There's no doubt that Nas is one of the greatest to ever grip the mic. Heads knew from his breakout solo debut "Halftime" that Nasir Jones was on some next ish, and his long and successful career only confirmed those early suspicions. The Essential Nas is the proof, an 18 track retrospective of the Queensbridge MC's best work through the years. All the joints that rocked headphones for days (or years)  including the aforementioned debut cut, "It Ain't Hard To Tell," "One Love," "The World Is Yours" plus crossover hits "Street Dreams," "Hate Me Now" with Diddy, "Bridging The Gap" with his father, renowned jazz musician Olu Dara, "Oochie Wally" with Bravehearts, "You Owe Me" with Ginuwine, and many more. Production comes from some of the best in the game including DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Large Professor, Timbaland, Salaam Remi, Q-Tip, etc. Previously CD-only, this is the comps first time on vinyl.

• double vinyl pressing
• part of The Essential series
• music label: Columbia 2016

reviewed by Knish Bish 06/2016