REVIEW: Nas ‘Magic 2’
Sports and Music Editor Will Lyons breaks down the legendary Queensbridge MC’s latest collaboration with super producer Hit-Boy.
Nasir Jones is back with his fifth collaborative release with Hit-Boy. This feat would be impressive under any circumstances, but it is even more special due to the fact that they have released five quality bodies of work since 2020. Many artists struggle to release five quality albums in a lifetime so a three year run of this magnitude is to be celebrated. Nas just celebrated his 50th birthday and seems like he has found his second prime.
The second installment in the ‘Magic’ series is a definite change of pace from the other four releases from the dynamic duo. While some people took to social media to complain about this, I look at the fact that each project sounding different than the last as refreshing — especially in this climate. Hit-Boy is truly on a historic run flooding the airwaves with unique production for each act he works with in both Hip-hop and R&B.
Stand-out Tracks
‘Office Hours’ ft. 50 Cent — This was a track that many were anticipating, including myself. Two of the most legendary MCs from NY sharing a track together — it doesn’t get much better than that. Nas left earth on this track and 50 was on some historic hip-hop type of time but his verse was only 8 bars, feeling somewhat like a let down.
‘Motion’ — This track is just another example of how great of a rapper Nas is. If there was ever an artist that effortlessly crafts amazing verses it’s definitely the QB legend.
‘What This All Really Means’ — More dope lyricism and history as Nas lets fans know Nipsey was planning to do a documentary on his double album ‘I Am’ but it never had the chance to come to fruition.
This project shows the passion and commitment Nas has given to Hip-Hop all these years. 16 albums in total with 5 in what would be the twilight of any other rappers career. The production of Hit-Boy has served as the Cryo chamber, rejuvenating one of Hip-Hop’s GOATs for fans both old and new. ‘Magic 2’ is a really good project earning a 9 out of 10 due to the high bar set by the other releases from Nas and Hit-Boy. Another quality release culminating the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop and 50 years of life for Nas.
Nas alluded to working on a sixth collaboration between he and Hit-Boy on one of the tracks so we will be sure to keep our eyes and ears peeled for upcoming announcements.
