Marcus Fleetwood Very true. I think that he took his rhyming to a different level on that album. There were more songs that had stories to them and weren't just about how potent he is with the pen. Both albums are amazing. Memory Lane is crazy!
Meta fit I will sometimes give you an idea whether an album is good or not but should in no way be taken seriously... for example MMLP got something like 72 and DAMN got 97... says it all for me
Nas will be remembered, revered, and recognised as a purist, a poet, a lyricist, and a torch bearer for the artform. Jay will be remembered as a rapper that made some great songs, and was a great businessman. Nas didn't sell out and that's why he's the GOAT imo
Brook those those Jay-Z classics wouldn't exist without nas illmatic. Listen to any Jay-Z song recorded pre illmatic, he was rapping totally differently, same goes for black thought and many others
NasAlbumDone NSD You can't take shit that Rolling stone says as gold they have Eminem as the best rapper of all time.. yes..I said all time over 2Pac, biggie, nas, Jay z, jadakiss..
Smooth Criminal I'm just saying if you put them 3 in a cypher , same beat , he would outrap them . Pax and big are legends , they're goats but Em is a different beast when it comes to rhyming .
Nas' consistency in his style and themes seem to me to make him less commercial than Jay. I am not sure that a 'real hip hop head' implies, as the genre has experienced decades of changes, but if we are to talk about the streets, then I would agree that Nas is the king of a hip hop that speaks to the organic character of the art form. I think that Jay is a way better equipped artists, and has proven to be a mogul with next to no competitors in the culture. Jay has built a monster that keeps reinforcing itself with quality substance, and his power has increasingly allowed him to be able to take his time and release products that he knows that will be commercial hits. Nas is the most rooted artists of the two, and may be the most 'real' of the two, but I am not sure that that makes him better or worse. At the personal level, I enjoy Nas when I want to think, and Jay went I want to dance.
Jay-z verse on whats free alone is better than the last 20years of NAS ... Bun B, Eminem, Lil Wayne, Joe budden, ti, Charlemagne, 21savage all said Jay-z is better and many others think the same.
F McLaren How many Classics does he have OVER NAS? How many songs does he have that stack up against Nas' 'Undying Love', 'Rewind', 'Ether', or even 'I Gave You Power'? I rest my case.
F McLaren That has nothing to do with anything. I actually listen to more Old School Hip Hop than anything else. That's why I know Nas is GOAT. Rakim was the shit in the 80s and that's all she wrote. Nas has been the shit since he came out till now! That alone puts him levels above Rakim.
F McLaren Rakim was not THAT DUDE in the 90's you know that. Rakim was THE SHIT back in the late 80s when he came out with 'Paid in Full' and 'Follow the Leader'. Slick Rick and Big Daddy Kane were running shit even then. Rakim was well respected for his skill but his albums are not as revered as revolutionary Classics like a Nas' Illmatic. Even if you just want to go song by song. Nas has way more classic songs than Rakim Allah.It's like comparing Kendrick to J Cole right now. Kendrick is revolutionary. J Cole has yet to shake the world like that. Both are super nice though.
Kausachun Velasco listen to Nas’s Life Is Good, way “past his prime” yet manages to put out another classic. Nas was putting out more mature/genre bending albums before Jay (God’s Son, Hip Hop is Dead, Distant Relatives)
@@hiphopdx Sir, I,m in UK and just got home from seeing my sun win his first ever boxing match. Feeling good and had to listen to some Nas and came across ur excellent breakdown on the Stoute/Nas/Jay situation. Brilliant, insightful, clever...and its patently obvious u love Hip Hop! Laughed at how critics gave Stillmatic a 6.9. WTF?! The critics don't know ish and that score was confirmation... But you never said what was his highest rated album. C'mon sir!!! Lol! I love Untitled...definitely a masterpiece and nothing for the radio or club. What's ur take? Peace
@tyronedavis7656 It’s clear there is Bias. The Topic of discussion was Nas and how he went platinum. Why was Jay-Z even mentioned. This video came across as a backhanded compliment and I’ve seen other breakdowns this guy has done since this regarding Nas. And it’s clear he is Biased toward Jay-Z and he is a corn ball. For true insight on hip hop topics listen to According 2 Hip Hop and The Rap Roundtable
It is very tragic that Kool G Rap is so unknown. His name should be recognizable even to the young generation but it isnt. Great lyricist who didnt go far. But he gets mad love from hip hop heads and hip hop royalty.
gdiggedy9 good point. He kinda did it to himself. He has 1 topic but hes damn good @ it. Like Fredro Starr and Sticky fingaz are always playing thugs bcuz they are fuckin great @ it.
That's most of these underground rappers can rap but they're not that good at making songs, they're good at brag rap and featuring on other rappers songs but they can't make good music that can be listened to by a huge audience
***** The way he changed the rap when Illmatic dropped , bringing so many great producers into a single album , a thing that didn't happen before. (Illmatic being in my opinion the best rap album of all time and one of the most revolutionary in the music industry in general) The fact that he came on top when people tried to bring him down. The fact that his music aged like fine wine and is still talked about today. The fact that his lyrics are crazy good. The way he influenced so many rappers , and many other things. Can't wait to see that video guys!
+HipHopDX not only that but nas also was the first to put his child portrait or pic as his Album cover. influencing everyone else that did that after him.
Terrance Adu why is jay-z all over everyone's comments. Stop thinking it has to be either, or. Jay is my favorite artists for the incredible lyrics. reasonable doubt,lucky me,where I'm from, streets is watching, big pimping,dynasty, blueprint, etc, but I love nas for who he is as well.
Daquan Mabry jay really from the streets. he's a dude who went from Marcy to everything. he never sold out. he donates to everything, nas does nothing. he talks about drigs,hoes,and jewels too. why are they different. people kill me with all that illuminati stupidity. he's a dude that made it. I salute him
Axel Minani I'm from NYC! what has he done? Nothing! And for the guy saying jay became what nas didn't want to. Nas rhymes about hoes,guns,drugs,people getting clapped as much as the next dude. He has a great flow and gives a message sometimes that's all. Jay has 12 str8 number one and platinum albums. Noone can give you that you have to earn that. jay owns his own masters like 5 artist in the whole industry own those!He got 253 million when he sold rocawear,and another 150 from live Nation. He makes 50 mill a year because people wanna see him and has his roc management, and sports agency! Why every black person that's bosses up d old their sold to the devil is beyond me! But we been taught to hate each other since slavery so I get it on some level but people are just idiots! Jay gives money to everything what does nas donate his own money to?
Nas GOAT, no doubt about it. But he's way too laid back with his attitude and not very focused to be on his best many times. But as talent goes, he is the greatest Hip Hop has ever known.
I respect your opinion. That's his personality though. If he changed his personality, people would complain about him. I think we have to redefine what 'focus' means. Most people confuse focus with consistency. Many tragedies happened in Nas' life during a certain time (death of peers and his mother got sick). He doesn't just record BS tracks, he has to be inspired to create. If you notice, whenever Nas' rushes an album (i.e.- Nastradumas), something feels incomplete or lackluster. What's your take on this?
Nas once upon a time looked like he lost the war with Jay Z but we should all be reminded of this one line as Nas' legacy & trajectory seems to be moving forward in stealth mode in a major way. "Much success to ya even if you wish me the opposite, sooner or later we'll all see who the prophet is" -Nas is Like (Nas 1999)
whoever critics gave Stillmatic such a low rating bugging it's classic & Jay wanted Nas spot back when they were younger on the large professor tour with jaz-o they both said when Nas would come out to do his live at the BBQ verse Jay would stare wanting that shine and respect Nas was getting both great artists but Nas is goat to me
I love those old stories. Like how Hov felt salty that Nas didn't get on "Reasonable Doubt." Which kind of makes sense given the "You made it a hot line / I made it a hot song" line.
@@hiphopdxYeah but the I paid searchlite publishing and 1 hot album every 10 year average bars were literal lies and aged terribly. Especially given Nas’s Recent Output but even back then. Illmatic, IWW, I AM were all Dope projects. I wonder why the industry works so hard to stifle Nas?
Hmm. That may be good enough reason to tackle that in a breakdown. I'm an outlier (me as in Justin Hunte the host of the show, not Hiphopdx) on the battle. I think Jay won, personally. maybe I'll explain why in coming weeks. Thanks for the comment, Gordo. You just inspired something.
Omar Scruggs great album but nas got better albums. Life is good, God's son and lost tapes are arguably better than stillmatic. It's a solid album though no doubt, got yourself a gun is still a banger
Nas album done.... I really hope his next project will take the culture by storm. I understand his output is pretty damn consistent but I want that next late career undeniable classic
Me too. Nas Album Done was quintessential Nas. Murdered that one. Would love for his music to not suffer as his mogul moves increase. his business has been on point the past 5 years.
in Europe Nas I can was a bigger hit than any songs on the Blueprint people respect Jay successful business but when it comes to music outside the USA he isn't the biggest rap star at all even in his prime
I knew this, but this video provided more context. Nas is a lyricist and true to the art form of Hip Hop. It wasn't all about money to him. He has to be passionate and inspired to create music, not just record bs. We also have to acknowledge when Nas got with Steve, that's when everyone said that "Nas is falling off", "He's losing his street cred", and/or "He's selling out". Nas knows that he was doing pop records that deep down, he did not want to do. He got tired of it and wanted to chill, plus he saw the deadly effects of Hip Hop. Two of his peers were murdered (Biggie & Tupac). How do you continue to pursue music and not feel like your life is on the line next? Lastly, HIS MOM WAS DYING. Like the timing was all wrong. How can anyone be focused and travel with their mother in her last days? Steve does seem like the instigator in this Nas vs. Jay Z battle. But still lyrically, Jay Z don't want it with Nas.
jay z more commercial as a result but nas ends up with a better catalog of music according to metacritic and fan ratings. jay ends up business oriented but Nas ends up as more music oriented while stil doing business and it shows in the music. guess thats why i always preferred Nas to Jay-Z musically speaking
Nas got 5 Mics for Stillmatic and to me that’s all that matters. When he released Stillmatic Jay was at his Apex and no one wanted to upset him so only The Source (The HipHop Bible) gave him the review that he truly deserved.
Thanks for this fascinating piece. Sounds like those of us who are Nas and Jay fans owe a lot to Mr. Stoute. I love these cool little history stories. Also shocked at the Stillmatic hate, but I can't trust anything Rolling Stone says about hip-hop after they left 2pac out of their top 10. One Mic is one of my favorite songs ever.
Edward Chan ha! That was crazy! Rude jude and I tackled that on all out show on shade45. I can see Pac not being top 5 for people. But not top 10? Six albums for anyone is a large body of work. He was super productive and still one of the most impactful. Not top 10? And lauryn hill makes the list? #Trolling
Stillmatic to me represents more than just a good hip hop album. It represents creativity, art, making a comeback, and it represents showing doubters that no matter what, you can overcome in the face of defeat. Stillmatic stands out the most to me when i think of Nas albums.
Thank you for the incite. I was finishing up High School when Nas releasing Nastradamus, Jay-Z released Blueprint, and their beef started. I wore Nas' Willie Esco clothing line, as well as Wu-Wear. Rocawear hadn't yet released when I got out of wearing rapper's garments. I did notice the shift in popular culture presence. IMO, the only reason people think Jay won the battle was because he was more prominent in respect to popular awareness. Meaning, he was on MTV more, he was making more radio friendly songs, he was making his name in other industries beyond music. Nas is one of the best lyricists to ever grace the mic. So as far as a rap battle / beef is concerned, Jay could never truly compete. As far as the "What If" question, I think Jay-Z would have faded out had he not had the help of Steve Stoute. I don't think he could have attracted the talent to help him build his empire without the help. Maybe I'm wrong, who knows. However, I also wonder if Nas' music would have become pop-rap drivel if he didn't step back from the business moves to concentrate on his artistry. While, I remember liking Nastradamus when it released, I don't think it was critically acclaimed. It is definitely a Nas album, but it's a Nas album with a heavy "Big Willie" influence. Had he not stepped back, would he have continued down that slippery slope that a lot of rappers slide down to make money by sticking to radio friendly, pop music? Look at 50 and Ja-Rule. Both were great artists in their own right, but once they got a little bit of fame they turned into love song, pop song, TRL rappers.
I'm with you on that. Nastradamus sounded like it was reaching for radio. Didn't feel organic. Jay definitely made a lot of club friendly albums over the decade. Not sure how many of them outside Blueprint and Black Album and arguably American Gangster really stuck with the masses. Nas really became an artist, which I appreciate.
man idk if ull even read this but i just found ur channel abt 2 months ago. i was born in 92 and have loved rap hip hop n rnb since i was ten n i watch the game change around me. i been tryina find a rap critic/channel that i feel amd respect and so far ur it. other rap media outlets are so rapped up in the politics of the game that an honest oponion of the medium is hard to find. but i feel you are truly unbiased and i appreciate that. i love what you do and i hope you continue this path as rap evolves. much love brother. peace
Illmatic maybe his best album, but It Was Written was the album that put him on the map and It Was Written is his best selling album. Stoute helped Nas transition to a grimy New York rapper to international superstar. People forgot how big those early Nas albums were, Im kinda disappointed Nas chose the other direction later in his career and stop making music that was mainstream. Nas could've had more success if he stuck with da formula of It Was Written and I am. I feel dat Nas felt the negative response from Nastradamas and tried to stay underground. Stillmatic is cool, but the only hit song on it is One Mic, and dat song wasn't as popular as Ruled the world or Hate Me Now. It seems after Stillmatic fell off from the mainstream
even without being mainstream nas has a better catalog than Jay Z. Jay just got aloy more radio shine and advertisment after the blueprint albums and workin with steve stout. thats all. nas still the GOAT imo.
I think a lot of people felt that way. I mean, he kind of did step back from mainstream rap. I respect his approach though. He did things he didnt' have to lyrically.
Second Avenger Ruled the World charted more internationally, so dat song is more impactful than "I Can." "I Can" was only charted nationally in the U.S billboard charts. Songs have more impact if they are charted in different countries. Just because "I Can" charted higher in the U.S than "If I Ruled the World" doesn't make it a legitimate hit
Your breakdown videos are so dope man. I like that you stick to the facts and express opinions with a grain of salt. Objectively interesting to think about, and subjectively amazing to watch. Keep coming with the cream content HipHopDX!
Nas got me into hip hop when I was 12. Never forget listening to ”The World Is Yours” 4 the first time. One of my favorites ever since, but still Nas is #5 for me. Kanye,Pac,André,Kendrick are better IMO
Umm... Thanks to his wife?? I recall Jay's reign starting in 98 after Hard Knock Life. He didn't start messing with Beyonce in what 05' , 06' Jay was the man before she even entered the picture. Btw He the one who helped jump start her career on Crazy in Love. Am I trippin?
Marketing is everything!! That's a great comment. Rude Jude on Shade45's All Out Show consistently argues the point that new york emcees had an advantage in the 1990s because most of the rap magazines were in NY too. So they celebrated all of their stuff and hated on everything else, which is why Biggie and Wu and whoever are viewed in a different light than 'Face or UGK or 8Ball MJG, for example. #Marketing
Nas come through the door with fire no media or controversy to boost his fame that boy could flat out spit even Pac was listening to his music, only thang Pac said about Jay-Z was that he was corny which is the truth.
Nas is an artist. Critics wanted more of the same. Nas evolved and changed and was ahead of the critics. It Was Written is better than any thing Jayz put out start to finish. Nas is ghetto artist worthy of being mentioned with Hughes, Coltrane, and other greats. Jay is a great rapper...
Thank you. Good topics. Carter G Woodson already told use decades ago that we have to educate ourselves and stop depending on the gov to educate our children.
I absolutely loved this segment and learned a lot about the development of both artists career through time and Stoute's involvement in both. As a teen, I had always been intrigued by how Jay (suddenly) became the business mogul that he is now, and I clearly had no insight on the actual power behind the throne. Lastly, if I was the one that made the segment, I think I would've quoted Jay's second verse on "Moment of Clarity" (right after the metacritic scores comparison) as a nail in the coffin. Jay literally tells you the musical transition he made and why : "I dumbed down for my audience to double my dollars They criticized me for it, yet they all yell "holla" If skills sold, truth be told, I'd probably be lyrically Talib Kweli Truthfully I wanna rhyme like Common Sense But I did 5 mill' - I ain't been rhyming like Common since"
I respect Jay Z but he has neeeeever made Songs like I gave you Power, Rewind, Heaven, I can, Black Girl Lost, What goes around, Last Words, Undying Love, American Way, Rest of my Life, Live Now, Purple, Doo Rags.... List is to long in Short He's Great Jay is Good but has bit the shit out of a lot of Emcees
I know youngsters who think Stillmatic is better than Illmatic. Anyway it is a mad point But ultimately Nas has never been that comfortable in the lime light for long.Even if he had have stayed with Steve Stoute and rose to Hov type heights of mainstream success and fame.I think Nas would have rebelled against.Jay Z seems to love and crave the attention and lime light.Maybe Steve saw this early on.
I think what's funny is the avg dude will look at the here and now and think Jay won in terms of wealth today. However, Jay's wealth is mostly tied up in what he does artistically. The Bulk of his wealth comes from his performance still (Album sales, Touring with Live nation, things that bear his name). Nas' budding empire is set to explode with things that don't require Nas the artist. Bevel, Left, Dropbox and Genius are all vehicles that Nas can profit from (his family as well) for the next 100 years. Any one of those that goes public or is bought out by a giant firm makes Nas an instant Billionaire! What if more than 1 of the 100 companies he is invested in blows? LOL The boy is set up to not be a business, but a investment titan.
It Was Written might be the most underrated album of all time
It may be the best album by Nas.
Marcus Fleetwood Very true. I think that he took his rhyming to a different level on that album. There were more songs that had stories to them and weren't just about how potent he is with the pen.
Both albums are amazing. Memory Lane is crazy!
Dmitriy Kono NY State of Mind my favorite :)
King James I can't argue with that one. That "I don't know how to start this shit..." alone is classic.
+Dmitriy Kono That line is from NY State of Mind which is on Illmatic not It was Written
whoever gave Stillmatic a 69/100 needs to be fired.
Meta fit I will sometimes give you an idea whether an album is good or not but should in no way be taken seriously... for example MMLP got something like 72 and DAMN got 97... says it all for me
Chuck Muckle critics are humans who are biased too, they shouldn't be taken seriously
- - fr though
They gave nasir 58/100 😂
Most likely rocafella Stan’s. Real talk.
Nas will be remembered, revered, and recognised as a purist, a poet, a lyricist, and a torch bearer for the artform. Jay will be remembered as a rapper that made some great songs, and was a great businessman.
Nas didn't sell out and that's why he's the GOAT imo
Michael Rowden Don't forget Jay has classic albums
Michael Rowden no doubt hov has bars, but nas has the best flow and lyrics
Both top 10 Greatest rappers of all time easily
Michael Rowden Nas also didn’t steal lyrics then say he was better than the people he stole from
Brook those those Jay-Z classics wouldn't exist without nas illmatic. Listen to any Jay-Z song recorded pre illmatic, he was rapping totally differently, same goes for black thought and many others
Nas stillmatic is a classic, what's wrong with these reviewers? , I rate it a 9.5 / 10
NasAlbumDone NSD You can't take shit that Rolling stone says as gold they have Eminem as the best rapper of all time.. yes..I said all time over 2Pac, biggie, nas, Jay z, jadakiss..
Bro they are dumb
Smooth Criminal Do you really think Big or pac could outrap Em though ?
Victor Morales Are you really trying to say that em is better than Pac and big..come on man go too you're room..
Smooth Criminal I'm just saying if you put them 3 in a cypher , same beat , he would outrap them . Pax and big are legends , they're goats but Em is a different beast when it comes to rhyming .
Time is illmatic keep static like wool fabric
Pack a 4matic to crack your whole cabbage
Yunis Dhallin it's why we get high
+King Daddy Kaine Because you never know when you're gonna go
+Rhys Moreno I woke up early on my born day
"that buck that bought a bottle could struck the lotto" alliteration game on point
stillmatic was classic
Great to see you back this week. Salute!
jaywill142 yessir! Can't even skip a track
absolutely. I play it from start to finish regularly. GOAT. Period.
jaywill142 2nd childhood was too nasty
*is
real hop head will pick nas over jay z any day i believe.
Robert Tulibacki nope not true
Robert Tulibacki .. maybe jay got more hits
Nas' consistency in his style and themes seem to me to make him less commercial than Jay. I am not sure that a 'real hip hop head' implies, as the genre has experienced decades of changes, but if we are to talk about the streets, then I would agree that Nas is the king of a hip hop that speaks to the organic character of the art form. I think that Jay is a way better equipped artists, and has proven to be a mogul with next to no competitors in the culture. Jay has built a monster that keeps reinforcing itself with quality substance, and his power has increasingly allowed him to be able to take his time and release products that he knows that will be commercial hits.
Nas is the most rooted artists of the two, and may be the most 'real' of the two, but I am not sure that that makes him better or worse.
At the personal level, I enjoy Nas when I want to think, and Jay went I want to dance.
Yessirrr
Jay-z verse on whats free alone is better than the last 20years of NAS ... Bun B, Eminem, Lil Wayne, Joe budden, ti, Charlemagne, 21savage all said Jay-z is better and many others think the same.
Nas is the GOAT. Everybody who knows Hip Hop knows that. Just look at how many people are stating that here.
F McLaren
How many Classics does he have OVER NAS? How many songs does he have that stack up against Nas' 'Undying Love', 'Rewind', 'Ether', or even 'I Gave You Power'? I rest my case.
Rakim was great. But not over decades like Nas.
F McLaren
That has nothing to do with anything. I actually listen to more Old School Hip Hop than anything else. That's why I know Nas is GOAT. Rakim was the shit in the 80s and that's all she wrote. Nas has been the shit since he came out till now! That alone puts him levels above Rakim.
F McLaren
Rakim was not THAT DUDE in the 90's you know that. Rakim was THE SHIT back in the late 80s when he came out with 'Paid in Full' and 'Follow the Leader'. Slick Rick and Big Daddy Kane were running shit even then. Rakim was well respected for his skill but his albums are not as revered as revolutionary Classics like a Nas' Illmatic. Even if you just want to go song by song. Nas has way more classic songs than Rakim Allah.It's like comparing Kendrick to J Cole right now. Kendrick is revolutionary. J Cole has yet to shake the world like that. Both are super nice though.
F McLaren
BYE.
Jay could never make a "Nazareth Savage"...Nas is more lyrically lacerating
Kausachun Velasco listen to Nas’s Life Is Good, way “past his prime” yet manages to put out another classic. Nas was putting out more mature/genre bending albums before Jay (God’s Son, Hip Hop is Dead, Distant Relatives)
This dude is cool. I like how he just puts the info out there without being biased or corny. #Salute
#Respect
@@hiphopdx Sir, I,m in UK and just got home from seeing my sun win his first ever boxing match. Feeling good and had to listen to some Nas and came across ur excellent breakdown on the Stoute/Nas/Jay situation. Brilliant, insightful, clever...and its patently obvious u love Hip Hop! Laughed at how critics gave Stillmatic a 6.9. WTF?! The critics don't know ish and that score was confirmation... But you never said what was his highest rated album. C'mon sir!!! Lol! I love Untitled...definitely a masterpiece and nothing for the radio or club. What's ur take? Peace
@tyronedavis7656
It’s clear there is Bias. The Topic of discussion was Nas and how he went platinum. Why was Jay-Z even mentioned. This video came across as a backhanded compliment and I’ve seen other breakdowns this guy has done since this regarding Nas. And it’s clear he is Biased toward Jay-Z and he is a corn ball. For true insight on hip hop topics listen to According 2 Hip Hop and The Rap Roundtable
Nas is more of a level headed down to earth dude... he kinda did a Dave chappelle move... I don't blame him...
no Chappelle did a Nas move
Imagine your parent gets cancer and you ain't allowed to leave your job without huge criticism. Observe Nas' situation
It is very tragic that Kool G Rap is so unknown. His name should be recognizable even to the young generation but it isnt. Great lyricist who didnt go far. But he gets mad love from hip hop heads and hip hop royalty.
So true. G Raps fall is that he stuck to one lane. Didn't really branch out into other subject matter like Nas did.
gdiggedy9 good point. He kinda did it to himself. He has 1 topic but hes damn good @ it. Like Fredro Starr and Sticky fingaz are always playing thugs bcuz they are fuckin great @ it.
I know his name but I've never listened to him
That's most of these underground rappers can rap but they're not that good at making songs, they're good at brag rap and featuring on other rappers songs but they can't make good music that can be listened to by a huge audience
The influence of G Rap is so phenomenal but heavily condemned. When you end up bringing up his inspirations, people laugh at you.
Nas > Jay
now gimme a fuckin T-shirt!
😂😂😂
hahahahaha!
HipHopDX nas>life
he wanted nas to sell his soul but nas said fuck that shit
Blxzers I mean It Was Written was amazing
Blxzers here we go again with that "sell his soul" bs.
Was thinking the same thing my guy
Blxzers 💯💯
that's not to taken literally, it was meant in the figurative sense
Nas is the GOAT. No debate.
We're working on the Nas GOAT series episode. What makes him GOAT worthy to you?
***** The way he changed the rap when Illmatic dropped , bringing so many great producers into a single album , a thing that didn't happen before. (Illmatic being in my opinion the best rap album of all time and one of the most revolutionary in the music industry in general)
The fact that he came on top when people tried to bring him down.
The fact that his music aged like fine wine and is still talked about today.
The fact that his lyrics are crazy good.
The way he influenced so many rappers , and many other things.
Can't wait to see that video guys!
+J. Silva I agree with you Nas is definitely goat
Great points. Thanks, J!
+HipHopDX not only that but nas also was the first to put his child portrait or pic as his Album cover. influencing everyone else that did that after him.
Jay-Z became what nas didn't want.
Terrance Adu why is jay-z all over everyone's comments. Stop thinking it has to be either, or. Jay is my favorite artists for the incredible lyrics. reasonable doubt,lucky me,where I'm from, streets is watching, big pimping,dynasty, blueprint, etc, but I love nas for who he is as well.
Jay sold out,when nas didn't
Daquan Mabry jay really from the streets. he's a dude who went from Marcy to everything. he never sold out. he donates to everything, nas does nothing. he talks about drigs,hoes,and jewels too. why are they different. people kill me with all that illuminati stupidity. he's a dude that made it. I salute him
cultfigure 40 Nas does help his communities
Axel Minani I'm from NYC! what has he done? Nothing! And for the guy saying jay became what nas didn't want to. Nas rhymes about hoes,guns,drugs,people getting clapped as much as the next dude. He has a great flow and gives a message sometimes that's all. Jay has 12 str8 number one and platinum albums. Noone can give you that you have to earn that. jay owns his own masters like 5 artist in the whole industry own those!He got 253 million when he sold rocawear,and another 150 from live Nation. He makes 50 mill a year because people wanna see him and has his roc management, and sports agency! Why every black person that's bosses up d old their sold to the devil is beyond me! But we been taught to hate each other since slavery so I get it on some level but people are just idiots! Jay gives money to everything what does nas donate his own money to?
Nas GOAT, no doubt about it. But he's way too laid back with his attitude and not very focused to be on his best many times. But as talent goes, he is the greatest Hip Hop has ever known.
I respect your opinion. That's his personality though. If he changed his personality, people would complain about him. I think we have to redefine what 'focus' means. Most people confuse focus with consistency. Many tragedies happened in Nas' life during a certain time (death of peers and his mother got sick). He doesn't just record BS tracks, he has to be inspired to create. If you notice, whenever Nas' rushes an album (i.e.- Nastradumas), something feels incomplete or lackluster. What's your take on this?
@@unlimitedayoproduction2452 do u know Nas personal to say the nonsense u saying
Nas once upon a time looked like he lost the war with Jay Z but we should all be reminded of this one line as Nas' legacy & trajectory seems to be moving forward in stealth mode in a major way. "Much success to ya even if you wish me the opposite, sooner or later we'll all see who the prophet is" -Nas is Like (Nas 1999)
Nas lost ? Fuck your bullshot comment motherf*cker
whoever critics gave Stillmatic such a low rating bugging it's classic & Jay wanted Nas spot back when they were younger on the large professor tour with jaz-o they both said when Nas would come out to do his live at the BBQ verse Jay would stare wanting that shine and respect Nas was getting both great artists but Nas is goat to me
I love those old stories. Like how Hov felt salty that Nas didn't get on "Reasonable Doubt." Which kind of makes sense given the "You made it a hot line / I made it a hot song" line.
@@hiphopdxYeah but the I paid searchlite publishing and 1 hot album every 10 year average bars were literal lies and aged terribly. Especially given Nas’s Recent Output but even back then. Illmatic, IWW, I AM were all Dope projects. I wonder why the industry works so hard to stifle Nas?
Nas is such a gem for music and Hip Hop because his music kept evolving. Life Is good. Such a great musician.
Stillmatic is one of my favourite hip hop albums
Nas knows when to stop... greed destroys great things
The older I get the more I APPRECIATE what Nas has done as a lyricist. Best catalogue in Hip Hop since live at the BBQ
damn, i REALLY want a video on the jay z vs Nas story.
They got clips on youtube about it, just look it up
Who do you think won?
well, tbh idk because i dont know much about their beef (aside from what was stated in the video). i do believe lyrically Nas is WAY better than Jay Z
Hmm. That may be good enough reason to tackle that in a breakdown. I'm an outlier (me as in Justin Hunte the host of the show, not Hiphopdx) on the battle. I think Jay won, personally. maybe I'll explain why in coming weeks. Thanks for the comment, Gordo. You just inspired something.
dope! really looking forward to it!
Stillmatic is a top 3 Nas album. goes to show fans know and critics dont know shit. no wonder Nas doesnt have a grammy
Omar Scruggs great album but nas got better albums. Life is good, God's son and lost tapes are arguably better than stillmatic. It's a solid album though no doubt, got yourself a gun is still a banger
Nas album done.... I really hope his next project will take the culture by storm. I understand his output is pretty damn consistent but I want that next late career undeniable classic
Me too. Nas Album Done was quintessential Nas. Murdered that one. Would love for his music to not suffer as his mogul moves increase. his business has been on point the past 5 years.
nas's last album was underrated
XO Dosia J.G.S. Life is good is a classic
Love this channel so much. Specially this dude. He knows his shit.
Much respect, Ruse. We appreciate you.
in Europe Nas I can was a bigger hit than any songs on the Blueprint people respect Jay successful business but when it comes to music outside the USA he isn't the biggest rap star at all even in his prime
I love these. Thank you Justin.
Ruslan KD thank you rusland. Enjoyed the interview sir
Pound for pound the greatest rapper ever. Our generation needs to be exposed to his greatness.
NAS is the real king of NY. Not Biggie specially not Jay Z
Jonathan Gomez .. how he a. king . when he really dnt make king move
Jay z is definitely not the king but biggie vs nas is a whole different debate
Nas is King.... Biggie Prince.... Jay Is court Jester ... Always turning head's keeping attention on him always
Biased
I knew this, but this video provided more context. Nas is a lyricist and true to the art form of Hip Hop. It wasn't all about money to him. He has to be passionate and inspired to create music, not just record bs. We also have to acknowledge when Nas got with Steve, that's when everyone said that "Nas is falling off", "He's losing his street cred", and/or "He's selling out". Nas knows that he was doing pop records that deep down, he did not want to do. He got tired of it and wanted to chill, plus he saw the deadly effects of Hip Hop. Two of his peers were murdered (Biggie & Tupac). How do you continue to pursue music and not feel like your life is on the line next? Lastly, HIS MOM WAS DYING. Like the timing was all wrong. How can anyone be focused and travel with their mother in her last days? Steve does seem like the instigator in this Nas vs. Jay Z battle. But still lyrically, Jay Z don't want it with Nas.
Nas is a Marathoner and Jay is an all around athlete but life's a marathon so guess who'll win the race.
Belly is the most underrated gangster movie ever
jay z more commercial as a result but nas ends up with a better catalog of music according to metacritic and fan ratings.
jay ends up business oriented but Nas ends up as more music oriented while stil doing business and it shows in the music. guess thats why i always preferred Nas to Jay-Z musically speaking
Summed it up lovely.
Jay-z went pop.
Mohamed Mayow .
nas have a much better catogue than jay not even close
Jay has way better catalogue stop it.
Sanhova jay z have more money nas make better music
I never planned to be top of raps elite
Another great Saturday Breakdown which has made me think again of Hip Hop a bit differently.
Thanks Justin! Really appreciate it.
Nas got 5 Mics for Stillmatic and to me that’s all that matters. When he released Stillmatic Jay was at his Apex and no one wanted to upset him so only The Source (The HipHop Bible) gave him the review that he truly deserved.
Thanks for this fascinating piece. Sounds like those of us who are Nas and Jay fans owe a lot to Mr. Stoute. I love these cool little history stories.
Also shocked at the Stillmatic hate, but I can't trust anything Rolling Stone says about hip-hop after they left 2pac out of their top 10. One Mic is one of my favorite songs ever.
Edward Chan ha! That was crazy! Rude jude and I tackled that on all out show on shade45. I can see Pac not being top 5 for people. But not top 10? Six albums for anyone is a large body of work. He was super productive and still one of the most impactful. Not top 10? And lauryn hill makes the list? #Trolling
For me Nas is the goat
Stillmatic to me represents more than just a good hip hop album. It represents creativity, art, making a comeback, and it represents showing doubters that no matter what, you can overcome in the face of defeat. Stillmatic stands out the most to me when i think of Nas albums.
These breakdowns are so amazing
Thank you for the incite. I was finishing up High School when Nas releasing Nastradamus, Jay-Z released Blueprint, and their beef started. I wore Nas' Willie Esco clothing line, as well as Wu-Wear. Rocawear hadn't yet released when I got out of wearing rapper's garments.
I did notice the shift in popular culture presence. IMO, the only reason people think Jay won the battle was because he was more prominent in respect to popular awareness. Meaning, he was on MTV more, he was making more radio friendly songs, he was making his name in other industries beyond music. Nas is one of the best lyricists to ever grace the mic. So as far as a rap battle / beef is concerned, Jay could never truly compete.
As far as the "What If" question, I think Jay-Z would have faded out had he not had the help of Steve Stoute. I don't think he could have attracted the talent to help him build his empire without the help. Maybe I'm wrong, who knows. However, I also wonder if Nas' music would have become pop-rap drivel if he didn't step back from the business moves to concentrate on his artistry. While, I remember liking Nastradamus when it released, I don't think it was critically acclaimed. It is definitely a Nas album, but it's a Nas album with a heavy "Big Willie" influence. Had he not stepped back, would he have continued down that slippery slope that a lot of rappers slide down to make money by sticking to radio friendly, pop music? Look at 50 and Ja-Rule. Both were great artists in their own right, but once they got a little bit of fame they turned into love song, pop song, TRL rappers.
I'm with you on that. Nastradamus sounded like it was reaching for radio. Didn't feel organic. Jay definitely made a lot of club friendly albums over the decade. Not sure how many of them outside Blueprint and Black Album and arguably American Gangster really stuck with the masses. Nas really became an artist, which I appreciate.
DX... very insightful so with me being a Nas fan this was dope ! Thanks
Thanks Charles!
But.... J Cole went doble platinum without features
Say What Again i Dare you i Double Dare you! True that
I love your breakdowns
Thank you TJ!
man idk if ull even read this but i just found ur channel abt 2 months ago. i was born in 92 and have loved rap hip hop n rnb since i was ten n i watch the game change around me. i been tryina find a rap critic/channel that i feel amd respect and so far ur it. other rap media outlets are so rapped up in the politics of the game that an honest oponion of the medium is hard to find. but i feel you are truly unbiased and i appreciate that. i love what you do and i hope you continue this path as rap evolves. much love brother. peace
Thank you so much, Fallen Angel. I really appreciate that.
they fucking crazy giving stillmatic a 6.. clearly that album was fire str8 through... 2nd childhood, my country, the flyest, rewind!..
Dope post. Nas is the epicenter... A man of balance.
You deserve a lot more subscribers man. You put a lot of effort into your videos and always do your homework. Good for the culture
Wonder what scared Nas? What was he confronted with? I can imagine.
Shout out to Nas!
didn't want to sell his soul
He saw his peers murdered, he didn't want to lose the true essence of Hip Hop, and his mother was dying.
Illmatic maybe his best album, but It Was Written was the album that put him on the map and It Was Written is his best selling album. Stoute helped Nas transition to a grimy New York rapper to international superstar. People forgot how big those early Nas albums were, Im kinda disappointed Nas chose the other direction later in his career and stop making music that was mainstream. Nas could've had more success if he stuck with da formula of It Was Written and I am. I feel dat Nas felt the negative response from Nastradamas and tried to stay underground. Stillmatic is cool, but the only hit song on it is One Mic, and dat song wasn't as popular as Ruled the world or Hate Me Now. It seems after Stillmatic fell off from the mainstream
even without being mainstream nas has a better catalog than Jay Z. Jay just got aloy more radio shine and advertisment after the blueprint albums and workin with steve stout. thats all. nas still the GOAT imo.
I think a lot of people felt that way. I mean, he kind of did step back from mainstream rap. I respect his approach though. He did things he didnt' have to lyrically.
Definitely a better post battle catalog.
believe it or not, Nas' biggest billboard hit to date is "I Can" from God's Son.
Second Avenger Ruled the World charted more internationally, so dat song is more impactful than "I Can." "I Can" was only charted nationally in the U.S billboard charts. Songs have more impact if they are charted in different countries. Just because "I Can" charted higher in the U.S than "If I Ruled the World" doesn't make it a legitimate hit
Nas is definitely top 5 D.O.A. Hands down.
This was a very inspiring breakdown , the art vs the business , you put a new perspective on the Jay-z vs Nas thing.
I was waiting for Steve Stoute to come out from the back and accept his award.
Keep up brotha good vid. Keep real hiphop alive. Did even knew about Stoute making Nas and Jay-z to to of Greatest in the game.
i want to see Nas win..
+Greg B. W
he already has, won.
He is. He's still got it. 'Nas Album Done' off of DJ Khaled's album has two pretty good verses by Nas. His style and flow is ever-changing.
I loved it when nas pointed out the RENEGADE ,And ethered jay
those pictures of hip hop legends...i need them, where can i buy?
Your breakdown videos are so dope man. I like that you stick to the facts and express opinions with a grain of salt. Objectively interesting to think about, and subjectively amazing to watch. Keep coming with the cream content HipHopDX!
John Lucca thank you John! I appreciate you checking them.
Great bit of journalism here. Gotta peep the rest of your vids!
Very insightful video man makes you really wonder what could have been. You deserve more subscribers really enjoying your stuff thanks bro.
Thank you, Force. There's no ceiling to where Nas could've been. Plus, dude doesn't age. He still looks the same age!
Wow. Such a good point about an artist focusing on their art or an artist focusing on outside ventures and their art suffering.
good look this podcast was dope...
Thank you!
Nas got me into hip hop when I was 12. Never forget listening to ”The World Is Yours” 4 the first time. One of my favorites ever since, but still Nas is #5 for me. Kanye,Pac,André,Kendrick are better IMO
This guy is so cool and enthusiastic in what he is talking about. I subscribed :)
#Salute! Thank you, Trabo
Learned a lot. Good job.
Thank you, King.
Well done love the review
DOPE! Aye yo Jus man, thanks for the knowledge homie. I'm a big fan of your work... peace and respect from the Mile High
Nas the goat
I fucking love Nas..a true thug poet.
That beat in the background always hypnotizes me
This channel is so well put together. Subbed.
Mad Props...Articulate, Concise, I will show my team these episodes...Aspirational. Continued Success.
THat's dope. Thank you for that, Quinn.
That was dope & informative for us fans.
El Priest from Nigeria. Love your analysis man
Nice little breakdown. And I love Stillmatic, the critics are drunk of that 🍷
Nas would be a great person to do speeches at meetings.
Umm... Thanks to his wife?? I recall Jay's reign starting in 98 after Hard Knock Life. He didn't start messing with Beyonce in what 05' , 06' Jay was the man before she even entered the picture. Btw He the one who helped jump start her career on Crazy in Love. Am I trippin?
Not tripping at all
i didnt know that thank u ill def check em out. man i love hiphopdx i just wanna thank yall for all that u do representing real hiphop always salute
Thank you! Here's a few links:
ua-cam.com/video/5lrnV_9kpd0/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/VZxIV63BkUk/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/9FKhd5XWQCU/v-deo.html
Jay Z > Nas, meta critic doesn't even judge movies right, much less music
ha! Trent Clark, DX's EIC would agree with you.
Marketing is so important in Hip Hop, you posed so interesting questions.
Marketing is everything!! That's a great comment. Rude Jude on Shade45's All Out Show consistently argues the point that new york emcees had an advantage in the 1990s because most of the rap magazines were in NY too. So they celebrated all of their stuff and hated on everything else, which is why Biggie and Wu and whoever are viewed in a different light than 'Face or UGK or 8Ball MJG, for example. #Marketing
Nas come through the door with fire no media or controversy to boost his fame that boy could flat out spit even Pac was listening to his music, only thang Pac said about Jay-Z was that he was corny which is the truth.
Love these videos. Take some notes Complex!
Yo you should do a breakdown on UK rap (grime) comparing it to American hip-hop and seeing if it has any merit, luv the show man!
Dope... amazing... thoughtful, substantive. Keep up the great work.
We appreciate that, Neil. Thank you.
Illmatic and it was written are two of the top five albums EVER
Yeezus!..That was perfect! Made me actually laugh out loud.
ha!
Nas is an artist. Critics wanted more of the same. Nas evolved and changed and was ahead of the critics. It Was Written is better than any thing Jayz put out start to finish. Nas is ghetto artist worthy of being mentioned with Hughes, Coltrane, and other greats. Jay is a great rapper...
Very Impressed ,, Hes Such a great Guy ,,, He Dreams big amd big Dreams. he Makes It Real )) Brings The Story for His/ Her Characters to Life ))) Love
Thank you. Good topics.
Carter G Woodson already told use decades ago that we have to educate ourselves and stop depending on the gov to educate our children.
Kinghercules I totally agree but what does that have to do with this video?
Greg B. Okay I did? I didn't mean to be hostile
Oh damn my bad. I posted that on the wrong video.
LOL
What video is it? I'm interested
Good stuff, sir. you're really good at what you do. keep doing it.
Thank you!
great vid, great backgrounds too, anywhere you can get those framed pics?
Nas is mad dope man
I absolutely loved this segment and learned a lot about the development of both artists career through time and Stoute's involvement in both. As a teen, I had always been intrigued by how Jay (suddenly) became the business mogul that he is now, and I clearly had no insight on the actual power behind the throne.
Lastly, if I was the one that made the segment, I think I would've quoted Jay's second verse on "Moment of Clarity" (right after the metacritic scores comparison) as a nail in the coffin. Jay literally tells you the musical transition he made and why :
"I dumbed down for my audience to double my dollars
They criticized me for it, yet they all yell "holla"
If skills sold, truth be told, I'd probably be lyrically Talib Kweli
Truthfully I wanna rhyme like Common Sense
But I did 5 mill' - I ain't been rhyming like Common since"
This made me love hip hop even more.
yo i aint tryna be a doom stan or nothin, but you guys should do a video on the influence of MF DOOM over hip hop.
AgentJayHere remember that interview with mos Def talking about doom? Still one of my favorites
I respect Jay Z but he has neeeeever made Songs like I gave you Power, Rewind, Heaven, I can, Black Girl Lost, What goes around, Last Words, Undying Love, American Way, Rest of my Life, Live Now, Purple, Doo Rags.... List is to long in Short He's Great Jay is Good but has bit the shit out of a lot of Emcees
I know youngsters who think Stillmatic is better than Illmatic. Anyway it is a mad point But ultimately Nas has never been that comfortable in the lime light for long.Even if he had have stayed with Steve Stoute and rose to Hov type heights of mainstream success and fame.I think Nas would have rebelled against.Jay Z seems to love and crave the attention and lime light.Maybe Steve saw this early on.
Stoute definitely saw it early... and still made nas a movie star rapper with his own clothing line.
I think what's funny is the avg dude will look at the here and now and think Jay won in terms of wealth today. However, Jay's wealth is mostly tied up in what he does artistically. The Bulk of his wealth comes from his performance still (Album sales, Touring with Live nation, things that bear his name). Nas' budding empire is set to explode with things that don't require Nas the artist. Bevel, Left, Dropbox and Genius are all vehicles that Nas can profit from (his family as well) for the next 100 years. Any one of those that goes public or is bought out by a giant firm makes Nas an instant Billionaire! What if more than 1 of the 100 companies he is invested in blows? LOL The boy is set up to not be a business, but a investment titan.
💯