In 2016, Kanye West promised Barack Obama that he'd make beats for Nas's next album (he said this on Twitter, so maybe he really did, maybe he didn't ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ). Then, in April of 2018, Ye tweeted: "Nas June 15th." Nasir really did drop on 6/15, and the 4th installment of the Kanye-produced G.O.O.D. Music rollout was revealed to the world, from under the Queensboro Bridge, via a livestream. Easily one of the most anticipated hip-hop collabs in years, the 7-tracker takes on issues like police brutality, racism, religion, slavery, and politics over booming sample-based beats ("been chopping samples from the sunken place"). The QB mc offers sharp commentary on said topics, with guest verses/vocals from Mr. West, The-Dream, Puff Daddy and the show-stealing 070 Shake. Each of the songs correspond to one of the 7 deadly sins: "Not For Radio" is pride, "Cops Shot the Kid" is wrath, "White Label" is gluttony, "Bonjour" is lust, "Everything" is greed, "Adam and Eve" is sloth, and "Simple Things" is envy. It's a cohesive effort from two hip-hop veterans, and the brevity of the project works in favor of getting the message across, listen from beginning to end!

• black vinyl pressing
• housed in gatefold sleeve w/ printed insert
• music label: Mass Appeal 2018

reviewed by pocari papi 08/2018