact, the title to this track covers so much more. It covers the routes of black culture and cultures introduced to America by the race and you cannot help but agree with the statements made, I am sure if you listened to this track you would listen to it again.

'America' has the vocals leading the music in my opinion. The music arrangements of mixing beats and melody is quite complex and rushed. You find rhythm from the vocals as they lead you into specific areas of the track which dampens down and beats steady off. Here it is not music which is key, but vocals although i do enjoy the music in this track now.

I believe Nas intended to make vocals key because a lot of what is said on this track comes from his experience rather than thought. Though Nas does have this magic which makes you reflect on what he says after the track has ended and has his lyrics whirling around in your head. This track is what I expected also after hearing the surrounding controversy and it really gets the mood going and the blood flowing and its placement after 'Hero' is remarkable, there would not have been a better place for this track.

7 - Sly Fox

Wow, what a track! You will hear this again and again as its exclusive to other tracks of the same genre. It sounds at first like an extravagant attack on the 'Fox Network - a US Television Broadcaster'. The 'Fox Network' are quite clearly the center-point of this track and Rupert Murdoch himself as the owner of this network is attacked also by strong statements. The statements are credible because you realise from Nas statements just how much propaganda the Media create, it shows they help to control peoples minds with their suggestion portrayed over news and just how far they can take their own opinions extremely far to a level people like you me and Nas cannot match.

But this track isn't simply an attack, its a track with understanding because Nas defends himself with lines like - I quote "What about Grindhouse and Kill Bill? What about Cheney and Halliburton? The backdoor deals on oil fields, Hows Nas the most violent person?". This is in answer to statements made on the news about black rappers intentions and music. Some will still continue to say that 'Black Rappers' are the reason for violence and the down-turn in this world and you may be right to agree but this track is political and controversial by all means, but it also reminds you that as a person you must make your own decisions in life and not follow decisions suggested by others.

8 - Testify

The music is introduced with drums and beats and then the vocals follow. The lyrics in this track are quite standard but in my view need some time to be understood. You may well hear the vocals as the music doesn't interrupt the flow of the voices singing, but you may not understand some of the words and phrases chosen by Nas.
But the message is quite clear however, he sometimes finds it difficult to feel American with all the outrage America suffers and I think by him talking of burning his American Flag he is revising his mood and hope for the future of America.

I think the title is a good title for this track as everything he says appears to end with an exclamation mark and all he says is statements on his thoughts and feelings after getting to where he is only to feel that nothing has really changed for the good.

The best thing about this track is how the music balances with the vocals and allows me when I'm running around my home to listen too and enjoy.

9 - N.I.G.G.E.R. (The Slave And The Master)

I always find it difficult to compose myself when I hear this word or when I hear it spoken even when the intentions are not serious or hurtful. It always seems apparent that a man or woman of black origin finds easier fittings for the word that are more suitable and better received.

The actual track is a noisy one, maybe because the whole message and point in this track is one that is complex itself but, Nas doesn't fail to make you understand his point and you understand very clearly the good, the bad and the truth to nature.
N.I.G.G.E.R explains much more than the word itself. It gives you reasoning as to how the history of black origin brought much struggle which many have surpassed and overcome. I find it harsh for Nas to state under achievers and black criminals the slaves, but this is just metaphorical in speaking and you understand why he states this. Then there those who have achieved and have overcome the hatred and difficult history we know of but have never necessarily lived. These are the masters, the people who have got through the battles and conflicts they were surrounded by to create a life worth living and a life that one can be proud to have made for his/her future.

A real mark on the album whether you enjoy the music on this track or not and, I believe it holds the album together with a clear viewpoint from a man who has seen and lived these difficulties related to race and origin.

10 - Louis Farrakhan

Who his Louis Farrakhan ? - - - - - - - -
It's quite obvious that a man like Louis Farrakhan should be mentioned or a part of this album, but Louis Farrakhan himself being a feature for the 10th track on the album is quite extreme. Louis Farrakhan is like a leader of an Islam movement but also dedicated into promoting rights for his culture and speaking loudly of his views and his views are very strong.

Louis Farrakhan had clearly stated his views upon the devastating Hurricane Katrina which were extremely strong and insensitive to the people unfortunately caught up in this monstrosity. He implied that the destruction of Hurricane Katrina was helped and intended to wipe out the poor black parts of the cities (New Orleans) community. Louis Farrakhan continued to state his claims that the destruction of the levee was not that of a natural occurrence and in fact something much sinister created by those who hold power and influence.
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I had to research this man after listening to the track but found it very difficult still to find anything more about this man that Nas keeps mentioning. Nas seems to be speaking about a man who is at the top of the tree, not because he has power but because he has balls and stands by them. Nas goes on to say things like how Louis Farrakhan is wanted and spoken of with hatred but after reading up on this man I have to say I do not agree with Nas here.

I find it difficult to appreciate a man (Louis Farrakhan) who is not sensitive to others feelings and misfortune and he clearly likes to take his thoughts beyond a reasonable level of freedom of speech. Nas I think decided to feature this man for many reasons like how unstoppable this guy is, and it may sound a good thing in a different scenario but the fact is that it was not a different scenario and I think Nas could of done more to explain his perception on this man and his composure. I do not like the lyrics or vocals really at all on this track but surprisingly the track gets played, why? because the music is fierce and strong with its beats and chords and I do like that.

11 - Fried Chicken (feat. Busta Rhymes)

This is possible one of my all time favourites by Nas. It's up there at the top also when it comes to the best tracks on the album. Fried Chicken is tasty but not necessarily good for you... can this compare to other areas of life? yes, drinking beer, unprotected sex and the misuse of drugs are all choices that people make for themselves whether to have or not to have but like everything, they have a consequence.

Fired Chicken is a funny and well written track which reminds me of something 'Ludacris' would do and not something Nas would do. Nas has been known to produce light-hearted tracks but to my knowledge not known to be into producing comedy tracks which 'Fried Chicken' surely is.

I would love to go through the great things that this track says but there really are so many because what you may see as a title - 'Fried Chicken' is in fact the song is about a man and his woman.
I will leave it there, but if you ever remember the 'Luniz's' from way back in the 90's and you enjoyed their comedy tracks then you will have no reason to skip this!

12 - Project Roach (feat. The Last Poets)

This is an exceptional track which brings out Nas best qualities. Nas is known for being amazing lyrically. His mind creates the most amazing lines and rhymes whilst his mouth spills out rhythm in the lyrics and an edge to his sentences that really suck you into what he is saying.

The music isn't exceptional like the words but its another case of lyrics leading the music here. The message again as many times before is a clear and simple one which you will understand and agree with. I cannot though, begin to explain just how good Nas rolls lyrics of his tongue. His sentences sometimes overlap but this is a sign of talent, do not mistake.

13 - Ya'll My N****s

This track is placed near the coming end of the album and due to being much softer and simplistic I can see why it is placed here. However, this in my view is a track you will not remember a great deal of. If you enjoy music you may like this, if you enjoy lyrics you will not. It sounds like a lot of whats mentioned here has already been mentioned earlier in the album.

It's more of a jokey track, one you can sit to with friends and chill along too. It has all the great things such as beats that are kind to the melody and do not overtake the level of the melody. For me, chilling with friends means not too much beats, base and not too much noise and this track enables you to chill which you do not get lots of inside this album.

14 - We're Not Alone (feat. Mykel)

This is a unique track. From the very beginning the first few lines get you asking yourself... "Am I about to listen to a song about UFO's ?" the answer is YES. However, I believe there is more meaning to the lines and if you listen carefully to his choice of words it seems the words are incomparisent to objects or people in the real life.

I really like this track, its more of a mainstream track and is less complex in respect of thoughts views and statements. Instead its another light-hearted approach to a message I believe is trying to remind us that we are always being watched, by those who care about us and those unknown to us. I think we may have to remind ourselves about pride and our actions in day-to-day life. Every action has a consequence, but sometimes we go ahead and act without thinking.

Lots of our history in evoloution is unknown and just like Nas states, "How close can we get to the truth before the truth destroys us?". I believe Nas is somewhat suggesting that we stop looking back and look to our future and that when we look forward we consider the people around us and what results lead directly from our actions. Another thought provoking track, but this time, done without all the need for strong views and believes which makes this track easy for the listener and easy to enjoy.

15 - Black President (feat. Johnny Polygon)

This track features a sample regenerated from '2Pacs - Hennessey', which 2Pac written and recorded over 12yrs ago. I think this was an amazing way to produce this track. It is funny listening to 2Pac (Tupac Shakur) singing about the want for a Black President but there being no hope to see the future bring this dream many of black origin have.

Today we can listen to this track 'Black President' in a time we are seeing Obama become president and see how many of black origin never hoped or believed we would see the days we are right now. 2Pac (r.i.p) if he'd have came back today would be in shock and disabelieve about America's political situation right now. It's a good thing to see a President from the black origin and in my view will provide the future with much a much safer solid ground.

The track seems to spell it out for you that America has finally got there and achieved something thousands never thought would be. As for listening to the track, I enjoy it myself, I enjoy 2pac and I enjoy this track most for having the combination of both 3 different talented artists in 2 different times highlighting 1 real achievement for man kind of any race.

My Conclusion...

This album has to be the most complex album of my collection. Nas dropped the title for this album and replaced it with the title - Untitled. It is very difficult for anyone to be able to say, yes you will like this or no you will not. I believe personally lots of people who buy rap albums are buying these albums because they appreciate the poetry in sub-lime lyrics written from the minds of some extremely talented people.
But then there are consumers like myself that like to find an album with balance between good lyrics to sing along too and, tracks that feed off vibes with catchy choruses and good beats on basslines and melody.

If you truly appreciate the Hip-Hop language and value the poetry that comes with it, whether it be UK based or US based, this album would be a great buy I am positive. Why? Nas has been extremely clever. Whilst having removed the original title by command - 'Ni**ers', he voices himself and his views quite blatantly in his music on the album. He loudly attacks the 'Fox Network - US Television Broadcaster as well as sharing his upset for others and defending himself'. He airs his views on them by giving you lines and lyrics which have you agreeing to Nas as you sing along. I don't believe Nas intended for listeners to adopt his thoughts and views but the sheer style of his song writing makes his tracks thought provoking and makes you question little things about the topics he rasies.

The writing, lyrics and message sent out in this album I think is wonderful. I expected nothing different for a Nas album and have to say I am still picking up on the lines and trying to sing with him which is fun because I'm not very good. However, I did expect also some great tunes musically. Nas recently released a single from the album - 'Hero'. The 'Hero' track was loud, powerful and brought back some of Hip-hops best moments for me. Music is for listening, and 'Hero' had you listening whether you chose to or not. It's not intrusive, it's simply the great product of great minds putting together different sounds and samples and formatting beats and base to make a track that was like 'Hero'. Following this single release I expected much more or at the least, the same standard of music when buying this album. It would compliment Nas writing talent with good written music that isn't just a sound or sounds, but a tune that you will hear and a tune that you will enjoy. This album - 'Unitlted' I felt failed my expectations with the music. Too much concentration I believe went into writing and getting the verses made-up right leaving the music itself to stand to one side and accompany his lyrics rather than his lyrics and music be joined together.

All-in-all, its refreshing to buy an album of the Hip-hop genre which doesn't contain all the violence, the insults, the negatives and drama surrounding life on the streets. We have heard it before and we will continue to, however, Nas has produced an album which isn't exceptional but is, different. Every track has its own message and the album itself covers real life matters, matters we are in discussion of today which is both progressive and realistic. It's very nice to have an album with these differences and you should remember that this offers almost a complete opposite to what you may have heard or seen with other big rappers.

It's a great thing then that this album was released many months ago, as time passes the price lowers. I paid less than £10.00 for this album and I think if you have heard of Nas before and enjoy his music then go ahead and get yourself a copy of the album - 'Untitled'. You may not jump up and down celebrating your purchase, but I think you will be satisfied with your purchase and use it often. This is value for money, another one of Nas great work and another album which will be played regularly for less than £10.00.

Buying the Album

Beat the credit crunch, if a friend or family member you know likes US based Hip-hop then go ahead and get your a copy now, with Christmas sales coming be sure to watch out for this because you can buy the album for XXX and may even get upto 20% off over the next few weeks.

You can buy the album or any of Nas albums at various stores both online and offline. Usually if you purchase online you should view the links below recommended by Ciao.co.uk as they always find the cheapest deals online.
If you shop offline I recommend going into a supermarket, I do not like supermarkets, but I like cheap prices when I know what I'm getting. I spent £8.99 at Sainsburys and I'm positive you will see a better deal elsewhere, online or offline, but online is usually better.

I hope you enjoy Nas music and his latest album.

Thank you for reading my review, please rate and leave comments and I will reply to your comments or questions as soon as possible.

Thank you. G. Fowkes 

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