I’m not usually one to do a review of hip hop albums. I’ll be honest, I’m not one that usually runs out to buy them every Tuesday neither. I don’t linger on the Internet surfing underground rap websites or listen to the latest mixtapes and free styles…unless someone volunteers to provide me with such. I’m a regular Articulate Black Guy that typically doesn’t get involved in high level music discussions. My ipod is filled with the likes of Kanye West, 50 Cent, Rick Ross, Jeezy, Weezy, and a combination of other commercial and semi underground things. I primarily listen to music when I’m working out, trying to get amped, or driving. Music is my Red Bull. Plain and simple. But every now and then, I come across an album that truly makes me nod my head, contemplate, and listen without having to be in a car or at the gym. The new Nas album has exactly that effect. Until recently, I hadn’t been a big fan of Nas…yes, I said it. Go ahead. Get all the gasping out. I’ll wait for you….

Breathe! Take it slow. One…..and two…and three….

Prior to this album, I couldn’t really vibe with his beat selection and rhyme style despite the ferocity of his content. He is one of the all-time greats. No doubt about that. But similar to a garden salad at a well known buffet, his music did nothing for me. Go ahead and gasp some more…

Do you need water? OK, good….

His new album has changed the way I view his music. His beat/melody selection has impressed me 10 fold compared to previous tracks. His word usage is creative, current, and most importantly, potent. On top of this, the most commercial and radio worthy song on the album still carries a strong and positive message (Hero). Nas has managed to tie together today’s political and social atmosphere with a fresh approach to defining meaningful music. It’s like he gave a small adrenaline shot to the heart of hip hop. Even if it doesn’t last forever, it was nice to see a temporary revitalization. He was willing to perhaps sacrifice sales so that he could talk about something other than ass, titties, rims, cocaine, guns, or a zombie-ish ignorant dance (yoouuuuuuuu know exactly what I’m talking about)…and it works.

If you just want a bunch of catchy hooks over tight beats that lack substance, then this album definitely isn’t for you. Keep snapping your fingers and downloading ringtones. The new Nas goes against what we have gotten used to. He dared to be different, and produced what most likely will be a chart topper. It’s worth the 15-20 bucks or whatever your currency is. By the way, does somebody wanna pick me up a copy?

Just Kidding. Articulate Black Guys don’t download music for free….

Or admit to it in blogs.