REVIEW: Nas & Hit-Boy ‘Magic 3’
Sports and Music Editor Will Lyons takes a look at the final body of work from Nas and Hit-Boy — ‘Magic 3’. A celebration of the 50th year of Hip-Hop, the 50th birthday of Nas and six quality bodies of work from the dynamic duo.
The Queensbridge legend Nasir Jones is back. Magic 3 is the final collaborative album between Nas and super-producer Hit-Boy culminating a run that will likely never be seen again.
Six albums in a three year span is insane productivity especially when you look at the level of rapping, production and chemistry between the dynamic duo. Adding to the allure of the album, is the release being on Nas’s 50th birthday during the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop. You know that Nas and Hit have to bring their A-game for “the finale” as Nas called the project on his Instagram page.
The relationship between Hit and Nas showcased the legendary MCs ability to adapt and continue to up his game. He has never lacked in the department of lyrics but some fans had concerns about his beat selection throughout portions of his discography. The project “Nasir” was supposed to remedy this but the Kanye/Nas collaboration is an afterthought — most Nas fans act like it never happened.
Almost every time Nas released an album with Hit-Boy production, listeners expect the ante to be upped more than the previous release. This is a testament to the chemistry between one of the greatest to ever grace a microphone and one of the most innovative producers of this era.
Standout Tracks (This was incredibly difficult to narrow down)
Never Die Ft. Lil Wayne — Nas and Wayne showcase the lyricism and longevity of legends. Both MCs brought it, really giving us something special over Hit-Boy’s production. Could the streets get a Hit-Boy produced Wanye project?
“”Nobody flow like mine, I’m sonning these n*ggas got me coaching n*ggas like Prime” -Lil Wayne left earth
Japanese Soul Bar — Soulful beat with one of Hip-Hop’s greatest poets giving his view on the history of Hip-Hop and his origin within the genre.
“KD3 had gold bars, these vibranium can’t break…” Nas is really having fun and we are blessed because of it.
Sitting With My Thoughts — A more personal track that uses introspection and reflection presented as advice to a younger Nas, making this one the deepest tracks on the project.
“I got ’em bitter, lows of a winner,
That sh*t comes with bein’ great, it’s a lot on my plate,
Never broke again, I’m blacker than the NBA,
ESPN couldn’t cover all of my highlights,
Look at this money machine, I love what it sound like,
And Nipsey would’ve love that I’m workin’ with Hit,
He might’ve took me to 6–0 and turned me a Crip,
It’s our money in, XO in my cup,
I’m sittin’ with my thoughts again, yeah..”Based on True Events Pt. 1 & Pt. 2 — Nas continues to showcase his place as one of the greatest story tellers in hip-hop history.
“How do projects turn to a war zone? This is the place we call home,
Drama homicide, suicide in our father’s eyes, We programmed to survive but it’s love that we don’t prioritize…” — Nas on Based on True Events PT.1“They took the money and drugs and shot him in his half moon,
Doin’ my homework on IG,
Under his last picture says, “R.I.P.” — Nas on Based on True Events PT.2
‘Magic 3’ is the final release in the Magic Trilogy and the sixth and final collaborative album from Nas and Hit-Boy. The duo has cemented their legacy among the elite rapper/producer duos in history in an productive but short three years. The legendary duo close out their run with a phenomenal body of work, earning a 10/10. The Mass Appeal CEO has fans pondering if he is done with rap and what comes next. Whatever it is — we will be there to see what both Nas and Hit-Boy have for the culture.
