Stillmatic [Explicit Lyrics]

Nas

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 18, 2001)
• Original Release Date: December 18, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Explicit Lyrics
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B00005U2LB
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (427 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #6,823 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Nas's 1994 debut, Illmatic, is hands down one of the greatest rap LPs of all time. Open to debate is why he ditched his lyrical genius and raw, gully beats to go pop on his next three albums. On his fifth solo LP, Nas returns to his grimy, hardcore roots. On "Ether," Nas disses Jay-Z mercilessly (a response to Jay-Z's anti-Nas stabs on "Takeover" from The Blueprint). Nas then proceeds to dis Prodigy of Mobb Deep and a whole slew of other Queensbridge-based MCs on "Destroy and Rebuild." When he's not busy tearing into fellow New York-based MCs, Nas pulls a politico routine on "My Country," questioning the blind patriotism of many African Americans, flips rhymes with former Firm compadre AZ on "The Flyest," and pays homage to Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G on "Got Ur Self a...." However, the albums finest artistic moment comes on "Rewind," where Nas crafts a sexploit and murder-filled 'hood narrative in which the story and wordplay are recited in reverse (think Tarantino's Pulp Fiction on celluloid). With beats supplied by DJ Premier, Large Professor, and Swizz Beatz, Nas has arguably reclaimed his throne as the MC king of New York. --Dalton Higgins

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Addition to the Nas Catalogue, August 11, 2002

By	A. Eby (Texas) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Why compare "Stillmatic" to "Illmatic"? They're different albums from different years, and each deserves to be experienced on its own terms. I listened to "Still" before I bought "Ill", so I was able to enjoy it fully without having to compare it to its illustrious predecessor. And I loved it...

Nas is an amazingly talented rapper. His lyrics are the meat and his beats are the bones of his music. It's fun (and pretty rare) to listen to a catchy rap that actually says something besides merely celebrating ho's, dope, and guns. Blazing tracks like "One Mic", "My Country", and "What Goes Around" testify to that. "Rewind" is one of the most cleverly structured raps I've ever heard (a musical "Memento"?), and Nas slings some dirt on Jay-Z, Prodigy, and others on "Ether" and "Destroy and Rebuild", which would be a tiring conceit if it didn't sound so damn good.

Get this album. Nas has made some missteps ("Nastradamus" anyone?), but he's stepped back on his throne with this one.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jay Z fans cry when they hear this album, February 2, 2005

A Kid's Review

This album is a true masterpiece, mainly because Nas (aka the best rapper alive) exposes Jigga aka Jay Z aka Hova aka Mr. Wackness for being a fake bling-bling rapper who put out garbage albums from 1996-2003. The truth is that Nas ripped Jay so bad on this album that Jay Z had to retire!

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Album Of The Year, December 19, 2001

By	J. Storm "Vikings Super Bowl Party 2010?" (The Abyss) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

After a disappointing album loaded with watered down commercialized tracks, Nas has set out to prove he still has what it takes to be crowned the King of New York. And with Stillmatic, he proves it beyond a shadow of a doubt.
The album kicks off with a hot intro, laced with a nice beat and solid flow. From there, we find ourselves listening to Nas verbally tear apart Jay-Z on the viscious "Ether," which features enough hot punches to make Ali cringe.
The album's first single, "Got Ur Self A...." is another banger that you cant help but nod your head to. Far from "Nastradamus," the title track and lead single off his last album, "Got Ur Self A..." maintains a feel that's radio-friendly yet still raw.
The hits never let up after that: bangers like "You're Da Man," the ridiculously original "Rewind," and "Destroy & Rebuild," (which throws lyrical darts at Prodigy, Cormega, and Nature), never lose an ounce of replay value.
"Rule" is reminiscent of "If I Ruled The World," another very nice track. And dont think for a second that Nas has sacrificed any street credibility on this album. Vivid tracks like "2nd Childhood," "My Country," and "Every Ghetto" among others will no doubt resurrect memories of the street poet we grew to love in 1994.
But the albums highlight is the beautifully-constructed "One Mic," which showcases a Nas we havent heard before. On each verse, he flawlessly flows gradually from a silky smooth tempo to a fierce, emotionally charged lyrical onslaught. An incredible track.
The album's only slight slip-up comes on the lackluster "Braveheart Party," which features a less than enthusiastic appearance by Mary J. Blige as well as a typical beat made for the clubs and watered-down lyrics. But this is literally the only mishap on the album, so it can be easily overlooked.
Overall, Stillmatic is the hands down Hip-Hop album of the year. Great production and masterful lyrics make this an album that not only reaffirms Nas's spot among hip-hop's elite, but also brings a breath of fresh air from some of the garbage thats been released in the genre lately. Every true HIP-HOP fan should own this album.