Nas - "King's Disease" Album REVIEW

Nas has had his ups and downs with albums. We all have our favorites. Some say, "It Was Written" was better than "Illmatic". Now that we have another album to add to the convo, let's discuss. 

I'll be reviewing mostly on Friday's because most albums come out that day. Depending on how much music comes out, I'll be posting when I can within the weekend. 

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Nas (Parental Advisory)

"King's Disease" (13 Tracks)

Release date: August 21, 2020 Length: 38:20

EXPLICIT

Produced Entirely: HIT-BOY

01. *King’s Disease
02. Blue Benz
03. *Car #85 (feat. Charlie Wilson)
04. Ultra Black (feat. Hit-Boy)
05. 27 Summers
06. *Replace Me (feat. Big Sean and Don Toliver)
07. Til the War is Won (feat. Lil Durk)
08. *All Bad (feat. Anderson .Paak)
09. The Definition (feat. Brucie B.)
10. *Full Circle (feat. The Firm, AZ, Foxy Brown, Cormega)
11. 10 Points
12. The Cure
13. *Spicy (feat. Fivio Foreign and ASAP Ferg)

In Bold: Favorite Tracks

With Asterisk: Rotation Songs in My Playlist

Review:

Legendary artist Nas has returned with a controversial album prior to people even hearing the project. When the track list was released a week prior, the world went nuts. Well, at least the Hip-Hop world. Based of the features alone, social media wanted to crucify Nas already like the Puff x Nas single, "Hate Me Now". 

With Heavy production from Hit-Boy, people also wondered WHY, without giving it a chance. People usually remember the best beats from producers and picture other rappers on them, which makes them have a clue on what the music may sound like. Most times, they are correct, but usually when artist get together, they develop a new sound. Did the "BOY", make "HITS" with NAS? 

And then people are even mad at Jay-Z, because every time Nas drops a project, it seems Jay releases something as well. My research shows that Jay does, but I don't care, I'm tuned in to Nas all day. Let's break down this album.

King's Disease

Nas explained the album title in a recent interview. He explained how it's tough to be King, remain King and not easy remaining King. Then he explained how being a King with that power, can be a disease. Basically, too much of everything, can equal to a plague. It's similar to people having too much money and being miserable. 

This song was short, but a great intro for true Nas fans. The track was smooth giving our ears time to catch up with Nas where he talks about being a King and the hate he gets for being one. At the end of the day, Nas wants everyone to shine and be Kings & Queens.

Blue Benz

Track is also to short, but the beat is more uptempo and sinister. Nas reminds us that he is one of the best story tellers to date. It's BOSS talk at it's finest. 

Car #85 Ft. Charlie Wilson

Another smooth tempo track matching the two previous tracks with a little help from the legendary singer Mr. Wilson. Uncle Charlie to you. The song does exactly what Nas explains at the end. It's a track that you can ride to and just reflect. 

Ultra Black

This is the first single we heard from the Album. I was tuned in as soon as I listened to it three times in a row when it dropped. The concept of the track hit even harder, based on the #BlackLivesMatter movement. But if you follow Nas, he's be spilling lyrical and passionate verses since his feature on, "Live At the Barbecue", Main Source's song also featuring Joe Fatal and Akinyele. 

27 Summers

Nas speaks on how he lasted 27 summers. And that in the Hood, it's a huge accomplishment to do so. Most Black Men that had that gangsta mentality, aren't alive to hear Nasir speak. And with us losing so many artist recently, clearly this song will resonate with so many. 

Replace Me Ft. Big Sean & Don Toliver

I had a feeling that this track would stand out. With Big Sean, it could either be a Hit Boy or a total flop. Luckily for me, Mr. Sean stepped up his bars and took this song seriously. Big Sean, if your reading, sit down and make that album we've been waiting for. Stop chasing the bag and beautiful women. Who I'm I to check Sean, I was doing the same thing, without the rap talent. LOL. 

Til The War Is Won Ft. Lil Durk

I was very hesitant when I saw Lil Durk on this track, but as a fan of Hip-Hop, I was tuned in. The track is smooth and Lil Durk actually made the song listenable with the chorus. Is he as lyrical as Nas, NO, but not many are. It's a song I'd listen to if it was on, but It's not something I'd be blasting over and over. I wasn't mad at the collaboration.

All Bad Ft. Anderson Paak

This track fit the album so well. It's like Mr. Paak cannot go wrong at times. Anderson has a melody in his voice that makes songs elevate, just with his voice alone. The song actually makes me crave for more from this duet. I wouldn't mind hearing a full project from these KINGS. 

The Definition Ft. Brucie B.

Nas get's in his political, social and black power bag on this track. I believe this track should have been named, "King's Disease", because it actually explains his theory behind the title. Another short track, that is appreciated, but sounds unfinished. He should of had another verse on here or had Common or Talib jump on here. 

Full Circle Ft. The Firm, AZ, Foxy Brown, Cormega and Dr. Dre

This is the another cut from the track-list that stood out. It had the world buzzing. People were saying it was going to be an old track from when they were The Firm, but nope. Nas tells us that he actually reached out to Foxy and Cormega because they haven't spoke in years. Now that they are older and much mature, they've been revising their relationships. And this track shows, that if they had it together back in the day, we would be talking highly about the original Firm Album.

10 Points

Loving the message behind this record. Nas is always in front of the class teaching students like myself. And this track doesn't disappoint, but is predictable. I was expecting to hear more concept records by this point, like "I Gave You Power" on "It Was Written", but the song was straight. 

The Cure

This song is cold as snow in the freezer. One of those tracks that reminds you that we are listening to one of the KINGS of Rap. Nas went in on this track, making sure people take his new material seriously. This is supposed to be the last track, so I can see why Nasir turned back into Nasty Nas. 

Spicy - Bonus Track Ft. Fivio Foreign & A$AP Ferg

This is another track real Nas fans were scared to listen too. I'm not familiar with the young King Fivio, but now I am. Great job Fivio Foreign and ASAP Ferg. This track is actually a head banger and will be in my rotation for 2020. 

To sum up this project, it was not a disappointment like half his fans were questioning. This project with Hit-Boy was pleasing to the ears and most of the tracks will become people's favorites. The album itself could go down for being a great joint, good joint or just something his fans like enough to add to their collection. 

So if your reading this blog and watching my YouTube Nasir Jones, let me tell you Thanks the music. This is the album I was listening for when you collaborated with Kanye West, but I felt wasn't it. I'm looking forward to debating others on this project. I believe this project has potential to be one of your best. Rating below.

Please leave your comments below. I look forward to stimulating conversation about Hip-Hop and good music period. 

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Part One Review On Nas King's Disease

Part Two Review On Nas King's Disease

My Grade For Album (Rate: 1 Lowest and 5 Highest)

Beats: 4.0

Lyrical Content: 4.0

Album Structure/Theme: 4.5 

Nas classic "Illmatic" YouTube Review

Ransom Directors Cut Scene 3 YouTube Review

Cincerely Yours,

Marquis J. Walker

Father, Blogger, Youtuber and Ear For Good Music Expert

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