Rapper Nasir Jones could not have predicted in 1994, at the age of 21, that his debut album in 2008 would still haunt him. Projects like and came close, but the fact remains that Nas didn't sound so 'Nasty' after the albums Illmatic and . The rapper always knows how to generate publicity with his provocative album titles. After , a title that already caused controversy, Nas wanted to call this
… album Nigger, but record label did not allow that. The cover, which features Nas with whiplash scars on his back, makes the original title superfluous. The way of rapping is still unparalleled and the record is full of painful, but at the same time refreshing observations. Unfortunately the lyrics do not come into their own and it is obvious that it has to do with the not always tactical beat choice. This self-titled album (of which we secretly all know the title) does not make too strong an impression in its entirety and that is, given the concept, a shame. Maybe Nas should be reminded of Illmatic again? (GL)more
