A hip hop album hasn't sparked this much controversy in years. The title led to many rappers taking great offense. Specifically, southern artists like D4L and Young Jeezy got heated over the title, questioning whom Nas was to make such a declaration. The publicity generated, along with the loyalty of Nas fans, helped Hip Hop is Dead debut at #1 on the Billboard charts.
Shortly, the hype was justified. The album starts out with the convincing "Money Over Bullshit," where Nas reminds his adversaries that he's "afraid not of one of you cowards but of my own strength." The Queensbridge native makes it known that he's still a force in the hip hop world. The first four tracks are all solid, until Nas sputters a bit on the mediocre title track. It's not a horrible song, it just recycles the same sample used on Streets Disciple's "Thief's Theme." "Who Killed It," an absurd track in which Nas attempts to replicate the voice of a 1930's detective, follows this up. It's a good concept, but suffers from awful execution.
The remainder of the album rounds off nicely. Highlights include the long awaited union with former foe Jay-Z in "Black Republicans." The epic beat fits the mood of the two hip hop heavyweights finally putting their beef to rest on wax.
Another high point on Hip Hop is Dead is "Still Dreaming," produced by and featuring Kanye West. West brings it on this track, delivering a respectable verse over another of his solidly crafted beats. Nas raps equally, if not more impressively, making for one of the best songs on the album. Apparently, the chemistry generated between the two on Late Registration's "We Major" was no fluke.
At this point we're about half way through, thus far at a solid release with only a couple missteps. The second half saves the album, including collaborations with the likes of Snoop - "Play on Playa" - and The Game on the Dr. Dre produced "Hustlers." Also included is perhaps the best track Nas has dropped in years, "Can't Forget About You." This track features the vocals of newcomer Chrisette Michele, whose vocal style on this track fits the "Unforgettable" sample perfectly. Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas produced the track, and admirably so, as it is one of the best beats on the album. And as usual, Nas delivers exceptional lyrics over the great production.
The record closes out with the a cappella "Hope" in which Michele makes another appearance, crooning that "hip hop will never die." At this point in the album, you'd be hard pressed to disagree. Nas very well may have just brought it back to life.
