Who knew four little words could set the Hip-Hop nation's ears ablaze? Ever since Nas stated a few months back that his new record would be titled Hip Hop Is Dead the question on the minds of many is whether or not one of the most influential and time-tested MC's in the game is just having a little tongue-in-cheek fun, or if he's serious? Major labels and shoe companies would laugh at such a question, seeing as how the money to be made off of Hip-Hop culture is through the roof these days. But here it is for all to see. Nas, the creator of Illmatic (which is still rightly revered as one of the greatest Rap records of all time) leaning down to place a black rose on the casket of Hip-Hop. It's an effective image, both haunting and surreal.

While listening to Hip-Hop Is Dead two things become clear: one, Nas is schooled in the ways of respecting MC's and the culture that came before him and two, he's pissed off at this new breed and culture of Hip-Hop that champions phony thugs and trendy flashes-in-the-pan with no skills (ya hearin' this Lil Jon? What? OK!). The first half of Hip Hop Is Dead is Nas at his most ferocious, he hasn't bared his fangs like this since the mid 90's. Nas has always been at his best when something is eating away at him and the rapidly increasing capitalization of the ghetto by rich corporate America is eating at his very soul. Don't scoff, Nas feels guilty for his part in it as does Jay-Z and their collaboration on "Black Republican" is the stuff of legend. That track alone is worth owning this album and it makes you wish these two had buried the hatchet years ago instead of nursing along their bitter and often vocal feud for so long. "Carry On Tradition" is another of the greats here, basically a call to arms to the MC's of today to remember their heritage and put their money where their mic is.

As great as the first half of this album is however, the wheels start to wobble some as it rounds the home stretch and fall off altogether by the finish line. Nas' collabos with Snoop Dogg and The Game on "Play On Playa" and "Hustlers" respectively, but both have a tacked-on feel. They're definitley not in sync with the flow of the rest of this album. In layman's terms it's what's known as filler. It just seems that an album leveling such a serious indictment should be "filler-free." On the other hand Nas has definitley dared to call the genre out and shine a bright light on some of the problems that to his way of thinking are poisoning the well, damaging the roots and ultimately bringing about the demise of his life's passion. The question is will this cry for help resonate enough to have any kind of lasting impact, effect any noticeable change? Or will it fall on the deaf ears of those who remain happily in line like sheep to be spoon-fed the flavor of the month? if I'm betting real money, I'd have to wager on the latter. And even though the smart money is riding that line, it's a bet I'll take no pleasure in winning. Not in the slightest.