The warm soul samples and dusty drum loops of "Store Run" offer an old-school backdrop for reflection on memories both glorious and painful, and "Rare" finds Nas and Hit-Boy matching powers with ambitious beat-switching production and a whirlwind of quickly shifting flows and vocal hooks. "Death Row East" is perhaps the best example of this, with lyrics that lay out a vivid personal perspective on the East Coast/West Coast beef of the '90s rap scene, Tupac Shakur's death, and Nas' role in those charged times. He still spends time examining the past, but it's more of a history lesson than a fond remembrance. Hit-Boy's beats are often tense and atmospheric, giving the album a cinematic feel as Nas leans harder into storytelling with his lyricism. Hit-Boy takes on the production once more, but instead of relying mainly on throwback beats and wistful nostalgia, this installment of the series is darker, moodier, and more direct. Sequel King's Disease II bests its predecessor. With the benefit of exhilarating Hit-Boy production on every track, Nas was revitalized, and the album scored the rapper his first Grammy, three decades into his craft. After 2019's disappointing Kanye West-produced Nasir, legendary Queens rapper Nas bounced back with 2020 album King's Disease.
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