Album Information
| Artist | Nas |
|---|---|
| Album Type | Studio Album |
| Released | June 15, 2018 |
| Recorded | 2017–2018 |
| Label | Mass Appeal Records / Def Jam Recordings |
| Genre | Hip-Hop, East Coast Hip-Hop, Conscious Hip-Hop |
| Producer(s) | Kanye West (executive producer), Mike Dean, Andrew Dawson, Benny Blanco, Cashmere Cat, Dot da Genius, Plain Pat and others |
| Length | 26 minutes, 29 seconds |
Nasir is the eleventh studio album by American rapper Nas. Released on June 15, 2018, it was his first solo studio album in six years following Life Is Good (2012). The project was produced as part of the series of seven-track albums overseen by Kanye West in Wyoming during 2018 and represented one of the most unusual and experimental releases in Nas's catalog. }
Background
For several years following Life Is Good, fans anticipated a new Nas album. Numerous announcements, rumors, and guest appearances suggested that a project was nearing completion, but no full studio album appeared.
In 2018, Kanye West announced a series of compact seven-track albums for several artists associated with his creative circle. Nas joined the series and collaborated closely with West on a project that was largely completed during recording sessions in Wyoming. The album was unveiled during a listening event near Queensbridge in New York City before its official release.
The album's title uses Nas's first name, emphasizing a more personal and reflective approach compared with some of his previous concept-driven releases.
Music and Themes
Despite its short running time, Nasir covers a wide range of topics including race, police violence, wealth, family, spirituality, personal responsibility, and cultural identity. The album balances social commentary with introspective reflections on Nas's life and career.
Recurring themes include:
- Black identity and empowerment
- Police violence and social justice
- Family and personal growth
- Success and responsibility
- Historical awareness and cultural memory
- Spiritual reflection
The production relies heavily on layered samples, unconventional arrangements, and minimalist structures. Kanye West's influence is present throughout the project, giving the album a sound that differs significantly from many earlier Nas releases.
Track Listing
- Not for Radio
- Cops Shot the Kid
- White Label
- Bonjour
- Everything
- Adam and Eve
- Simple Things
The album contains only seven tracks, making it one of the shortest studio albums of Nas's career.
Notable Songs
Cops Shot the Kid
Featuring Kanye West, this song addresses police violence and racial injustice. Its repeated use of elements from Slick Rick's "Children's Story" creates one of the album's most distinctive and memorable production choices.
Adam and Eve
A reflective track that examines human nature, temptation, and social responsibility. Many listeners have praised the song's sample-driven production and philosophical tone.
Everything
Featuring The-Dream and Kanye West, the song explores family, relationships, and the challenges of balancing personal and public life.
Not for Radio
The opening track establishes the album's serious tone and features appearances from Puff Daddy and 070 Shake. It serves as a declaration of artistic independence and social awareness.
Reception
Critical reception was mixed to generally positive. Many reviewers praised Nas's lyricism and the album's ambition, while others felt the brief running time prevented some ideas from being fully developed. Critics were also divided on Kanye West's production approach and the rushed nature of the project.
Commercially, the album debuted in the top five of the Billboard 200 and attracted significant attention because of the high-profile collaboration between Nas and Kanye West.
Among fans, opinions have remained divided. Some consider the album an underrated experiment with strong individual tracks, while others rank it among the weaker releases in Nas's extensive catalog. Discussions about the project continue years after its release.
Legacy
Although Nasir is not generally regarded as one of Nas's definitive classics, it occupies a unique place in his discography. It documented a rare full-length collaboration between Nas and Kanye West and became part of the highly publicized Wyoming Sessions era of 2018.
The album's short format also foreshadowed a later resurgence in Nas's career. In the years following Nasir, he entered a highly productive period that included multiple acclaimed projects and renewed critical recognition.
Today, Nasir is often viewed as a transitional release that bridged the gap between Nas's earlier career phases and his later renaissance.