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For an artist nearly ten albums deep, with a certified classic debut, Untitled looms as Nas’s most important release. A certified star for more than a decade, Nas is one of the few voices in hip hop who can drive change – change that the globe, and in particular the USA, desperately needs.
By now most will know the deal surrounding this album’s title. Untitled was originally to be called Nigger, the backlash was as expected and after much pressure on various labels we are left with the slightly vague and washed out Untitled. It’s a shame in the year 2008 that freedom of speech is less of a reality than ever. The whole point of the mooted title is summarised in the album’s brilliant lyrics, as Nas breaks down years of oppression through the use of one word. Not only does he dissect arguably the world’s most powerful word, he also analyses why it still exists and will always exist, through the actions of a few; that like a cockroach will never be destroyed.
As a listener I have grown with the career of Nasir Jones. From 1994 to today, I have listened intently to all he has said and to me this release is his greatest collection of meaningful lyrics to date. Perhaps it’s my own personal frustrations with the world that allows his words to resonate, but he manages to speak for our generation regardless of race or nationality. On the back of the Bill O’Reilly Virginia Tech controversy, in which O’Reilly edited huge chunks of Nas’ lyrics to fractured sentences that aided his cause, Sly Fox is a brilliant track. It’s a shame many fans of other genres won’t take the time to analyse the lyrics of this track and see the way what we see and hear is controlled by so few.
The same goes for current single Hero, over one of the album’s larger beats and with booming vocal backing to the chorus. These are lyrics that should chart; music that means something. Nigger, Y’all My Niggas, America and Testify are all tracks that ooze passion. They show the pure frustration of an artist, yet the love of a country and the glimmer of hope for change that remains.
Production-wise, for once Nas does not fall down. His selection of beats, from the toned-down sounds of Queens Get The Money through to the Tupac-laced thump of Black President, is perfect for each track.
In the wash up, this release could have been an instant classic if it wasn’t for two tracks. Firstly, Fried Chicken. Now, I understand the importance of this track in the pigeonholing of African Americans, but the result is corny. The Mark Ronson beat also struggles to hold your attention. The second weak moment is Make The World Go Round. Chris Brown’s hook is just annoying, and while The Game delivers a solid verse, the flossing of Nas on the track seems at odds with the remainder of the album.
Those minor quibbles aside, this album is a must-own for hip hop fans. Untitled contains some of Nas’s best work in years, possessing lyrical depth and feeling too often lacking from artists who chase the charts.
Nas’ Untitled is out now through Def Jam/Universal.
