I just downloaded Nas’ latest album, Life Is Good, from iTunes, and I feel like I’ve been transported back to 1988.
I’ve listened to six tracks, and everything feels so…nostalgic.
Nas is by far one of the most prolific artists in the game.
Despite being a veteran, Nas has stayed relevant by continually elevating rap as an art form.
But Life Is Good, feels more like a throwback album.
The tracks, samples and even some of the features, harken back to the original Nas.
My favorite track so far…in fact, the reason I even copped the album…is A Queens Story.
Put your glass high if you made it out the stash spot
And here to tell your story and celebrate the glory
Drink in the air for my niggas not here
This is for fallen soldiers
Hold it down, I told ya
Pop another bottle and keep the smoke rollin’
Back in the day (did I just say that?) rap had this pulse.
There was a feeling that seemed to resonate in the music that I don’t really feel in rap music these days.
It’s not to say that music nowadays (nowadays?) doesn’t have feeling.
I’m not an old head by any means.
I appreciate the music being made by today’s rappers.
But a lot of it is so homogeneous that I don’t know sometimes if I’m listening to Weezy or Drake or some other similar sounding artist.
But Life Is Good is a marked departure from what you’re used to hearing on the radio.
Tracks like Cherry Wine (from which the album takes its title), featuring Amy Winehouse, Daughters and Bye Baby, showcase Nas’ depth, as he tackles subject matters like love, parenting, and lost love.
And with features from Mary J. Blige, Rick Ross and The Large Professor, Life Is Good has something for both old school hip hop aficionados (like myself) and new jacks alike.
So if you haven’t picked up Nas’ album yet, I suggest you do.
Stephen Chukumba 