What makes Nas great is that he's lived life! Many Ups and down never giving up!!!! Just a beautiful body of work. A true Artist. Congratulations Nas!!! 🎊 is ❤️

6:08. You're on point. Nas is just showing everyone including jay....that there's only one Life . One love .so there can only be one King 👑

Jay-Z made it popular to hate Nas but the funniest thing is Jay-Z was and still is a BIG Nas fan!!!

the vulnerability on the realities of ageing in Once a Man, Twice a Child, and the creativity of personifying beef in Beef are really what makes this album stand out and special imo - Nas is still so creative and intricate in his creation of these songs, and really touching on topics other rappers don't

Personally my favorite line out of the entire album is from the start of Reminisce, "My comfort give you discomfort.. Just know that in the hood they gon' bump this." An absolutely simple line that is just beautiful, and only works if you take it at face value.

Thanks for the video Professor; we appreciate you! Nas is my favorite rapper of all time.

Nas’ first album changed the way rappers rapped at the time. You listen to Jay-z pre-illmatic and then after. “You used to rap like the Fushnikens, Nas designed your blueprint, who ya kiddin”- Nas

Great review and reaction. I used to think Jay-Z was better in my younger years but as I aged, I did some reverse engineering and realized that Nas has always been better than Jay. I think Jay had a great run in the late 90s and early 2000s, after the passing Pac and BIG, but overall Nas has always been the better artist. His music aged better

I became a big Nas fan around “Streets Disciple” in 2004. Parents bought me Jay-Z’s blueprint 2 & Streets Disciple bootleg from a guy who made CDs back then for the low 🤫 😂, and at the time BP2 was 2 years old but I didn’t have have the official project. With that Nas double album, I could realize then that j was getting something different from him and I was only 12 years old. Now that I just turned 30, hearing the kings disease trilogy plus Magic, his music just takes me to a place that Jay music doesn’t anymore. Jay was my favorite MC since I was 6, but now that I’m older, I guess conscious music speaks to me more, especially over hard & unique production. The thing is Jay can have all the accolades, sales, and a so called “better peak” than Nas’s “Peak”, but Nas always had the respect of the streets, the hoods, and the people, something Jay doesn’t completely have.

Nas' peak (1994-1996) is unmatched by any rapper in history. Jay-z just had a longer run (1996-2003). The reason behind Nas' shorter run is that I Am was originally going to be a double album, but the original album was shelved because of heavy bootleging. Nas was rushed by Columbia to release 2 albums in 1999 with a lot of radio-friendly record instead, while the original I Am would have been easily one of the best concept albums in hip hop history. Had the original I am been released as it was intented, there wouldn't have been a GOAT discussion in the first place because Nas would have had 5 straight classic albums (Illmatic, IWW, I am, Stillmatic, God's son), his debut being the greatest album in the genre. Nas is hip hop's golden child (as per Ghostface's words).

Nas has shown with this stretch of albums he’s done with hitboy that he’s matured a lot better than Jay has musically.

Thun is pronounced like Thun-der.. Nas reminiscing in an overly detailed way is one of his greatest strengths and something he's always done and I hope he continues to do. No one paints a picture better.

Nas time travels through his music.

“Four albums in ten years? I could divide That’s one every, let’s say two - two of them shit’s was due One was nah, the other was Illmatic That’s a one hot album every ten year average” How things change

The idea of both Jay and Nas rapping of off the same beats is an excellent idea.

15:00 He's able to Rap about Yesterday, Today & Tomorow! Well Said! Nas 'Made You Look' being one of Hip-Hops greatest songs That song gives me Goosebumps till this day!💯

You just described 94 Nas to Pedro. 94 Nas burst into the scene like Pedro in 98-99 in Boston. “Hit the core of the earth just like a comet” ☄️

Was never ever above Nas. Was never a debate in the streets where it mattered. It only became even a question probably mid 2000’s when jays commercial light became what it became. Before then no one ever fathomed that Jay was better than Nas. Jays lyrics are great but mostly superficial and industry driven. I dont care about Nas being conscious or not, thats some industry type issue, everything is conscious, so what does that even mean. The point is, Nas has always been more creative dynamic and interesting. His life story and personality is more praiseworthy. And for the record, Eric B wasnt actually a producer, just credited as such. Much of Rakims music was Marley Marl and Large Professor.

I really appreciate this review more as I watch it. You were paying attention. This review has substance… value… something meaningful to say. 🙏🏿

I always tell people this. Biggie had puffy, 2pac had suge knight, and Jay z had Dame Dash. Nas didn't have anyone. He did it lonesome.

What makes IllMatic special is because it change the climate of HipHop in the early 90's. HipHop was dominated by the West Coast at this time. Nas along with WU tang put the spot light back on NY. IllMatic also change the way HipHop albums were produced by bringing together an all-star of Producers to create the album vs just one producer. Nas lyrics, flow and storytelling was light years beyond what anyone done or doing at that time. KRS-One once said that if you want to truly study History of HiPHop music to start with IllMatic and go backward to other classic albums all the way to the Sugar Hill Gang. Then go back To IllMatic and go forward.

The word “Ether” made its way into the pantheons of news, entertainment, and sports! It because a euphemism--because of NAS! That, kind sir…is greatness.

Respectfully, _Illmatic_ is in no way overrated. I wouldn't say _It Was Written_ is underrated, actually - some people even rank it higher than his debut! But I will absolutely agree that _I Am_ is underrated ("NY State Of Mind Pt 2" is so cold-blooded)... and "Made You Look" is DEFINITELY one of the greatest HipHop tracks of all time! I'm glad you said that. _God's Son_ is a very good album. I like the Nas/Bob Dylan comparison. Nas was _always_ better than Jay-Z!

Love from Sierra Leone West Africa,Nas can resolved the Congo war,United Nation should bring Nas,he is an inspiration

Great review of the album. With regard to the end where you discuss freedom of speech, I believe he's referring to rap lyrics being used in court cases which has happened recently. Overall this was a really thoughtful discussion of the album.

The song Serious Interlude is an ode to Slick Rick's hit song "Teenage Love" which is an 80's hip hop anthem and Slick is one of Nas' idols. In retrospect people who aren't vested in that era who are hearing something similar in the present will be dismissive of it's simplicity. You simply CAN'T understand. The same way that people diminish the importance of L.L. Cool J's "I Need Love". In other words the song is aimed at that era of fans which know this. Also it rounds out the album from a subject matter aspect. It's a great placement on the album.

With your own points you made the case for Nas. J didn’t blow up until most of the greats died. Nas blew up when the competition in rap was at its absolute peak, during the guilded age of rap (93-97). People readjusted how they rapped when Nas dropped Illmatic. You talk like Nas was just a stat hog for multiple years to become considered great. No Nas was drafted out of high school( to use your sport’s analogy) and changed the entire game his first season. And every decade never fell off and was ALWAYS considered one of the greats and never compromised his integrity

What I don't get about people who have Jay over Nas is in what way? Depth? Longevity? Conceptually? Subject Matter, Storytelling? Ability to paint vivid pictures? Battle records? Voice? Lyricism? Flow? JAY DOESN'T TOUCH NAS IN ANY OF THOSE! LOL NOW WITH THIS 4 ALBUM RUN....WHAT ARE WE TALKING ABOUT?? LOL Jay is a all time great but there's a reason why his catalog didn't age well cuz he always chased trends and other rappers sounds. I honestly dont get it, it's not even a debate, Never has been

Saw Nas with Wu-Tang and Busta Rhymes this year and I truly can’t recommend them enough, hope that you enjoy the MSG show!

I was one of the Nas fans that may have leave some comments for you, but u articulated yourself well here and i understand your view point now. 👊

Hello professor im a pretty normal guy with an abnormal obsession with Nas. My first concert ever was the NY state of mind tour with Nas and Wu, my dad took me. I didnt really meet my dad till i was about 20 and when we started having a relationship the biggest thing we had in common was Nas was both of our favorite rappers. Winning would be epic cause I'd be able to take my dad to this once in a lifetime show. godspeed

I always appreciated Nas more since I was a kid because of his deeper lyrical ability with songs like I Gave you Power. I see why people like Jay and he is good but is just not as potent of an artist for me. Super jealous you get to see the Kings Disease performance at MSG!!! Good job, as always!

Nas fans call themselves hip-hop heads because Nas is real hip-hop. Word from a 28-year old

That baseline on THUN is crying for his Mami while Nas is squealing his tires on this beat . The g.o.a.t. the track I'M ON FIRE 🔥 Is an instant classic !!!!!

You, Sir, deserve a sub. Thank you for this detailed and well researched piece!

Your rant about 'bravehearts' made me laugh. It's a call to a Rap duo including his brother Jungle and Wiz he is/was a part of.

"Street disciple" and "untitled" are way ahead of it's time. Nas I personally think has been 10 yrs ahead of everyone else also "Nastradamus" that album if you listen to it now that's a freaking grown man album n I think us Nas fans are called Nasirians

Your videos make my day better, thank you

Nas the greatest of all time the true legend. Big up from congo kinshasa kin state of mind. 🇨🇩🇨🇩🇨🇩🇨🇩🇨🇩

Jay heard it. You see Jay posted his Grammys the day Nas released his tracklist. They've had a friendly rivalry for years now. You can pick out instances in lyrics of them throwing little shots at each other. Even those little features Jay does time to time.

Great video as always Prof!! Kinda amazing that the nas and hitboy collab still sounds this fresh after four albums. Also you should review the new Brockhampton album after it drops tomorrow, keen to hear your thoughts

Nas is the prime example of a champion, throughout his whole career. You seen the start of his career rise and take a temporary pause due to his personal life, but like all struggles in life we fall to get back up and show true talent, and full potential 💪🏾

He’s never been head and shoulders above Nas.

KD3 is a Masterpiece 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

If you go onto the song where nas talks about 16yo fans, there is a notation saying "that me". Also, I am 16 and a nas fan, and I didn't leave that notation, so there are atleast two of us.

Came for the beef discussion, stayed for the historical context of the word beef. God bless you and your linguistic references.

I tried to tell you Nas was better than Jay-Z awhile ago!! Thanks for admitting it 🤣. Forgive me if I'm wrong, but did I just hear you say "Reminisce" is trash? I think it's one of the best songs on kd3.

The Nas/Jay rivalry will never end. Jay has been soft pressing Nas for years by dropping some kind of Collab or project to coincide with most Nas releases. Nas answers by dropping 4 joints in 2 years which soft presses the takeover line of 2 albums in 10 years.....

You're wrong about Serious Interlude. He's flexing storytelling while paying homage to Slick Rick. You just came from talking about how well he paints pictures etc and he told us a simple short story here. It deserves more than what you gave it.

This was a great analysis very entertaining made me laugh a few times I appreciate your honesty I’m a Nas fan from Boston and he is a major reason why I make music and I think you nailed it

Nas is for those with refined taste in rap, Jay Z doesn't even come close. Nas is steak and lobster with a glass of wine, Jay is a Mcdonalds hamburger. Can Jay tell a story backwards? Have Jay's lyrics ever been studied in universities? Yeah, that's what I thought. Nas>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Jay Z.

"I just think of him dancing around with puffy in front of a bunch of flames 🔥" 🤣🤣🤣

Well, to add he was not just shouting the hoods out at the end of hood2hood. he ended it with the message he was passing on. 'keep your pistols down or we all will soon be gone' which ties into the general theme and message.

Prof. Skye, thats going pretty hard shouting out which section you will be at at a Nas concert, no one is testing ur gangsta,.lol,. u crack me up, i LOVE ur passion!!

I've been listening to Nas for much of my life and would love to finally see him live. I don't know that I can say anything to put me clearly ahead of everybody else as a Nas stan, I just enjoy his storytelling and Illmatic soundtracked my adolescence. I live in Boston, so I have the Amtrak tab sitting open and ready. Excited to see who you choose! Thanks for your great work.

My opinion... Both are arguably(not that hard to do that) top 5 rappers all time. Like you said, Nas has the better discography. Nas has the better opus (I LOVE Reasonable Doubt but Illmatic is Goated and still holds up so well!). As you said, Nas won/is still winning the beef. Nas has greater influence on hip hop music/culture (LilJayzx?). Jay has more influence on black excellence/society. I agree with you, J definitely has better humor. Jay has Beyonce (:p). Creative diversity = Draw. Jay Z vs. Nas is like Biggie vs. Pac.... there is no wrong answer. I lean Nas most of the time but I still have my J days from time to time. We are blessed to have both.

Nas saying bravehearts is the same as jay saying rockafella when he was on that label, bravehearts consisted of his brother jungle wiz nashawn guys from qb, iykyk.

Dope review - great way to share your perspective on hiphop. 1st time watching, keep it up fam! Where do you teach Francais?

My first time coming to your channel and I really enjoyed this review!

I just became a Subscriber to you show . Break down was on point EXCELENT video

Explaining to the French students what beef is had my rolling!!

Brave Hearts was his rap crew his brother Jungle,Wiz and Nashawn

Please do a review of madvillainy. Your reviews are always so insightful and well put. Would love to see you do one on one of the most influential albums of hip-hop

if i win the tickets me and my friend will start driving from miami university in oxford ohio immediately after our 8am class tomorrow to make the show. thanks professor!

THIS IS AMAZING!

Good shat! I appreciate the review homie. Amazing perspective

On the bonus track he said “Represent the Jects” Short for projects.

AVAA 14:17 "This is my new album, venereal sores. Alright Kick it!!!" 😆😂🤣

If Thunderground Thursday returns this week or the next, then you should listen to the newest project by AKAI SOLO titled Spirit Roaming. It recently released under Backwoodz Studioz, which was founded by Billy Woods and contained Elucid’s newest album I Told Bessie.

Nasologist is what you can call us lol

Hey Sky! I don't know if you dislike requests so sorry in advance, but you mentioned in your last Lupe video that you where thinking about doing a video about his Murals trilogy. Is it still coming? I really like your style of breaking down raps which is not as bar by bar as for example looking up lyrics at genius is, but rather more trying to get the message of the entire song (or album, or trilogy in this case).

I’ve been listening to Nas for many years, and for good reason, because I he is one of my favorite artists of all genres. His lyrical prowess and vocab knack has inspired me over the years to be better in my expression and performance through new opportunities, which I'm all the better for. And the textured and nuanced production he has used over the years are very important to my musical framework, which wouldn't be the same without his run through the 90's and 2020's. That is why I love to listen to him so much, because through times in which I've had hard time, I can put on an Illmatic, or a Kings Disease record, or even a lesser record of his like Street's Disciple and Nasir. So much musical code I have is indebted to Nas and his music, and I would love to see him live to experience one of his finest moments at one of the most iconic venues in America. Thanks again Skye. Speaking as a devout subscriber, you have brought my love of Nas to a new level, and I can only thank you as much as I can for that. (PS: I wish you the best for your family emergency, and I hope it goes over as well as it can.)

Jets is a double entendre, for the team, but also for the projects

The mention of the diss tracks on beef is literally mentioning the components that lead to beef... Paranoia, misinformation, misinterpretations, rumors, etc.

NAS is the greatest ever!!! to the culture he is treasured!

I stumbled upon this vide, I’ve been a big Nas fan since day one. I see what you’re doing! Ha ha! By the way “Brave Heart’s” is his Group bruh. “Oochi walli”.

"Yes, Professor Skye, what is beef?" *que Biggie Lyrics

I'm a Nas fan since, It was written. I love most of his music.. And I understand and agree with what you're saying.

Nas and Jay on the same Premier beats would be incredible

please check out the quadeca album!! super cool concept album, it is one of my fav albums of the year

Brave heart is his crew

Great review, we the Nassirians approve it.Even if the Hovangers r salty at this run.

AVAA - I am a Nas fan and I am butt hurt by any negative comments towards him especially when compared to JayZ. JayZ is a flame and Nas is hot shimmering lava. His expansion as a person and artist is something to behold.

To say Jay z was ever better than Nas is like saying Mac and cheese is better than carbonara.

Good review,

Illmatic isn't overrated, you gotta put it into content. He was super young and its his debut and him and his producers put together something so crazy Those lyrics from the mind of a youngin. It was written is crazy good too but he took on another persona in that one, Illmatic seemed more true to him, those slick lyrics were all inside It Was Written though. Both albums while other legends existed on Earth, whiale Hip Hop was strong and competition was fierce.

In response to Prof Skye's critique of Nas naming the album series "King's Disease," I'm very sure that Skye knows that King's Disease was the name given to the painful disease gout because gout historically only occurred in people who were wealthy enough to eat heavy amounts of food containing purines. In other words, the pain of King's Disease happens to people who are rich and greedy/excessive. Throughout this album trilogy Nas is given wise financial advice, warning against the financial greed/excesses that has caused many Kings of entertainment to go through the pain of financial ruin.

Braveheart is a shout out to his brother jungle group ... but in all great take on Nas and kd3

When he says don't shoot he is talking to the people in the inner city....

Great review "It was written" is still one of the greatest albums of all time. People need to decode the lyrics that's why Pac luv that album before he die.

Hi Professor! I personally love Nas, but variety is the spice of life and I also believe there is plenty of room for mature discussion and different viewpoints. That’s it! If people take the time to hear you out, you clearly don’t “hate” Nas. Thanks!

I was half asleep and thought this was a video of Jordan Peterson discussing Hip Hop.

If you listened to Nastradamus you'd know Nas had a song with a Christmas Carol beat rapping about killing called " Shootem Up". I'm sure that song played a part in a few people getting popped.

Nas has always been one of my favorite rappers since I got into hip hop music in middle school. When I first got into music I bought CDs from Best Buy. The first CDs I bought were the Chronic and Nas's Life Is Good. I know it isn't regarded as his best but I have a lot of memories with it, I remember liking it for the storytelling and lyrical proficiency, the same reason I liked Eminem at the time. The song Cherry Wine with Amy Winehouse was my favorite. I replayed that album alot before checking out Hip Hop Is Dead and then Illmatic Stillmatic etc. This King Disease trilogy has been a treat and Nas really is an artist that keeps on giving. I live in NY and have never been to Madison Square Garden, would love to check it out

For real though😆😆😆! Nas lives to reminisce☝🏿!!

Crazy that this isn’t even my favorite album that dropped the day it came out- you’ve probably already gotten a ton of suggestions for this, but I feel like you would absolutely love Quadeca’s new album. So much to digest throughout it, I think you’d love dissecting it.

Jeepers Creepers was part of the bar before the Congress line..... He said we time piece Monsters, going hunting every season, "Jeepers Creepers" in the movie Jeepers Creepers he returns for 21 days in whatever amount of years. I could be wrong but that's made more since to me. A lot of his Barz just be going over people heads.

Good car lane example for the flow change in those verses💯

Infested Wound would be a pretty hard album title by metal standards

What is preachy song? You keep saying that I don't get that from these somgs so maybe idk what it is please explain?