Nas- Life is Good

The highly anticipated album from the New York Native is set to be released July 17th 2012. The album is said to have a variety of collaborations with the likes of Miguel Jontel, the late Amy Winehouse, Mary J Blige, Rick Ross and Large Professor.

Current singles that have dropped from the album include a range of tempo’s and creative flows such as, The Don, Nasty and Daughters. Songs such as Daughters gives us an insight into the sincerity of the album. Jones has already captivated his audience with the gravitational pull and integrity of such singles been a truthful scripture of how he needs to make more effort with his daughter as a father and relates to those fathers who find it difficult to raise a girl in today’s society. Nas also keeps to the norm of his talent, using knowledgeable lyricism to explain how he feels about current affairs.

Producers such as Salaam Remi, Swiss Beatz, Heavy D, Buckwild and No I.D have collaborated with the rapper to create a mix of classic hip hop beats and new fresh sounds. Working with a range of producers enabled Nas to have the eclectic combination of tracks on the table and the ability to compile a mix in a way which flows brilliantly; for example The Don (produced by Salaam Remi, Heavy D and The Internz) has a the hard depth beat of Heavy D the sampling, mixing and electro-synth sound of Remi and the new beat rap swing of  The Internz. Overall the album has a classic hip hop feel with anopen end to the new styles of musics produced for today’s audience.

The album cover stirs up controversy as the image is of Nas with his Former Wife’s wedding dress draped across his lap whilst he has a glass of Champagne. Some might say that this image portrays meditation,calm and tranquillity whilst Jones is reminiscing over old times and toasting to the future of more good times. Others may state that his facial expression shows remorse and regret and the title of the album is a symbol of sarcasm and life isn’t as good at it seems.

Overall, the album is set to put Nas back on top in the rap league as comments made by others compare the album to classics like The score by the Fugees. With big comparisons and statements made with a feel of ‘back to basics’ we shall look forward to the debut of an original hip hop LP.