What does Magic sound like?

A return to form, blending sharp lyricism with nostalgic boom bap beats and a modern sensibility. Rooted in alternative hip-hop and gangsta rap. Start with "Speechless".

Is Magic a good place to start with Nas?

Yes, Magic is recommended as a starting point for new Nas listeners. A return to form, blending sharp lyricism with nostalgic boom bap beats and a modern sensibility. Released on December 24, 2021, 'Magic' comes two years after Nas's acclaimed album 'King's Disease', which won a Grammy. This project represents a continuation of Nas's artistic resurgence, showcasing his ability to remain relevant while honoring the roots of hip-hop.

Magic works well if you're into lyrical depth for attentive listeners, mid-tempo flow for relaxed vibes and vivid storytelling in every track.

How many songs are on Magic?

Magic has 9 tracks, running approximately 29 minutes.

Magic

Nas · 2021

29 min · 9 tracks · alternative hip-hop

A return to form, blending sharp lyricism with nostalgic boom bap beats and a modern sensibility.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Speechless Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Meet Joe Black — This track exemplifies Nas's mastery of storytelling, weaving intricate narratives that reflect on legacy and mortality against a haunting beat.
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Hollywood Gangsta — In this song, Nas critiques the superficiality of fame and the entertainment industry while delivering sharp verses that resonate with authenticity.
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Wu for the Children — This tribute to the Wu-Tang Clan highlights not only Nas's lyrical prowess but also his connection to hip-hop history and community.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

72 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album blends sharp lyricism with nostalgic beats, showcasing strong composition and distinctiveness in the current hip-hop landscape.

What we noticed

The album opens with a track featuring layered vocal samples and a steady boom bap beat, establishing a nostalgic yet modern sound.
Each track typically features Nas's verses interspersed with brief instrumental breaks, allowing the beats to breathe between lyrical sections.
Several tracks incorporate jazz-inflected samples, creating a rich texture that complements Nas's sharp lyricism.
The final track concludes with a reflective tone, using a slower tempo and minimal instrumentation to create an introspective atmosphere.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

lyrical depth for attentive listeners
mid-tempo flow for relaxed vibes
vivid storytelling in every track
short tracks for quick engagement

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy party anthems
prefer standalone singles over cohesion

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Continues Nas's artistic resurgence with critical acclaim and solidifies his current standing.
Themes: legacy and mortality· Hollywood superficiality· Wu-Tang tribute
Career context: Released on December 24, 2021, 'Magic' comes two years after Nas's acclaimed album 'King's Disease', which won a Grammy. This project represents a continuation of Nas's artistic resurgence, showcasing his ability to remain relevant while honoring the roots of hip-hop.
Stylistic neighbors: Jay-Z· Rakim· The Notorious B.I.G.