Vinyl Notes

As predicted, Nas’ Untitled hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 this week. On that very day - today - he joined protesters from Move On and Color of Change, in dissent regarding Fox’s portrayal of African Americans. Nas and Fox News have been at odds since Fox aired a story painting the rapper as a violence glorifying thug. While Nas does have some gritty songs, he has always tried to include positive messages in most of his music. The Fox News spot was pretty slanted; check it out.

Sorry folks, the video is no longer available

Well, sure add that Nas is not the worst after you’ve made it seem like he’s the spawn of Satan. Nas is a pretty savvy businessman, so there is no doubt he would choose songs appropriate for the occasion. He has plenty of songs about brotherhood, unity and love.

(more…)

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.

(more…)