Vinyl Notes

Nas released his 10th studio album last week, after much controversy and anticipation. At first the LP was entitled “N**ger,” however Nas opted for a title self-titled untitled release after much criticism from the NAACP.

“Everybody is trying to stop the title…. Record stores are gonna have a problem in this day and time selling a record with that title. Who knows what’s gonna turn out and be on that title? Who knows what that title will be?” [source]

Nas did not shy from the controversy altogether,choosing an image of his bare back with whip lacerations in the shape of an “N”. He also airing several unappologetic videos including “Sly Fox” in which he lamblasts Fox Corp. for it’s biased reporting and encouraging the people to restore and rebuild the media.

Despite being leaked, the controversy seemed to be healthy for the release. According to Billboard, Nas can expect his fith No. 1 album of his career. Is the hip hop legend’s latest millitant effort enough to topple Lil Wayne’s The Carter III, which has dominated the Billboard 200 for four weeks now?

I haven’t heard the album yet but, let’s just say the critics are not in agreement about Nas’ supposed triumphant bravery. While the A.V. Club reviewer Nathan Rabin gave Untitled a B+ and called the album a rare show for a rapper on a major lable, Pitchfork writer Ian Cohen called it an excersice is martyrdom.

Either way, Nas successfully orchastrated a controversy to generate a buzz surrounding this release, which is currently climbing the charts. That alone should ensure that no one calls him obsolete for at least another few years.

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