Kings Disease II - Nas: Review
NAS
is a legendary rapper who needs no introduction at this point. From his legendary debut album recorded while he was still a teenager, to his long running feud with Jay-Z in the 90's and 2000's to him continuing to be cited as an inspiration for contemporary rappers, Nas has a legacy that rivals most anyone in rap music. Kings Disease II comes almost a year after it's predecessor which both follow the second in his compilation series The Lost Tapes II in 2019.
Review By Lav:
The hip hop story can't be told without Nas. While just about everyone on earth accepts the essential nature and excellent talent put on display on his debut album Illmatic there has been a perception around him for years as being a one and done artist. But if you listen to those who know what they're talking about they will glow about Nas' talent and probably have some worthwhile recommendations for further exploring his discography. I thought it was pretty cool last year when Nas released an album that leaned into his veteran status within the genre and I'm glad to report that after teaming up with Hit-Boy for yet another full album of material here, he succeeds even more.
This record didn't have any true singles so lets just start with my favorite tracks, a list that kicks off immediately once the record starts. The Pressure is truly an opening track with a lyrical marathon of themes that will appear throughout the rest of the record over a simple, bouncy beat that's perfect for Nas to do his thing. The following track Death Row East is a huge thematic highlight and a trip down memory lane for hip hop heads. Nas reminisces on the east coast west coast rivalry of the 90's from his perspective and includes a ton of worthwhile and interesting details. He speaks from an earned place of confidence and experience that gives the stories quite a boost. The song ends with that famous audio of a Nas concert being interrupted by the news that Tupac has died and that feels like the perfect way to leave the track off.
After a brief skid Nas gets back to rare form on the song Rare which doesn't disappoint relative to its title. Even though the beat is somewhat standard Nas absolutely delivers with one hard-hitting flow after another and a litter of memorable refrains throughout. As if this wasn't enough the song has a great switch-up in the second half to a way better beat and even more killer refrains. This is followed by YKTV a track that definitely stands out as the most modern sounding here but Nas and Hit0Boy really do the trap style justice with an icy beat and slick bars. Both A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and YG feature on the track and they're also up to the occasion making for a track that I can't really say anything bad about. Store Run completes this very solid run of tracks with a retro soul beat that The Alchemist could have made over which Nas reminisces on his youth and come up with a level of compelling storytelling that he's always been capable of.
Generally speaking the second half of the record isn't quite as good as the first half but it does have a couple standout moments. Nobody is a flat out amazing song with a summery, relaxed beat that is absolute butter on the ears. Speaking of butter Nas delivers fireworks on is verse and the only slight issue I can bring up is that the hook is a bit lax. Oh yeah and before I forget Lauryn fucking Hill is on this song and she delivers an absolutely amazing performance that made me have to stop and throw a few Fugees and Miseducation tracks into the queue before getting back to the album. She proves herself to be as remarkable a talent as ever and punctuates a great song. My Bible is an extravagant and thematically tight highlight on the back end of the record that sees Nas diving into his personal philosophies as an artist and a person while mirroring biblical themes. The instrumental has exciting cymbal claps that bookend Nas refrains and comes out of nowhere late in the record to be one of it's best tracks.
There's also a couple of moments on the record that have a really unique and distinct style to them. The record as a whole is almost like a victory lap for Nas' legacy but he isn't completely obsessed with cementing his nearly untouchable legacy throughout. Moments doesn't have the most impressive flows with some stop and start verses that can get a little tiring, but lyrically the track is rock solid. I love how he mentions so many important life moments in the songs hook before elaborating and personalizing them in the verses. Hit-Boy is also on point here with a bright infectious beat adding to the songs inspiring and genuine narrative. No Phony Life is probably the most fun song on the record starting with a classic soul instrumental that could have fit in on last years Blu & Exile record. The track is an anthem on meaningful love that only occasionally downplays it's own point with some incredibly horny lyrics. Charlie Wilson also makes a pretty impassioned appearance on a very solid hook to tie up a good track. Finally there's Brunch On Sunday, a classic orchestration of hip hop opulence with lyrics explaining the wealth and grandeur of Nas' lifestyle in charming detail. I love the theme of having brunch on sundays representing having made it out of difficult times. While I'm not totally in love with the Blxst singing on the bridge it thankfully doesn't ruin the vibe for me.
While the record is a bit inconsistent overall I think it mostly avoids any terrible tracks. There are a handful of less memorable moments but no complete disasters. 40 Side is a forgettable contemporary trap affair with the long highlight being the 2nd verse Nas spits which is full of great energy and lyrical focus. EPMD 2 has been the most talked about song on the album since it first came out for a couple reasons. It's a remix/sequel to a song Nas wrote for the Judas And The Black Messiah soundtrack that also gets listed features from EPMD and Eminem. Unfortunately the drastically different styles of everyone involved mean there is absolutely no chemistry between anyone on the song. While their individual moments are solid save for a few terrible Em lyrics, the song doesn't add up to something that great. Throw in some more forgettable moments on the back end like Count Me In and Composure, a track that sees Hit-Boy rapping and falling short of his level of production talent, and you've got Kings Disease II.
Just shy of a year after the original Nas has returned with an even better collection of tracks centered around him sitting on a hypothetical rap throne. Thematically the record has focus but also isn't afraid to stray in directions that flex Nas' versatility. While this creates some inconsistencies I think it also serves as further proof that he deserves the status he has. Paired with another full run of solid and flexible Hit-Boy production and we've got one of my favorite Nas album in quite a long time and one that fills me with even further optimism for what he will do next. 7.5/10
While this cover is simple the color makes it very busy. Everything meshes together and draws your eye to the center. I'm not drawn to this and don't think any part of it is super interesting. The branding in the top left corner is the best part about it. Since it's a very basic portrait there's not much to critique but I'm just not excited by or interested in it. 3/10
For more hip hop check out my review of Conway The Machine's La Maquina here
