Music : Hip Hop Is Dead
Amazon.com's Price: $13.98 Prices subject to change.
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
This item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.
Binding: Audio CD
EAN: 0602517028296
Format: Explicit Lyrics
Label: Def Jam
Manufacturer: Def Jam
Number Of Discs: 1
Publisher: Def Jam
Release Date: December 19, 2006
Sales Rank: 17627
Studio: Def Jam
Related Items:
Editorial Review:
Amazon.com:
Throughout his storied career, which began with 1994's classic Illmatic and has spanned the last decade with over 12 million albums sold, Nas has been more than just the genre's foremost lyricist and thinker. He has become a statesman, some would argue hip-hop's "conscience." Now, with the release of his long-awaited Def Jam debut--the aptly-titled Hip-Hop Is Dead--Nas returns to his role as mentor and teacher, his legendary mic skills as sharp as ever, and takes today's young rappers back to school. The lesson? Hip-Hop--as Nas sees it--is very much alive.
Amazon.com:
Given its provocative title, it's no surprise that parts of Hip Hop Is Dead feel like an elegy of sorts. Nas practically came into the game looking backwards (see "Memory Lane" off Illmatic) but he seems more nostalgic than ever with tracks like "Where Are They Now?," "Carry on Tradition," "Can't Forget About You," and the title song which all focus on rap's past. This reminiscing can only fan the dim candle fans keep lit for Nas, hopeful that he'll make a full return to his former glory. But, once again, the rapper teases and falls short. As has become habit, Nas does manage to knock out a handful of excellent songs ("Can't Forget" and "Play on Playa" for example), along with a handful of awful fare (none worse than "Who Killed It," Nas's disastrous attempt to channel the spirit of '30s gangster actor Edward G. Robinson), and a few forgettable filler songs. The production is similarly uneven though Kanye West's and Will.I.Am's contributions are reliably listenable. The biggest shortcoming is that given it's title Hip Hop Is Dead aspires to be an event album but it never delivers on that promise despite the heady symbolism of former rival Jay-Z joining him on "Black Republicans." In the end, this is another good, not great album. Hip-hop isn't dead and neither is Nas but both could use a shot of life. --Oliver Wang
Average Rating: 
Rating:  -
If you're like me you're reading this review because you can't quite make up your mind if you wanna get a certain product. While I may be a Jay-Z fan I do appreciate the fact that Nas is possibly the best Rapper alive. I don't know what these joker's shout about Lil Wayne for, he is no legend and certainly NOT the best in the game today.
Nas' 'Hip Hop Is Dead' is a very good album with some thought provoking lyrics which aim to get his point across. Standout tracks include: Can't forget about you, Not going back, Black republican, Carry on tradition and Hustler's. 1 of the other reviews described this album as not a conventional rap album. I would also like to echo this sentiment, don't expect to find heavy car-bumping beats or catchy hook's. Also it is more of a mature fan's listen.
While it may not be a conventional rap album it is 10x better than most of what is put out at the moment (Lil Wayne+50 Cent followers take note). In conclusion this is a must have for any Nas fan and a very good listen for any Hip hop fan. If a friend has it, borrow it and judge for yourself.
Rating:  -
Well, Nas is arguabley the best rapper alive. Of course everyone has their own opinion and before i get jumped on for calling him the best rapper alive, let me restate that, HE IS A LEGEND. But im not gonna lie, this album was a let down. With a name like Hip Hop Is Dead, you kinda expect a little more. You expect Nas to save hip hop with this album. But he didnt really do a whole lot to save it. I mean, i dont want to understate this album, because its definetly not bad, but its also definetly not Illmatic or even God's Son. But its still alot better than alot of the other crap being put out right now. But as far as Nas goes, i definetly do expect better. He still has his game tight as far as i can tell, his swagger is still intact and firey as ever. The only real problem with this album, is some of its tracks are just boring. Like the just flat out stupid "Who Killed It?", where NaS doesnt even rapper, he instead talks like an old man over an actually really good beat. The same can be said about "Still Dreaming", it just felt like these songs never really picked up. But then on standouts like the Scott Storch produced banger "Carry On Tradition" where he spits about how the game has changed since he came in. And then on the more laid back Chris Webber produced (Yes, the legendary NBA player!) "Blunt Ashes", Nas spits venomous blows to the mic. But other than those two stellar tracks, there are only a few standouts that are actually worth listening to more than once. Nas is still ... Read More
Rating: -
and everything. but towards the end the cd could use a shot of life. It's not one of Nas' best albums as there are others that rock it from beginning to end better than "Hip Hop is Dead". But the cd does have a theme that is worth listening to for the most part and it has some solid songs that i enjoyed like:
"Still Dreaming"
"Where Are They Now"
"Hustlers"
there are some others that are cool and what not but also several that just don't feel right here. Whether they were rushed or just incomplete i'm not sure. But this seems to be one of his more uneven cds in recent memory. It might sell well and is worth it only if your a long time Nas fan otherwise. I would just download the songs here that you enjoy, but not the whole cd itself.
Don't get me wrong, i enjoyed the cd because i'm a Nas fan from way back. But if hadn't been into him for this long. I might have been more inclined to not buy this straight up as it stands however. I don't regret the purchase of this one.
Rating: -
Nas is a great lyricist; this album is proof of that statement. I really enjoyed "Hip Hop is Dead" mostly because of his delivery and he finally has some good production. Most of his past albums have only sub-par production, but this one is a big improvement, so he should be commended for that. The guest appearances helped gussy this album up, too. Snoop, Game, Chrisette Michelle, Jay-Z and Trey Williams all do a splendid job with their features. This is a concept album, and although I see where Nas is coming from when he says hip hop is dead, but he seems delusional because sometimes he says he feels like it's dead then he says it will never die, hmmm. I'm confused, I must say.
Every track here is worth taking a listen to, but the highlight is definitely "Let There Be Light." This is one of his finest moments as a rapper. The production is magnificent, Trey Williams did a great job with singing the hook, and Nas's delivery and lyrics are amazing. "Money Over Bulls***" is another fine moment on this album. The beat lures you in as the song begins, and Nas takes it from there with his supreme skill. "Blunt Ashes" was particularly memorable because he mentioned many of favorite celebrities and their demises. It was truly interesting how he worded certain things. "Black Republican" and "Can't Forget About You" are great! Jay-Z does well on "Black Republican", but he doesn't outshine Nas on his own track (I think Nas made sure of that.)
I highly ... Read More
Rating:  -
I am a huge nas fan, illmatic, it was written, I am, stillmatic, lost tapes ... all classic. This album was beyond dissapointing, it was 90% filler tracks. The fact that so many people gave it 5 stars proves hip hop really is dead.
Browse for similar items by category:
|
