I bought the album the week it was released and have always felt like the beats were the weak link. Specifically because they were either really self-conscious attempts at recreating the "raw" sound of illmatic (which just turned out awkward, as the drums were way too clean-sounding) or they were very shiny (ex: 'The Message', 'Street Dreams', 'Watch Dem Niggas', 'Nas is Coming', 'Affirmative Action' and 'If I Ruled the World').

And, I know: it was a bigger budget album, Nas getting A+R'd into making a couple moves for wider appeal. I get that. I don't hold it against the album. It's a very good record. But I've always felt like it was a very glossy album.


"I wasn't sure if I was lost or running away again. . ."

http://austinato.bandcamp.com

http://www.discogs.com/lists/Favorites-of-2016/269401