The new Nas is one of the best albums of the year.
Intriguing from start to finish and chock full of good songs, "King's Disease" is certainly a worthy companion to all of the rapper's other great offerings _ which would include 2012's "Life Is Good," 1996's "It Was Written" and, of course, the iconic 1994 debut "Illmatic."
Over the course of 13 tracks, representing just shy of 40 minutes of music, Nas shows that he hasn't lost a step _ and arguably may have even gained one or two _ as he rocks the microphone with undeniable charisma, talent, confidence and purpose.
The writing here is absolutely topnotch, with Nas tackling the tricky balancing act of life, navigating both highs and lows through an assortment of memorable rhymes running over so many cool beats and grooves.
The album _ which was released Aug. 21 _ was expertly produced by Hit-Boy (who has worked with Jay-Z, Beyonce and Travis Scott) and features contributions from Charlie Wilson, Big Sean, Anderson .Paak, A$AP Ferg and others.
The first single from the new album is the powerful "Ultra Black," which features Hit-Boy.
Overall, "King's Disease" _ Nas' first release since 2018's "Nasir" _ is enough to remind us why we fell for this incredible artist in the first place.
