Nas – The Lost Tapes 2
Released: 19 July 2019
The Lost Tapes 2 is Nas’ sequel to his 2002 compilation cult classic The Lost Tapes 1. On my social media timeline, Hip-Hop supporters tore this album to pieces, citing bad beats and lazy lyrics by Nas. I think we’re listening to two different albums! On my 1st listen in the video above, I thoroughly enjoy The Lost Tapes 2 outside of a few overly-preachy songs like “Royalty ft Ravaughn”.
With a star-studded production cast featuring Pharrell, Pete Rock, DJ Toomp, Kanye West, RZA, Alchemist and more, The Lost Tapes 2 is another notch in Nas’ belt of good albums.
Favorite songs: “No Bad Energy“, “Vernon Family”, “Lost Freestyle“, “Who Are You ft David Ranier“, “War Against Love”, “Highly Favored”, “Queens Wolf”,”It Never Ends”, “You Mean the World to Me”
Ed. Note: Here are some cool, indirect references to Nipsey Hussle I caught on The Lost Tapes 2 by Nas
– Daryl Strawberry reference (Crenshaw logo) on “Jarreau of Rap (Skat Attack)“
– Lost Freestyle = same sample as One Take 3
– Beautiful Life = same sample as Keys 2 the City
Rating Categories:
★★★★★: Best in show; pinnacle release from an all-time great artist.
★★★★1/2: Stellar example of genre; peak potential.
★★★★: Excellent; recommended to all fans of artist or genre.
★★★1/2: Very good; a few bland songs or minor flaws throughout.
★★★: Good; fans of the artist will find value here.
★★1/2: Average; does little to establish the artist or maintain quality.
★★: Unexceptional; a few highlights but otherwise bland.
★1/2: Weak; unrecommended for anyone but major fans of the style and/or artist.
★: Seriously flawed; very poor work but relatively listenable.
1/2: Terrible; a true embarrassment and akin to audio masochism.