Nas Hip-Hop Is Dead Review

At first glance checking the track listing for the Queensbridge killer's latest offering, it appears to be more of a cameo fest than an actual Nas album. Sue me for saying so, but for several years running now very, very, very few artists of merit have released an album that features only their voice. Back in the day the sole purpose for a guest shot was to big up your crew (check the early Gang Starr or EPMD joints where they always gave love to their unsigned crew members and helped get them album deals). These days the guest appearance often feels more like a crutch to pad out an album that might not be as strong as it should be. That and the "obligatory" producer appearance (sorry guys, the only producer who was ever worth his salt on a guest verse was Pete Rock, since he kind of helped break the trend into the mainstream), of which there are no less than two high profile ones here.

The guest list on Hip Hop Is Dead included Jay-Z, Kelis, Will.I.Am, Kanye West, Chrisette Michele, Tre Williams, Snoop Dogg, The Game, and Marsha Ambrosius. Surprisingly, despite the somewhat lengthy guest list, none of the participants feel like they're taking up space, but rather complimenting Nas' commanding vernacular. In this way it feels less like a guest laden expose and more like a complete Nas offering that just happens to feature a few close friends who dropped by the studio unannounced and were asked to stay for dinner.

You must have this tracks:
1. "Where Are They Now?"
2. "Hip Hop Is Dead"
3. "Who Killed It?"
4. "Blunt Ashes"
5. "Play On Playa"
6. "Can't Forget About You"
7. "Hope"