REVIEW: Nas “King’s Disease II”
Legend Nas releases latest in King’s Disease series and celebrates Hip Hop history, proving that there’s still an audience for real rap. Culture Critic Will Lyons reports.
I pressed play on King’s Disease II and immediately realized something special had taken place during the studio sessions between Nasir “Nas” Jones and super-producer Hit-Boy.
The easiest way for me to paint the picture is to tap into my sports expertise. The Nas and Hit-Boy connection is reminiscent of Shaq and Kobe during their dominant Lakers three-peat. Nas is Shaquille O’Neal, the dominant force that has been taking the league (in this instance the music industry) by storm. Hit-Boy is a young Kobe Bryant rocking the afro in all of his young flair and bravado.
The chemistry between this God-level MC and the now Grammy Award-winning producer is undeniable with complimenting beats crafted to fit the smooth yet raspy-voiced lyrics that have consistently delivered top tier verses since the 1990’s.
Earlier this year, the duo won a Grammy for Best Rap Album for “King’s Disease” and while the project was noteworthy, the award seemed like a participation trophy for Nas. “King’s Disease” was a good project, but it wasn’t his best work and the committee knew they robbed Nas in previous years (Life is Good comes to mind).
“King’s Disease II” is a tier above the first project and depending on the listener, you might have a project with no skips on your hands. After countless listens, I struggled to find standout tracks — due to the entire body of work being incredibly well done.
Nas starts off like Jordan in the fourth quarter of a close out game in the playoffs. “Pressure” shows you exactly how a rapper is supposed to bless the booth. Then they drop “Death Row East” where Nas speaks on the tension and state of affairs during the East vs West coast beef before speaking on the plan for Death Row to put a stranglehold on rap all together by expanding their label on the East Coast with a roster consisting of prominent names like Big Daddy Kane, Wu-Tang Clan, and Eric B to squash the East before the death of Pac in 1996.
In typical Nas fashion, he covers a variety of topics as the master of grown man rap. Floating over amazing production talking about the hustle, Sunday brunch and many memories from his life. Nas revisits the powerful “EPMD” record from the ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ soundtrack with a remix that enlists the legendary group which the song is named after and word-rhymer Eminem. I wondered how Eminem would fit on the song when I initially saw the track list but I was not disappointed. All parties held their own in an Avenger caliber effort with EPMD showing they still had it while Nas and Em left Earth.
Along with the noteworthy verses from Nas and the production from Hit-Boy, “King’s Disease II” enlists some quality features that only add to the body of work. Amazing hooks from Charlie Wilson and Blxst really allow you to teleport and experience what “No Phony Love” and “Brunch on Sundays” vividly detail.
Then you have standout verses from Ms. Lauryn Hill detailing her work of saving souls with her musical gift and even touches on her famous tardiness. Hit-Boy lends his lyrical ability to the project making for a pleasant surprise on “Composure.”
The one track I could’ve done without on the album was “YKTV” featuring A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and west coast rapper YG. The track wasn’t bad but it just wasn’t on par with the rest of the project in my opinion.
Overall “King’s Disease II” is a great project and just another reminder of the talent and timeless abilities of Nas. This is one of the best projects to drop in 2021 and I would not be surprised to see Nas and Hit-Boy nominated for Best Rap Album at the Grammy’s again next year.
In sports and music, talent plus chemistry is the recipe for success; the Nas and Hit-Boy pairing are not lacking on either. “King’s Disease II” earns a 9/10 with YKTV being the project’s one blemish.
Will Lyons is Guest writer for BALDWIN. He is a contributor at 2Sixty5Media. He is the host of TheLyonsDen and The NBA Podcast.
