Nas - King’s Disease: Countdown To MSG
Designed by Casma (Asset by FLYERWRK)
The disease of kings, gout; an increase in uric acid levels. Something that comes from overindulgence in foods like fish, as well as alcohol. Historically, affecting monarchs at their peaks. Something that sneaks up on those who have become successful is the next conflict; after it seems we’ve conquered all the others to get to the heights we’ve strived for. This doesn’t have to be just the inflammation and pain we felt. In this over encompassing concept and album, given to us by one of the greatest to ever emcee, Nas, we get one of the best albums the artist from Queensbridge has ever put out. With confidence and skill proving that he hasn’t missed a step since his intro into rap in 1994. Ultimately, leading to winning the first Grammy in his career for Best Rap Album (yes you’re reading that right, he didn’t win a grammy for Illmatic or It Was Written). As a perfect ending and celebration of the incredible run of albums, the Queens native, will be headlining at Madison Square Garden on February 24th for the first time in his career. For what is sure to be a legendary-one night only show, where all the projects from Nas and Hit-Boy will be performed in their entirety. Luckily I was able to wake up in time and sit in a queue after 4 hours of sleep, and get myself a pair of tickets. It goes without saying (but I will anyway) that I'm absolutely writing a review of what is sure to be an incredible night for hip-hop. In the run-up to the concert I wanted to take a look at the 4 projects that have come out of this “Kings Disease era.” With the first album, I wanted to touch on what exactly is the concept of “Kings Disease.” Nas himself has explained how much deeper it is than just a clever title for the legendary rapper’s 13th album.
“We survived and got to a certain level. What do we watch out for now that we have everything? What gets in the way… it's usually ourselves: the drinking, the sushi. But also figurative, like your ego or pride.” This was Nas’ response when asked what the title of Kings Disease means to him by Zane Lowe. The way we use and let power, wealth and overall success and comfortability affect us in one way or another. This album is laden with warnings on not becoming stagnant in life and how to keep advancing in these later stages, in any situation. 2020 will go down as a year that never needs to be discussed again. However, musically it was very significant. Though it was started pre-pandemic, the album was halted due to the shutdown and was finished throughout it. Knowing this, you can really get a sense of the effect this had on the content Nas and producer Hit-Boy has released to us.
Though it has louder and hard-hitting songs like “27 Summers” and “Spicy” featuring Fivio Foreign & A$AP Ferg, the album has a more relaxed atmosphere to it. As if it's trying to ground and calm the listener, especially during such an intense year. Now, with their attention, deliver words of wisdom woven into unmatched storytelling. It’s clear from the first and titular track that you’re in store for two experts in their crafts coming together to drop something with importance and care. It's also the perfect opener for the concept of the album. Coming from someone who has been doing this for, pun intended, 27 summers now, the veteran knows how to start the album. It's the perfect appetizer for all things that get their own form of attention the further they listen.
The high-level storytelling on this album is almost enraging. Nas has always been one to use personal experiences, but also create stories expertly to lay out exactly what he's trying to say. He speaks with such description, yet it comes off so effortless. Even though, just as anyone who has tried rapping over “type” youtube beats will tell you, it's even harder than you think. Songs like “Blue Benz” detail two different stages in Nas’ life. The first verse paints a younger Nasir at once prominent Hip-Hop nightclub in New York, The Tunnel, that he used to visit and describes, so vividly, the scene on a given night. Details about his attitude at that time and how he would hang out with an older woman who he reveals was a Madam. It does such a great job showing that even two different people connect in a space that hip-hop breathes life into. The second verse in contrast, fast forwards us to an older and successful Nas, using imagery to give us the sense that he's celebrating his life now, though ever cautious still, thanks to music and his prowess.
One of my favorite songs off the album “Car #85” with Charlie Wilson, has one of the smoothest and most infectious instrumentals I’ve heard over the last few years. Another descriptive song about Nas, making use of his favorite taxi while still living in Queensbridge, in the time before Illmatic. He describes how he, and others in the area would use the car. It’s a perfect metaphor for nostalgia and flawlessly transports you to that era. You can sit back, close your eyes, and almost feel the backseat of the car, as the setting of early 90s Queens passes by as you look out the window.
The album does have moments of celebration and a strong sense of pride in one’s self and accomplishments. Here we get songs like the aforementioned “27 Summers” and “Ultra Black.” “27 Summers” is a celebration to the longevity that very few in rap have. Like A$AP Rocky said, “rap careers last three years still.” But to be here for over 27 years is something only a very select few can truly say. “Ultra Black” is a proud anthem where Nas expresses love for himself, black culture, and the importance and influence it has worldwide. It’s an incredible song of self-confidence that Nas himself stated as being “very important” to him, released at a time of increased tension and discussions about race in America, with the murder of George Floyd. This beat has Hit-Boy in his “bag.” The beat is flawless, especially the melody, which has found a way to live in my brain rent-free since first listen. It also speaks to a larger picture; Hit-Boy is able to create the perfect beats to pair with Nas. This was something missing for me personally on the Ye produced album, NASIR. What started out as Nas seeking out one beat from the storied producer, has resulted in now 4 albums, and it's impossible to question why.
Features can make or break a song. Some will leave you scratching your head wondering why they picked this artist to jump on a track. But all the features fit this album like the next piece of a puzzle. Big Sean and Don Toliver on “Replace Me” add to the atmosphere and delivery of a song tackling relationships. Dealing with not just braggadociousness but also moments of reflection and learning. Anderson .Paak on “All Bad” is yet another song that proves why .Paak is such a celebrated artist. The man sounds like he could be from any generation and adds to every song he collabs on. The most important feature for me is on the song Full Circle. The track is a reunion for one of the most short-lived but hidden gem rap groups ever, The Firm. The group featured Nas with legendary NY artists AZ, Cormega & Foxy Brown. The group first connected on the classic track “Affirmative Action” off Nas’ masterful second album "It Was Written (Foxy’s verse on that is one of the best ever, not just from a woman rapper). The group’s first self-titled album was executive produced by the legendary Dr.Dre who appears with a message at the end of the song but ended as quickly as it started. The importance of this song also comes in the feature of Cormega. On the Firm’s first album, Cormega was replaced by the rapper Nature due to internal disagreements with Nas. The two were in a decades-long beef though they knew each other for years. But as the album’s messaging throughout says, reflection and putting aside ego and pride are important in life. The two have seemingly squashed the beef and came together to deliver an important mark in both artist’s careers.
The final track of the album, (“Spicy” is considered a bonus track) “The Cure” is an exemplary conclusion to the album. It's the perfect recap of everything the album has touched on that Nas hopes we can take from. The track is quite literally Nas’ prescription. The cure of kings disease comes in multiple forms. Straight from the man himself, “It’s, not letting the things you can't change be your demise. Look at yourself and recognize the good in you and your roots. Calm yourself and be at peace and move forward even more in your journey of life.” He also tells us to keep working on your craft in your own way as you evolve. Literally watch your health and watch what you eat, which comes back around to the actual causes of king’s disease. In the track Nas says that he's “studied like a book by many,” and this is a statement of fact. Kings Disease is another chapter in the book of one of the greatest artists of all time that you can learn so much from. The artful cover shows red cherubs placing a crown on a throne, symbolizing Nas’ place in the royalty and upper echelon of Hip-Hop. On the throne is the year 2020, a timestamp for the release of one of the most important albums in his catalog. The ultimate lesson I took away from this is: Self-awareness, in excess or restraint will knock you off of your throne. Moderation is key. What is your king's disease?
Favorite tracks
Kings Disease
The Cure
Car#85
Ultra Black
Replace Me