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CartNas "Life Is Good" Album Review — 5 out of 5 stars
Fri, 20 Jul 2012 11:08:52
"A hustler's job ain't done, till he becomes a king," declares Nas on "No Introduction", the first joint from his tenth studio album, Life Is Good.
Make no mistake about it, Nas remains king, and this record stands out as shining proof. In a career of classics, Life Is Good is as timeless as Illmatic and I Am…. Once again, the New York MC delivers engaging stories on par with the best films at the box office.
"Loco-Motive" starts with an epic choral line and subway rumbling before an ominous beat and bass line start throbbing. Nas shuffles down the hood's streets with unmatched swagger and savvy alongside Large Professor. Meanwhile, "No Introduction" recalls hanging with Biggie and pleads for better days through Nas's signature smart, sharp, and slick street poetry.
"A Queens Story" wouldn't be out of place bumping over GoodFellas, while "Accident Murderers" pairs our hero with Rick Ross for a bullet-riddled anthem. Life gets soulful during the heartfelt "World's an Addiction" with a powerful hook by Anthony Hamilton. "Back When" reminisces with raw honesty, while "Cherry Wine", featuring the late Amy Winehouse, couldn't be more chilling or intoxicating.
Everything culminates on the shimmering finale "Bye Baby". It's poignant and potent like all of his best material. Ultimately, Life Is Good isn't just another phenomenal entry into a lauded catalog, it's one of the best albums of 2012 and another hip hop classic.
If a hustler becomes a king, then the only thing for a king to become is a legend—which is exactly what Nas is.
—Rick Florino
07.20.12
Have you heard Life Is Good yet?
Get it on iTunes!
