Reviews:

Audio Mixers: John Frye; Kevin Crouse; Mark Batson; Phil Tan; Billy Hume; Keri Hilson.
Recording information: Cinematic Studios, New York, NY; Electric Lady Studios, New York, NY; Encore Studios, Burbank, CA; Legacy Recording Studio, New York, NY; Manhattan Center Studios, New York, NY; NRG Recording Studio, Los Angeles, CA; Patchwerk Recording, Atlanta, GA; Roc The Mic Studios, New York, NY; Royal Z Entertainment, Westlake Studios, Los Angeles, C; SoundTrap Studios, Atlanta, GA; The Record Room, N. Miami, FL; Touch 510 Studios, S. Orange, NJ; Warrior Studios; Westlake Audio, Hollywood, CA.
Arranger: Stic Man.
Nasir Jones's controversially untitled LP follows the impressive trifecta of GOD'S SON, STREET'S DISCIPLE, and HIP-HOP IS DEAD. This latest record leans on gritty, often metallic production and a mission of personal catharsis, often in congress with a current sociopolitical pointedness. Nas's most aggressive eviscerations are saved for the hard-rocking rampage of "Sly Fox," which stands up for Ludacris and other MCs assaulted by conservative pundits, as if playing the role of the protective older brother. But for all the album's candid nihilism, perhaps the most moving moment is still one of hope, as articulated on "Black President." Poignantly sampling a 2Pac lyric about it seeming "heaven sent," Nas ponders the pros and cons of Obama's ascension. And the use of Shakur's words serves as a way for Nas to communicate a message to the fellow free-thinkers who inspired him, but who didn't live to see such progress in the face of relative chaos.

Personnel: Johnny Polygon, Stic Man (vocals); J. Myers (guitar, background vocals); Kevin Mayer, Binky Griptite, Thomas Brenneck (guitar); Eddie Montilla, Idalia String Ensemble (strings); Neal Sugarman (tenor saxophone); Ian Hendrickson (baritone saxophone); Bruce Purse (horns, background vocals); Vincent Henry (horns); Victor Axelrod (piano); Brian Kennedy, Mikuak Rai, Jason Perry (keyboards); Homer Steinweiss (drums).

The album formerly known as, in various forms, N*gga and N*gger (minus the asterisks) is now just self-titled after Nas determined that certain storeowners could potentially withhold the music from his fans. It's a shame, as the legendary MC has always favored depth over trite shock value, and undoubtedly has something valuable to opine about the constantly shifting culture of the word, especially after the Don Imus and Dog the Bounty Hunter scandals.
In Stores July 15.