Nas - Lost Tapes

Nas's 1994 debut, Illmatic, set a standard by which most rap albums are now measured. Since then, he's struggled to duplicate Illmatic's artistry. Jay-Z was less diplomatic when he rapped, ". . . had a spark when you started, but now you're just garbage." However, those fearing that this collection of 1998-2001 outtakes is a hastily whipped-together attempt to cash in on his celebrity can put their doubts to rest. The Lost Tapes is vintage Nas, the prolific ghetto raconteur. On "Drunk by Myself" he goes into the dark recesses of a burdened alcoholic's brain. "Poppa Was a Playa" pays an honest and compelling homage to his father, trumpeter (and womanizer) Olu Dara. On "Black Zombie," an Afrocentric manifesto, and "Purple" you get large glimpses of the introspective, socially aware Nas who hip-hop heads had anointed as one of the greatest emcees of all time. The modish piano loop and jazz inflections of "Doo Rags," and the slow, rolling bass lines on "U Gotta Love It," help make this compilation shockingly better than all of Nas's post-Illmatic commercial releases. Why the suits at Columbia/Sony decided to wait until 2002 to let Nasty Nas loose is anyone's guess. --Dalton Higgins Amazon.com

4 1/2 stars. His best album, definitely. Very impressive

All I can really say is "wow." This is an amazing album from start to finish. I remember when Nas first came out in 1994 with "Illmatic." I always thought he was a good rapper, but I recently started listening to him more because he is my best friend's favorite rapper of all time. Too, many people say that "Illmatic" is one of the best hip-hop albums of all time, so I wanted to listen to a lot more of his music. The more I listen to him, the more I understand why he is so revered in hip-hop and rap. He has never been the type of rapper that is too concerned about being platinum; he is more concerned about getting his points across in his music. Nas, you have finally gotten through to me with "Lost Tapes."

I rate every song on here between four and five stars. I can't remember the last time I listened to an album and every single song blew me away. He gives lots of energy on each song, enthralls you with his wordplay, and definitely worth mentioning is the fact that the production is fantastic! One of the problems I had with his first two albums was the bad production. Had his production been better on those two albums, the quality would have been brought up several notches. On "Lost Tapes", the phrase "less is more" works because many of the tracks only have drum and piano, but they worked perfectly. "Doo Rags" and "Blaze a 50" are both piano and drum heavy, have memorable moments, and great energy. In "Doo Rags", Nas reminisces about the past and the listener can't help but reminisce with him because most can relate to his words in that song. This is easily one of his best songs ever. "No Idea's Original", "Black Zombie" and "Fetus" are also highlights that will receive lots of rewinds from me.

This is real hip-hop, people! Get your hands on this album somehow, someway, and be enlightened as to why Nas is considered one of the best who ever did it. Reiteration: This is Nas's best album!

Mikeisha's Top 5

1. "Doo Rags"
2. "Nothing Lasts Forever"
3. "Purple"
4. "Fetus"
5. "Black Zombie"
June 20, 2008

a must buy

theres not an ok song on this album this is sum of my fav from nas May 2, 2008

Straight Phenom.

I wish these songs were part of their coinciding albums. But they still make a really dope mixtape.

I highly recommend this album to any Nas fan or anyone who is looking to become a Nas fan.

My only beef with this album is that there are several other songs that probably should have been on here too. Like "One on One," "Street Dreams Remix," "One Plus One," and "Stay Chiseled."

Tommy's Favorite tracks --

Purple
Doo Rags
U Gotta Love it
Black Zombie (weak chorus, ridiculous beat)
Nothing Lasts Forever
No Idea's Original January 27, 2008

The educated man's rapper

I grew up with all the greats Rakim, KRS-One,so on and so forth...now both them men have gave props to Nas...a legend in the rap/hiphop game gives someone props you know they're beyond great...now onto the album at hand...I was riding the subway in Queens when I came across this billboard with Nas "Lost Tapes" I was in heaven a new Nas album...now in typical fashion the man hasn't let me down...Drunk by myself...Fetus...two albums which he lyrically puts your ear drums to the test of greatness...any Nas fan and or any real Rap/Hip Hop fan would be doing themself a great justice by getting this album...enough said September 23, 2007

Some of Nas's best work

There is only one word I can think of to really describe the Lost Tapes: sublime. This album features Nas at his best and hip-hop how it should be. One has to wonder if Nas was in an Illmatic-like zone when he was writing each of these songs, all of which somehow did not make the cut for any of his studio albums. He repeatedly shows why he is one of the greatest lyricists--and ultimately one of the best MC's--of all-time on this collection. Nas creates meaningful music with great content on every one of these songs, effortlessly stitching together his words using both slant-rhymes and end-rhymes (also, his flows are amazing--his versatility is really on display). "Fetus" is a song about his experience in his mother's womb culminating in his birth (how many rappers do you know that can write a song about that?). One thing Nas fans will enjoy about this CD is that Nas reveals a lot about himself--his struggles, his personal history, his values, his beliefs, and his mores. Nas shares some of his wisdom in addition to his expansive empirical knowledge throughout the album, providing the listener with much insight in the process. Songs such as "Purple" and "Black Zombies" do just that, and the beats on this album go together perfectly with Nas's voice. The Lost Tapes is a must have for any Nas fan as well as anybody that is new to hip-hop or Nas's music. September 12, 2007

More reviews at Amazon.com ...