Little known fact, i am a bit of a Nas fan...Shocker I know. And in 2002 he released two albums. God's Son and The Lost Tapes. This album went mainly unrecognized as it was a collection of unused or leaked songs from albums like I Am... and Nastradamus which were meant to be a double album and possibly Stillmatic as well. There is quite a bit of praise for this album despite it just being archived songs so why not review it?
Doo Rags
The doo rags are back, fitted hats, snorkels and furs. Riker's Island buses still packed what's the word? In a very nostalgic manner Nas opens up the album recalling his childhood in the projects in a positive manner. Very relaxing song overall.
My Way
Here Nasir describes how he wants to live his life, hence "my way." Relaxing beat as well, following the positive tone and life reflection from Doo Rags.
U Gotta Love It
Nas goes through the negatives of his life and says in the end you still gotta love life regardless. At least that's what I interpreted. Solid follow up.
Nothing Lasts Forever
Everything will eventually come to an end. So try to savor the moment, cause time flies don't it?
That quote can sum this track up better than I can. Just a cautionary entry without getting in your face.
No Idea's Original
What you base your happiness around? Material, women, and large paper. That means you're inferior not major
The title says it all really. No idea is original anymore and Nas drops some slick wordplay here.
Everybody had money, every summer was real ill. Four finger rings, dope dealers 'caine (Kane) "No Half Steppin'" with flat tops
Blaze a 50
A beat that picks this LP up fast and Nas blasts right in driving a car with a fine woman who in his words could make Bobby divorce Whitney. (and now I wish he did) Channeling Slick Rick, Nas tells a story of well...fucking. Of course it evolves into something else but that's the gist anyhow.
Everybody's Crazy
Not a bad track...but not really good. On this album anyhow. Just doesn't fit in for the tone of the previous entries.
Purple
I don't like the way Diddy did Shyne with different lawyers. Why's it in my rhymes? Fuck it.
Letting you know, he don't give a fuck. Nas just says what comes to mind while care free and it works. Maybe the best beat as well.
Drunk by Myself
Some of you out there might just relate to this song, or even the title. Take that how you will. Here Nasty's a lone man tired of life and he's drinking alone. He doesn't come off as whiny either. But this actually turns into a story of him driving drunk trying to reach his destination alive.
Black Zombie
Talking about the stereotyping of black males in the media and those who follow the stereotype in a negative way? Oh my controversy. But not really this song went unrecognized but there's some serious points here. Some socially conscious shit as he's used to doing.
Poppa Was a Playa
Poppa was a playa...Playa wasn't poppa...Poppa loved the ladies...never got enough of
Telling his upbringing with his neglectful father (later appearing on Street's Disciple), Nas says he's disappointed with how his father brought him up but he still loves him for being there. Very mature and well thought out. He hates how his father chose his Jazz band over his family and the cheating on his mother but still appreciates him for being there.
Fetus
Whaaaaattt? If you check the track listing this song does not appear. This is an unmarked bonus after Playa. Nas finishes strong with a story to tell from the point of view of being in his mother's womb. Creative to say the least.
The Highlights:
Poppa Was a Playa
Doo Rags
Purple
The Lowlight:
Everybody's Crazy
The Gem:
Black Zombie, but technically Fetus since it's unlisted.
Is it Worth a Purchase?
For sure, a very relaxing 12 track album by Nas with very political stand points and social commentary. It's a whole album of gems and buried classics. Fantastic production as well. There's also three remixes on the Japan release but i'd leave those alone.
Overall Grade: A-
Until next time, One Love.
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