Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, widely known by his stage name Nas, released his third studio album Stillmatic on December 18, 2001. The release marked a significant shift in the direction of Nas' music, as he explored more complex and experimental themes while maintaining his lyrical prowess. The album is notable not only for its critically acclaimed sound but also for its historical context, as it debuted near the 9/11 attacks in the United States.
Context and Background
Stillmatic was the follow-up to Nas' 1999 album I Am ..., which had garnered both commercial and critical success despite controversy surrounding its explicit content. His sophomore release's mixtape predecessor, Factory to State, served as an incubator for ideas that would surface on Stillmatic. Following the positive reception to his earlier work and his move back to New York, Nas found himself under pressure from his record label to produce a more radio-friendly album. However, Nas resisted this pressure and instead crafted albums that blurred hip-hop boundaries.
Music and Themes
Stillmatic features 18 tracks, ranging from socially conscious commentary to introspective personal reflections. Nas offers insightful observations on issues such as materialism and relationships, unsentimentally discussing the former through 'Too Black' stating it remains 'Some flashy trinkets, epic necklace, diamond rings. We're chasing the dream, but is that the ultimate things we live?' In tracks like 'Stillmatic (The Intro)' and 'Ether (remix)', he showcases technical prowess, harnessing an effortless lyrical flow and incorporating complex rhyme schemes that assert his authority in the hip-hop community.