Hip Hop Is Dead Explained

Hip Hop Is Dead
Type:studio
Artist:Nas
Cover:Hiphopisdead1.jpg
Released:December 19, 2006
Recorded:2005–2006
Genre:Hip hop
Prev Title:Street's Disciple
Prev Year:2004
Next Year:2008

Hip Hop Is Dead is the eighth studio album by American rapper Nas, released December 19, 2006, on Def Jam Recordings. His first album for the label, it was co-financed by Nas's previous label, Columbia Records, which once distributed for Def Jam. The album's title was inspired by Nas's view of the music industry and the state of hip hop music at the time. The album features appearances from Nas's then-wife Kelis, Def Jam label-mates Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Chrisette Michele, as well as will.i.am, Snoop Dogg, and The Game, among others.

The album debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, selling 355,880 copies in its first week. His fourth U.S. number-one album, it had sold 941,000 copies by November 2008, eventually over time it went platinum by the RIAA.[1] Upon its release, Hip Hop Is Dead received generally positive reviews from most music critics. Hip Hop Is Dead was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album,[2] ultimately losing to Kanye West's Graduation at the 50th Grammy Awards.[3]

Background

Nas announced the album's title after a performance on May 18, 2006.[4] [5] In a late September interview on English DJ Tim Westwood's Radio show, Nas said, "Hip-hop is dead because we as artists no longer have the power." He went on to say, "Could you imagine what 50 Cent could be doing, Nas, Jay, Eminem, if we were the Jimmy Iovines? Could you imagine the power we'd have? I think that's where we're headed." He has described the album as a mixture of "street" records, "political" records and collaborations.[6] In another interview for MTV.com, Nas discussed the concept of the album title and the social atmosphere and condition of the music industry that inspired it, stating:

A promo single, "Where Y'all At", was released in June 2006 and produced by Salaam Remi.[7] It contained a sample from Nas' "Made You Look",[8] but it did not make the final cut for Hip Hop Is Dead.[9] It was, however, released as a bonus track on the Japanese import version of the album.[10]

A music video for "Can't Forget About You" premiered on February 5, 2007, the song featuring Chrisette Michele and sampling Nat King Cole's song "Unforgettable".[11] Another video, Hustlers, featuring The Game, followed.[12]

Title controversy

In an interview on the music television show 106 & Park, while promoting his untitled 2008 album, Nas said that he chose "Hip Hop Is Dead" as the title of the album in order to engender excitement and a reaction among hip hop artists. He went on to say that it worked, due to reactions from artists like Lil Wayne and Kanye West (whether West was actually reacting to the title of the album or merely promoting the album is unclear, given that he produced on two of the album's tracks). The title had a major impact in the hip hop world, especially for Southern hip hop, whose artists were blamed at the time for cheapening the quality of hip-hop with crunk and snap music. Southern rapper Young Jeezy had made statements against the title of Nas' album, and also furthered his comments by questioning Nas' street credibility. They have since reconciled, with Nas appearing on Jeezy's 2008 single, "My President".[13] Many other Southern rappers such as Ludacris, Trick Daddy, and Big Boi (whose fellow Outkast member, Andre 3000, declared hip hop dead on 2001's "Funkin' Around", off Big Boi and Dre Present...Outkast) have also attacked Nas' album title claiming that it is targeted at Southern hip hop.[14] Nas also has a fair share of supporters such as fellow New York rappers KRS-One, DMX, Raekwon, and Ghostface Killah.

Critical reception

Hip Hop Is Dead received generally positive reviews from most music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 79, based on 22 reviews, which indicates "generally favorable reviews".[15] Nas is hip-hop's "grumpiest man", according to Jody Rosen for Entertainment Weekly, and the album "is a lot like Nas himself: impossible not to admire, but hard to love".[16] Among those music writers and critics that reviewed Hip Hop Is Dead favorably was Jason Rubin of The A.V. Club, which gave the album an A− rating. Rubin praised the album's production quality and lyrical concept, and stated "Hip Hop is unsparing in its diagnosis of rap's ills, but ultimately, it's hopeful. It contains a smart, tight, cohesive analysis of where rap went astray, but also the seeds of the genre's rebirth and renewal."[17]

Despite perceiving its sound and musical quality as weaknesses, Los Angeles Times writer Soren Baker gave it 3 out of 4 stars and wrote "Nas demonstrates why he remains one of rap's most revered artists, as his defense of hip-hop culture is impassioned and informed, if not fully realized".[18] Sean Fennessey of Vibe called the album "disorienting and sometimes brilliant" and complimented its "bold, startling production and a renewed lyrical vigor".[19] The album was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, losing to Kanye West's Graduation (2007), at the 50th Grammy Awards in February 2008.[20]

Commercial performance

Hip Hop Is Dead debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, selling 355,880 copies in its first week. The album has joined It Was Written (1996) and I Am… (1999) as Nas's third album to debut at number one on the chart.[21] In its second week, the album dropped to number four on the chart, selling an additional 101,000 copies.[22] In its third week, the album dropped to number eight on the chart, selling 44,800 copies that week.[23] On March 12, 2007, the album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales of over 500,000 copies in the United States.[24]

The title track "Hip Hop Is Dead" (produced by will.i.am), which contains samples from "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" by Iron Butterfly, and "Apache" by Incredible Bongo Band (which Nas previously used on "Made You Look", and Billy Squier's "The Big Beat", was the first single of the album.[25] It received airplay on radio stations in Australia (Triple J), the UK, and in United States, notably on Hot 97.[5] [26] The single recently reached #48 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart[27] and #41 on the Billboard Hot 100. The second single from the album Hip Hop Is Dead is "Can't Forget About You" (Featuring Chrisette Michele). It contains a sample from Nat King Cole's "Unforgettable".

Track listing

Information is based on Liner Notes.[28]

Notes

Personnel

Unless otherwise indicated, Information is based on Liner Notes.[28]

TitleNotes
Hip Hop Is DeadExecutive producer: Nasir Jones
A&R: Jay Brown
A&R for Ill Will Music Group: Mike Brinkley
A&R Administration: Terese Joseph
A&R Coordination: Fabienne Leys
Marketing: Tracey Waples
Marketing coordination: Shari Bryant
Management: Michael "Blue" Williams for Family Tree Entertainment
Mastering: Chris Gehringer at Sterling Sound, NYC
Mixing: Dylan "3-D" Dresdow at Paper V.U. Studios, LA
Photography: Afshin Shahidi
Creative direction: Andy West
Cover design: Tavon Sampson
Wardrobe: Mike Bogard for The B Lynn Group
Photo and art coordination: Nichell Delavaille
Package production: Doug Joswick
Legal representation: Kenny Meiselas, Esq. and Paul Rothenberg, Esq.
Sample clearance agent: Deborah Mannis-Gardner for DMG Clearances, Inc.
Business Affairs: Michael Seltzer, Antoinette Trotman, Ian Allen
1"Money Over Bullshit"Songwriters: N. Jones, L. Lewis, W. Coleman
Additional Instruments: L.E.S. & Wyldfyer
2"You Can't Kill Me"Songwriters: N. Jones, L. Lewis, A. West
Sample: "Sly" by Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters[29]
Additional Instruments: Al West
3"Carry on Tradition"Songwriters: N. Jones, S. Storch
All Instruments: Scott Storch
4"Where Are They Now"Songwriters: N. Jones, S. Gibbs, J. Brown, B. Byrd, R. Lehnhoff
Sample: "Get Up, Get into It, Get Involved" by James Brown
Sample: “Set It Off" by Big Daddy Kane[30]
5"Hip Hop Is Dead"Songwriters: N. Jones, W. Adams, J. Lordan, D. Ingle
Samples: "Apache" and “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida”,
both by Michael Viner & The Incredible Bongo Band
Sample: "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" by Iron Butterfly[31]
Sample: "The Big Beat" as performed by Billy Squier[32]
Additional Drums, Drum Machine, Farfisa organ & Keyboards: will.i.am
6"Who Killed It?"Songwriters: N. Jones, S. Gibbs, W. Adams
Sample: "I Ain't No Joke" by Eric B. & Rakim
Drums, Bass & Keyboards: Salaam Remi
Flute, Soprano Saxophone & Clarinet: Vincent Henry
Bass Trumpet, Flugelhorn & Trumpet: Bruce Purse
French Horn: W. Marshall Sealy
Cello: Patrice Jackson
Viola: Adam Hill
Violin: Naira Underwood
7"Black Republican"Songwriters: N. Jones, S. Carter, L. Lewis, W. Coleman, C. Coppala
Sample: "Marcia Religiosa" by City of Prague Philharmonic
8"Not Going Back"Songwriters: N. Jones, T. Hermansen, M. Ericksen, K. Roger-Jones
Sample: “Alone" by Heart.[33]
9"Still Dreaming"Songwriters: N. Jones, K. West, C. Payne, C. Ernst-Wells
Sample: "The Interim" by Diana Ross
”The Interim” written by Cheryl Ernst-Wells
Sample: "Use Me" by Bill Withers
10"Hold Down the Block"Songwriters: N. Jones, M. Batson
Drums, Bass & Keyboards: Mark Batson
Saxophone: Leroi Moore
Vocals: Mark B. Mayfield
11"Blunt Ashes"Songwriters: N. Jones, M. Webber
Sample: "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” by Marvin Gaye[34]
Additional Instruments: Chris Webber
12"Let There Be Light"Songwriters: N. Jones, K. West, T. Williams, D. Harris, P. Cho
Sample: "Take The Money And Run" by Steve Miller Band
Drums: Mark Biondi
Keyboards: Paul Cho
13"Play on Playa"Songwriters: N. Jones, S. Storch, C. Broadus, M. Gaye, L. Ware, A. Ross
Sample: "After the Dance" by Marvin Gaye
14"Can't Forget About You"Songwriters: N. Jones, W. Adams, C. Payne, I. Gordon
Sample: "Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole
Drums, Drum Programming & Keyboards: will.i.am
15"Hustlers"Songwriters: N. Jones, J. Taylor, M. Ambrosius, A. Young, M. Elizondo
Keyboards: Mike Elizondo & Lionel "LJ" Holoman
Bass played by LJ Holoman
Additional Vocals: Jaramye Daniels
16"Hope"Songwriters: N. Jones, L. Lewis
Additional Vocals: Chrisette Michele
"Shine On"Songwriters: N. Jones, S. Gibbs
"The N (Don't Hate Me Now)"Songwriters: N. Jones, S. Gibbs
"Where Y'all At"Songwriters: N. Jones, S. Gibbs, C. Stepney, R. Rudolph
Sample: "Made You Look" by Nas
Sample: "Rainy Day in Centreville" by Minnie Riperton[35]

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2006)Peak
position
Australian Albums Chart[36] 50
Belgian Albums Chart (Wallonia)76
Canadian Albums Chart45
Dutch Albums Chart95
French Albums Chart89
Japan Albums Chart[37] 30
Swiss Albums Chart22
UK Albums Chart[38] 68
US Billboard 200[39] 1
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)1
US Top Rap Albums (Billboard)1

Year-end charts

Chart (2007)Peak
position
US Billboard 20064
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)14
US Top Rap Albums (Billboard)7

Release history

RegionDate
IrelandDecember 15, 2006
United KingdomDecember 18, 2006
United StatesDecember 19, 2006

External links

Notes and References

  1. Grein, Paul. "Chart Watch Extra: What A Turkey! The 25 Worst-Selling #1 Albums" . Yahoo! Music. November 21, 2008.
  2. https://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/12/06/entertainment/main3584478.shtml List of Grammy Award Nominess
  3. https://web.archive.org/web/20110909010149/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1581272/grammy-2008-winners.jhtml Grammy Award Winner 2008
  4. Bolden Janeé Nas Drops New LP In September, Declares Hip-Hop Dead Sohh.com. Retrieved on June 19, 2006.
  5. https://web.archive.org/web/20060703004236/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/10357006/latest_news_bmariahb_bbilly_corganb_bwutangb_and_more Latest News: Mariah, Billy Corgan, Wu-Tang and More
  6. https://web.archive.org/web/20061014235213/http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/mixtape_monday/100206/ Mixtape Monday: Nas Wants To Join Jay-Z In Africa; Snoop, Dre Reunite
  7. Web site: Sunkara. Bhasakar. Nas - "Where Y'all At". About.com. March 30, 2008. March 4, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304190406/http://rap.about.com/od/songreviews/gr/NasWhereYallAt.htm. dead.
  8. Web site: Dombal. Ryan. Nas: "Where Y'all At" [Track Review]]. https://web.archive.org/web/20080207155437/http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/track_review/37138-where-yall-at. dead. February 7, 2008. Pitchfork Media. June 28, 2006. March 30, 2008.
  9. News: Radiohead Reveal Tour Plans – Enigmatically; Plus Jordin Sparks, Ashley Tisdale, Amy Winehouse, Deerhunter & More, In For The Record. https://web.archive.org/web/20071207075744/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1575329/20071129/radiohead.jhtml. dead. December 7, 2007. MTV News. November 29, 2007. March 30, 2008.
  10. Web site: Hip Hop Is Dead [Limited Pressing] NAS CD Album |publisher=CDJapan |access-date=2014-08-26].
  11. News: Reid. Shaheem. 'Nas King Cole' Shoots 'Unforgettable' Clip, Preps New Album For '07. https://web.archive.org/web/20070111042326/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1549573/20070109/nas.jhtml. dead. January 11, 2007. MTV News. January 9, 2007. August 18, 2007.
  12. News: Reid. Shaheem. Game Says He's 'Good' With Buck But Has Disdain For G-Unit; Unleashes New Mixtape. https://web.archive.org/web/20070417065704/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1556643/20070409/game_the.jhtml . dead . April 17, 2007 . MTV News. April 9, 2007. August 18, 2007.
  13. Shake. Young Jeezy Says Nas Has No Street Credibility . Hiphopdx.com. Retrieved on December 20, 2006.
  14. https://web.archive.org/web/20061221195453/http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/mixtape_monday/121806/ Mixtape Monday: Is Hip-Hop Dead? Luda, Big Boi Disagree With Nas
  15. https://www.metacritic.com/music/hip-hop-is-dead Hip Hop Is Dead (2007): Reviews
  16. Rosen, Jody. Music Review: Hip Hop Is Dead Entertainment Weekly. December 8, 2006.
  17. https://web.archive.org/web/20070111191038/http://www.avclub.com/content/node/57363 AV Club - Hip Hop Is Dead review
  18. Baker, Soren. Review: Hip Hop Is Dead. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved on 2009-10-27.
  19. Fennessey, Sean. "Review: Hip Hop Is Dead". Vibe: 109–110. January 2007.
  20. http://rap.about.com/od/grammyawards/a/2008GrammyAward.htm 2008 Grammy Awards - Hip-Hop Nominees & Winners - 50th Annual Grammy Awards Nominations
  21. Hasty, Katie. Nas Scores Third No. 1 Album With 'Hip-Hop Is Dead' Billboard. December 27, 2006.
  22. Web site: OMARION GETS LATE CHRISTMAS GIFT — #1 DEBUT — AS OVERALL SALES SLIDE. https://web.archive.org/web/20200915214446/http://www.mtv.com/news/1549226/omarion-gets-late-christmas-gift-1-debut-as-overall-sales-slide/. dead. September 15, 2020. MTV. Harris. Chris. January 7, 2007. April 15, 2020.
  23. 'Dreamgirls' Takes No. 1 In Sluggish Sales Week. Billboard. Hasty. Katie. January 10, 2007. April 15, 2020.
  24. Web site: RIAA Certifications - Nas. . April 23, 2020.
  25. Web site: The Big Beat. Collins. Roger. Iomusic News. 2008-12-05.
  26. Bolden, Janeé. Nas Drops New LP In September, Declares Hip-Hop Dead. Sohh.com. Retrieved on July 19, 2006.
  27. https://web.archive.org/web/20060219145217/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/chart_display.jsp?f=Hot+R%26B%2FHip-Hop+Songs&pageNumber=Top+11-50&g=Singles Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
  28. Nas. “Hip Hop Is Dead”. Def Jam Recordings. 2006.
  29. Web site: Spice . Anton . 2014-01-28 . Roots & Branches: The story of Herbie Hancock's Head Hunters in 10 records . 2023-07-06 . The Vinyl Factory . en-US.
  30. Web site: Fletch . 2006-11-19 . Rebel To America: Where Are They Now? . 2023-07-06 . Rebel To America.
  31. Web site: Serwer . Jesse . The 77 Best Rock Samples in Rap History . 2023-07-06 . Complex . en-us.
  32. Web site: 2013-11-17 . The hip-hop rebirth of Billy Squier . 2023-07-06 . en-US.
  33. Spin Staff. “The 20 Coolest Tributes...Class of 2013” (#16). Spin. 17 April 2013. https://www.spin.com/2013/04/rock-roll-hall-fame-inductees-2013-best-covers-public-enemy-heart-donna-summer-rush-randy-newman-albert-king/170413-lil-wayne/
  34. Web site: 2017-01-05 . Remembering Chris Webber's Beat-Making Career . 2023-07-06 . SLAM . en.
  35. Web site: AbduSalaam . Ismael . 2010-07-23 . Know Your Samples: Minnie Riperton . 2023-07-06 . Beats, Boxing and Mayhem . en.
  36. Web site: Nas – Hip Hop Is Dead . Ultratop. Hung Medien . 2009-01-08.
  37. Web site: Nas – Hip Hop Is Dead . Oricon.. 2013-11-12.
  38. Web site: Nas – Hip Hop Is Dead . . 2011-12-22.
  39. [{{BillboardURLbyName|artist=nas|chart=all}} Hip Hop Is Dead – Nas ]. . . 2011-12-22.