What does Nasir sound like?

A gritty blend of sharp lyricism and soulful production, reflecting the struggles and triumphs of urban life. Rooted in alternative hip-hop and gangsta rap. Start with "Not for Radio".

Is Nasir a good place to start with Nas?

Yes, Nasir is recommended as a starting point for new Nas listeners. A gritty blend of sharp lyricism and soulful production, reflecting the struggles and triumphs of urban life. Released on January 1, 2018, Nasir is Nas's eleventh studio album, coming after his 2012 record Life Is Good. This album marked a significant return for Nas, collaborating with producer Kanye West during a prolific period for the latter, who was producing a series of albums that year.

Nasir works well if you're into concise reflections on current events, introspective moments with sharp clarity and front-loaded energy with urgency.

How many songs are on Nasir?

Nasir has 7 tracks, running approximately 26 minutes.

Nasir

Nas · 2018

26 min · 7 tracks · alternative hip-hop

A gritty blend of sharp lyricism and soulful production, reflecting the struggles and triumphs of urban life.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Not for Radio Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Cops Shot the Kid — This track tackles the weighty issues of racial violence and police brutality, featuring a haunting sample that underscores its urgent message.
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Everything — In this reflective piece, Nas explores themes of legacy and personal growth over a lush instrumental backdrop, showcasing his storytelling prowess.
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Adam and Eve — This track juxtaposes historical context with modern struggles, using biblical references to discuss temptation and moral choices in contemporary life.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Nasir combines sharp lyricism with soulful production, making it a strong entry in Nas's discography.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of soulful samples layered with hard-hitting drums, creating a gritty yet polished sound.
Each track typically showcases Nas's intricate lyricism, often addressing social issues and personal narratives.
The sequencing maintains a steady flow, with tracks transitioning smoothly into one another while building emotional intensity.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

concise reflections on current events
introspective moments with sharp clarity
front-loaded energy with urgency
focused listening during commutes

Maybe skip if you

seeking long, immersive experiences
prefer upbeat, party-ready tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows Nas's continued vitality with strong collaboration and lyrical depth.
Themes: racial violence· biblical temptation
Career context: Released on January 1, 2018, Nasir is Nas's eleventh studio album, coming after his 2012 record Life Is Good. This album marked a significant return for Nas, collaborating with producer Kanye West during a prolific period for the latter, who was producing a series of albums that year.
Stylistic neighbors: Jay-Z· Rakim· The Notorious B.I.G.

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Cops Shot the Kid

The verses depict vivid imagery of societal unrest while addressing the listener directly about their experiences with injustice.

This direct address invites listeners into a shared space of urgency, making them complicit in the narrative rather than passive observers.