A lot has changed since the release of Nas' 2004 Street's Disciple, a marriage, a new label & a squashing of the beef between himself & Jay-Z. What hasn't changed is the lyrical insight that Nas continues to bring to the game.

Production on this album is what you would come to expect from someone of Nas' status. What producer would say no to working with him? Producers include Dr. Dre, Kanye West & Scott Storch. The tracks are more street than pop with an ''Old School'' Hip Hop feel [Modern Old School].

The title of the album makes a bold claim Hip Hop Is Dead and Nas does a great job of getting his point across lyrically. Nas comments on the state of Hip Hop today from it's commercialization to the lack of knowledge by today's MC's on it's history. He also takes himself to task for contributing to it's current state. Lyrically Nas still brings it and is in no danger of losing his top five spot as one of the greatest lyricists of all time. Guest appearances include Jay-Z, Kelis, Kanye West, Chrisette Michele, Snoop Dogg, The Game & Floetry's Marsha Ambrosius.

Overall this is another quality release from Nas. If your the least bit interested in HipHop music than you owe it to yourself to add this album to your collection.

SonicAmp Rating: 8/10