#3. Nas- Life Is Good

Nas is one of the best rappers of our time.  Being raised in Queens myself, I grew up on his music.  So it was no surprise that his 10th studio album, Life Is Good, would bang.  He has always been great at storytelling, and he didn't fail to do it on LIG.  The wise lyricist created one of the best albums of they year, taking it back with old school hip-hop beats and telling us stories of his personal life.

The intro, "No Introduction" assured us that this album, like his others, would be classic, reminiscing about being raised in Queensbridge.  He then continues to go in on the following tracks like "Loco-Motive" feat. Large Professor and "A Queens Story."On one of the more popular tracks entitled "Daughters," Nas reflects on fatherhood and raising his daughter, catching rage when the "social network" told him to get his kid.  He then goes on to speak about Kelis, dedicating the song "Bye Baby" to her, though the entire album was influenced by their divorce (see album cover). His other singles, "Nasty" and "The Don" made me feel like I was back in Southside in the early 90s, listening to reggae and the latest in hip-hop on Hot 97.  So many artists this year have had hits, but so many lacked substance.  Luckily for us, one of the Hip-Hop Kings came back and showed them what it really is, getting nominated for Best Rap Album at the Grammys, which will be presented next year.  There have only been a handful of albums this year that I could stand to listen to straight through, and LIG was on the top of the list.  Rick Ross, the only rap feature on the album, made sure to come strong on "Accident Murderers."  It almost makes you upset that this dude doesn't rap like this on the regular. Nas of course, slays.  One of the best songs on the album, the smooth "Cherry Wine," features the late Amy Winehouse and makes you wish they could have done more tracks together.

Nas will forever be what a lot of these rappers wish they could. Period.  Just a few weeks ago a deluxe edition of Illmatic was released but was quickly sold out (trust, I was mad when I tried to order it and was shut down). 21 years in the game and this MC is still gettin' it in like this.  Let us all hope he continues to drop a new album every once in a while, reminding of us what greatness truly is.  If you got the bread and are in NYC for New Year's Eve, check him out with Elle Varner at Radio City Music Hall here.  Check out some videos from Life Is Good and a few tracks from the album below:

 

Nas feat. Amy Winehouse- Cherry Wine

 

Nas- Daughters

Nas- The Don