simple as this....., 19 Nov 2008
Buy it!!!
NOW!!
its in instant classic and prob wont be cheap for long.
KAMAAL IS ON FORM AS USUALL.
JUST CLICK ADD 2 BASKET LOL

The abstract is back, 14 Nov 2008
Iv just got this cd today,didnt even know anything about it until it popped up while i was seving the net,im a huge hip hop junkie and so i really respect Q,iv been listening to him since i was 12 when i first bought my first Tribe album and iv been a fan ever since anyway this is a brillent album showing hip hop aint dead.its 90% produced by Q himself and two others are from the late J dilla,My favourite track is DANCE ON GLASS but the whole album is brill,a must for any hip hop head PEACE

2008 was a bad year... until now!, 13 Nov 2008
He's only gone and done it! This album is not just worth the wait, its worthy of all the praise that is getting lavished on it from reviewers all over the globe. This is a real masterclass that demonstrates to all the would-be rappers out there that even though the world and its dog are bored stiff of the gerne, with artists that don't just cater to the marketing exec's by knocking out music by numbers (you all know who I'm talking about) great hip-hop albums can still be produced.

What we have here is a mature yet fresh hip-hop/nu-soul fusion that works on so many levels its frightening! Some of the tracks are so tasty its hard to describe.

From 'Getting Up' and 'Official' to 'You' and 'Life Is Better' the residing unescapable word that comes to mind is "Class"! In a funny sort of way this is more of a follow-up to Foreign Exchange's seminal 'Connected' than even their 2008 release 'Leave It All Behind'... praise indeed!

I'm positive this album will last ages... but lets just hope we won't have to wait so long for the next installment.

Hip-Hop is NOT dead!!!, 09 Nov 2008
Now I haven't written a review on here in a long time but I really felt like people need to know how good this album really is. Two shelved albums & almost a decade after the release of "Amplified", Q-Tip is back with "The Renaissance". Amplified was an unusual album. Pure Hip-Hop songs such as "Let's Ride" were mixed in with more commercial sounding tunes such as "Breathe & Stop", which were clearly aimed at attracting a broader audience. The results were mixed. Whilst his first solo LP boasts some excellent individual tracks, the album itself feels forced & does not work. This is not a problem, however, on Tip's latest effort. Here you really get the sense that he was free to pursue whatever musical direction he wanted & the result is one of the finest Hip-Hop albums in years.

The album is almost entirely produced by Q-Tip himself. The exceptions are "Won't Trade", which is produced by Mark Ronson, & "Move", produced by the late, great J Dilla (Dilla also produced the UK bonus track "Feva"). It is worth noting that 4 of the 13 tracks - "Johnny Is Dead", "Official", "I Believe" & "Feva" - are re-workings from one of Tip's earlier shelved albums. All four tracks can be heard in there original form on his "Abstract Innovations" mixtape.

The Renaissance has an old school Hip-Hop, dare I say Tribe-esque feel to it. Best songs on the album are the first single "Gettin' Up", "Won't Trade", "Official" & the excellent "Move". But honestly the whole album is good - there are no weak tracks.

Overall, The Renaissance is a true Hip-Hop album for Hip-Hop fans. It highlights just how talented Q-Tip is, not only as an MC but also as a producer. Unfortunately it also serves as a reminder as to just how disappointing it is that this is only his second album (which was released) in almost 10 years. Support Q-Tip, support Hip-Hop & buy "The Renaissance" - you won't be disappointed! Let's hope there is a new Tribe album to come...

Good comeback., 04 Nov 2008
First studio album from Tip in eight years. It is good rather than great.
Very much got a Neo Soul vibe. Two best tracks "Move" and "Feva" are more Hip Hop flavour, both produced by late great J-Dilla. It's an album for older Hip Hop heads and well worth buying if you want something different from the normal club Hip Hop.

What do you do after you've reinvented a genre? Well, going on Graduation, the third full-length artist album by hip-hop's most famous Noughties auteur Kanye West, you hunt across the pop landscape for fresh sounds ripe for plunder. Most obviously, there's Daft Punk, whose track "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" forms the vocoder foundation to "Stronger". But Kanye's learnt more from the robots than this straight steal would suggest--indeed, a good proportion of Graduation sounds informed by their vintage synthesisers and noveau `80s feel. Elsewhere, there's much to suggest Kanye's pop ambitions have no sign of waning: the opulent "Good Life" rolls along on a hook snatched from Michael Jackson's "PYT (Pretty Young Thing)", while "Homecoming" follows Jay-Z's lead and borrows the vocal talents of Coldplay's Chris Martin. The album's not without the occasional goof--"Drunk and Hot Girls", a boozy tale set to the tempo of an Eastern European drinking song, is something Outkast could more comfortably handle. But thankfully, there's also numerous moments where Kanye simply does what Kanye does best. "Can't Tell Me Nothing" is a sleek, swaggering statement of self-assurance, while "Everything I Am" kicks off on a battle tack but gradually softens, the sound of a man balancing power and responsibility: "Last year Chicago had 600 caskets," muses Kanye, "Man, killing's some wack shit". --Louis Pattison

simple as this....., 19 Nov 2008
Buy it!!!
NOW!!
its in instant classic and prob wont be cheap for long.
KAMAAL IS ON FORM AS USUALL.
JUST CLICK ADD 2 BASKET LOL

The abstract is back, 14 Nov 2008
Iv just got this cd today,didnt even know anything about it until it popped up while i was seving the net,im a huge hip hop junkie and so i really respect Q,iv been listening to him since i was 12 when i first bought my first Tribe album and iv been a fan ever since anyway this is a brillent album showing hip hop aint dead.its 90% produced by Q himself and two others are from the late J dilla,My favourite track is DANCE ON GLASS but the whole album is brill,a must for any hip hop head PEACE

2008 was a bad year... until now!, 13 Nov 2008
He's only gone and done it! This album is not just worth the wait, its worthy of all the praise that is getting lavished on it from reviewers all over the globe. This is a real masterclass that demonstrates to all the would-be rappers out there that even though the world and its dog are bored stiff of the gerne, with artists that don't just cater to the marketing exec's by knocking out music by numbers (you all know who I'm talking about) great hip-hop albums can still be produced.

What we have here is a mature yet fresh hip-hop/nu-soul fusion that works on so many levels its frightening! Some of the tracks are so tasty its hard to describe.

From 'Getting Up' and 'Official' to 'You' and 'Life Is Better' the residing unescapable word that comes to mind is "Class"! In a funny sort of way this is more of a follow-up to Foreign Exchange's seminal 'Connected' than even their 2008 release 'Leave It All Behind'... praise indeed!

I'm positive this album will last ages... but lets just hope we won't have to wait so long for the next installment.

Hip-Hop is NOT dead!!!, 09 Nov 2008
Now I haven't written a review on here in a long time but I really felt like people need to know how good this album really is. Two shelved albums & almost a decade after the release of "Amplified", Q-Tip is back with "The Renaissance". Amplified was an unusual album. Pure Hip-Hop songs such as "Let's Ride" were mixed in with more commercial sounding tunes such as "Breathe & Stop", which were clearly aimed at attracting a broader audience. The results were mixed. Whilst his first solo LP boasts some excellent individual tracks, the album itself feels forced & does not work. This is not a problem, however, on Tip's latest effort. Here you really get the sense that he was free to pursue whatever musical direction he wanted & the result is one of the finest Hip-Hop albums in years.

The album is almost entirely produced by Q-Tip himself. The exceptions are "Won't Trade", which is produced by Mark Ronson, & "Move", produced by the late, great J Dilla (Dilla also produced the UK bonus track "Feva"). It is worth noting that 4 of the 13 tracks - "Johnny Is Dead", "Official", "I Believe" & "Feva" - are re-workings from one of Tip's earlier shelved albums. All four tracks can be heard in there original form on his "Abstract Innovations" mixtape.

The Renaissance has an old school Hip-Hop, dare I say Tribe-esque feel to it. Best songs on the album are the first single "Gettin' Up", "Won't Trade", "Official" & the excellent "Move". But honestly the whole album is good - there are no weak tracks.

Overall, The Renaissance is a true Hip-Hop album for Hip-Hop fans. It highlights just how talented Q-Tip is, not only as an MC but also as a producer. Unfortunately it also serves as a reminder as to just how disappointing it is that this is only his second album (which was released) in almost 10 years. Support Q-Tip, support Hip-Hop & buy "The Renaissance" - you won't be disappointed! Let's hope there is a new Tribe album to come...

Good comeback., 04 Nov 2008
First studio album from Tip in eight years. It is good rather than great.
Very much got a Neo Soul vibe. Two best tracks "Move" and "Feva" are more Hip Hop flavour, both produced by late great J-Dilla. It's an album for older Hip Hop heads and well worth buying if you want something different from the normal club Hip Hop.

Great album , 07 Jun 2008
like the title says a great album from kanye. I'm not going to compare it with curtis ans they re both great in their own right and really aren't compariable.
the best songs are;
- Good Morning
- Champion
- Good Life
- Can't Tell Me Nothing
- Flashing Lights
- Homecoming


Kanye Graduates With Flying Colours!, 06 Mar 2008
I am always going to be bias when it comes to Kanye as I personally believe he is a genius when it comes to his lyrics and songs, but even if I wasn't I would have to say that Graduation is possibly one of the greatest albums of 2007, and its not hard to see why it outsold 50 Cent. Favourite tracks for me are "The Glory", "Stronger" and "Homecoming".

Graduation is another brilliant example of why Kanye West is one of the most recognised men in the music world. He has definitely moved away from the Rap genre in which he used to be associated with and has instead created his own unique style of music. The album is possibly not as catchy as "Late Registration" but it is more creative and brings in new sounds and a new style and leaves your mouth watering for a fourth album!


WOW>>>>>, 03 Mar 2008
WOW WOW WOW...what an album i love kanye west iv always thought his music was great even though I havnt been this keen on any of his albums but i still continue to buy them to show support... but this album right here this is a 1 n a mill i love it... track 2 is such a lovely song it just makes you get up and start dancing no matter whose in front of you... Kanye West you go boi... with this album you can only continue to do your mum proud mwah mwah mwah x


Good, but never threatens to be great., 29 Feb 2008
Kanye has a massive problem, he'll never better his first album "College Dropout".

And like Oasis with Definitely Maybe, everything he will do after will always be compared (unfavourably) with his debut.

So taking this album as a one off then it's certaintly strong in areas. Stronger, Good Morning, Flashing Lights and the recent single ft Chris Martin are all highlights, but unfortunately there is a bit of filler, which lets him down.

Still worth a listen though.

Still great, 25 Feb 2008
This album is almost as good as his first and much better than his second really solid tracks and you wont have to use the skip button,kanye could use every song as a single so that should show you how good this album is
definitely one of the best if not the best hip hop albums of 08 BANGIN.

simple as this....., 19 Nov 2008
Buy it!!!
NOW!!
its in instant classic and prob wont be cheap for long.
KAMAAL IS ON FORM AS USUALL.
JUST CLICK ADD 2 BASKET LOL

The abstract is back, 14 Nov 2008
Iv just got this cd today,didnt even know anything about it until it popped up while i was seving the net,im a huge hip hop junkie and so i really respect Q,iv been listening to him since i was 12 when i first bought my first Tribe album and iv been a fan ever since anyway this is a brillent album showing hip hop aint dead.its 90% produced by Q himself and two others are from the late J dilla,My favourite track is DANCE ON GLASS but the whole album is brill,a must for any hip hop head PEACE

2008 was a bad year... until now!, 13 Nov 2008
He's only gone and done it! This album is not just worth the wait, its worthy of all the praise that is getting lavished on it from reviewers all over the globe. This is a real masterclass that demonstrates to all the would-be rappers out there that even though the world and its dog are bored stiff of the gerne, with artists that don't just cater to the marketing exec's by knocking out music by numbers (you all know who I'm talking about) great hip-hop albums can still be produced.

What we have here is a mature yet fresh hip-hop/nu-soul fusion that works on so many levels its frightening! Some of the tracks are so tasty its hard to describe.

From 'Getting Up' and 'Official' to 'You' and 'Life Is Better' the residing unescapable word that comes to mind is "Class"! In a funny sort of way this is more of a follow-up to Foreign Exchange's seminal 'Connected' than even their 2008 release 'Leave It All Behind'... praise indeed!

I'm positive this album will last ages... but lets just hope we won't have to wait so long for the next installment.

Hip-Hop is NOT dead!!!, 09 Nov 2008
Now I haven't written a review on here in a long time but I really felt like people need to know how good this album really is. Two shelved albums & almost a decade after the release of "Amplified", Q-Tip is back with "The Renaissance". Amplified was an unusual album. Pure Hip-Hop songs such as "Let's Ride" were mixed in with more commercial sounding tunes such as "Breathe & Stop", which were clearly aimed at attracting a broader audience. The results were mixed. Whilst his first solo LP boasts some excellent individual tracks, the album itself feels forced & does not work. This is not a problem, however, on Tip's latest effort. Here you really get the sense that he was free to pursue whatever musical direction he wanted & the result is one of the finest Hip-Hop albums in years.

The album is almost entirely produced by Q-Tip himself. The exceptions are "Won't Trade", which is produced by Mark Ronson, & "Move", produced by the late, great J Dilla (Dilla also produced the UK bonus track "Feva"). It is worth noting that 4 of the 13 tracks - "Johnny Is Dead", "Official", "I Believe" & "Feva" - are re-workings from one of Tip's earlier shelved albums. All four tracks can be heard in there original form on his "Abstract Innovations" mixtape.

The Renaissance has an old school Hip-Hop, dare I say Tribe-esque feel to it. Best songs on the album are the first single "Gettin' Up", "Won't Trade", "Official" & the excellent "Move". But honestly the whole album is good - there are no weak tracks.

Overall, The Renaissance is a true Hip-Hop album for Hip-Hop fans. It highlights just how talented Q-Tip is, not only as an MC but also as a producer. Unfortunately it also serves as a reminder as to just how disappointing it is that this is only his second album (which was released) in almost 10 years. Support Q-Tip, support Hip-Hop & buy "The Renaissance" - you won't be disappointed! Let's hope there is a new Tribe album to come...

Good comeback., 04 Nov 2008
First studio album from Tip in eight years. It is good rather than great.
Very much got a Neo Soul vibe. Two best tracks "Move" and "Feva" are more Hip Hop flavour, both produced by late great J-Dilla. It's an album for older Hip Hop heads and well worth buying if you want something different from the normal club Hip Hop.

Great album , 07 Jun 2008
like the title says a great album from kanye. I'm not going to compare it with curtis ans they re both great in their own right and really aren't compariable.
the best songs are;
- Good Morning
- Champion
- Good Life
- Can't Tell Me Nothing
- Flashing Lights
- Homecoming


Kanye Graduates With Flying Colours!, 06 Mar 2008
I am always going to be bias when it comes to Kanye as I personally believe he is a genius when it comes to his lyrics and songs, but even if I wasn't I would have to say that Graduation is possibly one of the greatest albums of 2007, and its not hard to see why it outsold 50 Cent. Favourite tracks for me are "The Glory", "Stronger" and "Homecoming".

Graduation is another brilliant example of why Kanye West is one of the most recognised men in the music world. He has definitely moved away from the Rap genre in which he used to be associated with and has instead created his own unique style of music. The album is possibly not as catchy as "Late Registration" but it is more creative and brings in new sounds and a new style and leaves your mouth watering for a fourth album!


WOW>>>>>, 03 Mar 2008
WOW WOW WOW...what an album i love kanye west iv always thought his music was great even though I havnt been this keen on any of his albums but i still continue to buy them to show support... but this album right here this is a 1 n a mill i love it... track 2 is such a lovely song it just makes you get up and start dancing no matter whose in front of you... Kanye West you go boi... with this album you can only continue to do your mum proud mwah mwah mwah x


Good, but never threatens to be great., 29 Feb 2008
Kanye has a massive problem, he'll never better his first album "College Dropout".

And like Oasis with Definitely Maybe, everything he will do after will always be compared (unfavourably) with his debut.

So taking this album as a one off then it's certaintly strong in areas. Stronger, Good Morning, Flashing Lights and the recent single ft Chris Martin are all highlights, but unfortunately there is a bit of filler, which lets him down.

Still worth a listen though.

Still great, 25 Feb 2008
This album is almost as good as his first and much better than his second really solid tracks and you wont have to use the skip button,kanye could use every song as a single so that should show you how good this album is
definitely one of the best if not the best hip hop albums of 08 BANGIN.

Great Mix!, 22 Oct 2008
I loved all but one track on this CD...it is very rare to find an album with so many great songs. While they all share a similar tie to the techno mixed with hip-hop, the CD still boasts a vast array of different styles: fast, slow, heavy bass, masculine, feminine...I just can't say enough good things about the songs.

I think the people who will enjoy this CD the most are the ones who listened to techno in the 80s, but enjoy today's hip-hop just as much.

Before I bought this album, I bought Loose...after hearing both albums, I am convinced Timbaland will go down in history as one of the greatest producers that ever lived.

shock value wow, 10 Oct 2008
wow this is my fav album ever..Bought on I tunes then played so much had to by hard copy to play everywhere.

Very sexy and can easily get lost in this one all day long, puts you in the dancing mood.

Love it , 30 Jun 2008
This is CD is amazing, i brought it as a bit of an impulse buy, and now i love every track on it!

Bland, worthless music, 10 Jun 2008

Everybody who gives this high ratings should try broadening their musical horizons as this really is crap.

Timbaland ROCKS!, 18 May 2008
Just love this album, so many good tracks - `The Way I are` is my favourite on there, so catchy so brilliantly done. `Scream` too. `Apologize` with OneRepublic is another really really cool song, you`ll never get fed up with this album at all. The best R&B/Hip Hop about at the moment is surely Timbaland, he ROCKS!

For haters eager to see Kanye hit a sophomore slump--no such luck. Late Registration can't replicate the novelty of last year's College Dropout, but otherwise, this is an impressively more mature and labored-over album. Lyrically, Kanye's only improved a notch but musically, the album sounds incredible, especially with co-producer Jon Brion helping polish the songs to perfection. Tracks like "Heard 'Em Say" (featuring Maroon 5's Adam Levine) and "Hey Mama," are richly textured in their soulfulness while the flint-edge of "Crack Music" and "Gone" (feat. Cam'ron) will appeal to the street-oriented. There's a few duds on here--the sickly-sweet, syrupy "Bring Me Down" (feat. Brandy) being one of the worst offenders--but when the album's good, it's very, very good. In short, Kanye's detractors may not be swayed in their resistance to his charms but not only will his past supporters be rewarded but Late Registration has enough appeal to earn new crowds of fans. --Oliver Wang

simple as this....., 19 Nov 2008
Buy it!!!
NOW!!
its in instant classic and prob wont be cheap for long.
KAMAAL IS ON FORM AS USUALL.
JUST CLICK ADD 2 BASKET LOL

The abstract is back, 14 Nov 2008
Iv just got this cd today,didnt even know anything about it until it popped up while i was seving the net,im a huge hip hop junkie and so i really respect Q,iv been listening to him since i was 12 when i first bought my first Tribe album and iv been a fan ever since anyway this is a brillent album showing hip hop aint dead.its 90% produced by Q himself and two others are from the late J dilla,My favourite track is DANCE ON GLASS but the whole album is brill,a must for any hip hop head PEACE

2008 was a bad year... until now!, 13 Nov 2008
He's only gone and done it! This album is not just worth the wait, its worthy of all the praise that is getting lavished on it from reviewers all over the globe. This is a real masterclass that demonstrates to all the would-be rappers out there that even though the world and its dog are bored stiff of the gerne, with artists that don't just cater to the marketing exec's by knocking out music by numbers (you all know who I'm talking about) great hip-hop albums can still be produced.

What we have here is a mature yet fresh hip-hop/nu-soul fusion that works on so many levels its frightening! Some of the tracks are so tasty its hard to describe.

From 'Getting Up' and 'Official' to 'You' and 'Life Is Better' the residing unescapable word that comes to mind is "Class"! In a funny sort of way this is more of a follow-up to Foreign Exchange's seminal 'Connected' than even their 2008 release 'Leave It All Behind'... praise indeed!

I'm positive this album will last ages... but lets just hope we won't have to wait so long for the next installment.

Hip-Hop is NOT dead!!!, 09 Nov 2008
Now I haven't written a review on here in a long time but I really felt like people need to know how good this album really is. Two shelved albums & almost a decade after the release of "Amplified", Q-Tip is back with "The Renaissance". Amplified was an unusual album. Pure Hip-Hop songs such as "Let's Ride" were mixed in with more commercial sounding tunes such as "Breathe & Stop", which were clearly aimed at attracting a broader audience. The results were mixed. Whilst his first solo LP boasts some excellent individual tracks, the album itself feels forced & does not work. This is not a problem, however, on Tip's latest effort. Here you really get the sense that he was free to pursue whatever musical direction he wanted & the result is one of the finest Hip-Hop albums in years.

The album is almost entirely produced by Q-Tip himself. The exceptions are "Won't Trade", which is produced by Mark Ronson, & "Move", produced by the late, great J Dilla (Dilla also produced the UK bonus track "Feva"). It is worth noting that 4 of the 13 tracks - "Johnny Is Dead", "Official", "I Believe" & "Feva" - are re-workings from one of Tip's earlier shelved albums. All four tracks can be heard in there original form on his "Abstract Innovations" mixtape.

The Renaissance has an old school Hip-Hop, dare I say Tribe-esque feel to it. Best songs on the album are the first single "Gettin' Up", "Won't Trade", "Official" & the excellent "Move". But honestly the whole album is good - there are no weak tracks.

Overall, The Renaissance is a true Hip-Hop album for Hip-Hop fans. It highlights just how talented Q-Tip is, not only as an MC but also as a producer. Unfortunately it also serves as a reminder as to just how disappointing it is that this is only his second album (which was released) in almost 10 years. Support Q-Tip, support Hip-Hop & buy "The Renaissance" - you won't be disappointed! Let's hope there is a new Tribe album to come...

Good comeback., 04 Nov 2008
First studio album from Tip in eight years. It is good rather than great.
Very much got a Neo Soul vibe. Two best tracks "Move" and "Feva" are more Hip Hop flavour, both produced by late great J-Dilla. It's an album for older Hip Hop heads and well worth buying if you want something different from the normal club Hip Hop.

Great album , 07 Jun 2008
like the title says a great album from kanye. I'm not going to compare it with curtis ans they re both great in their own right and really aren't compariable.
the best songs are;
- Good Morning
- Champion
- Good Life
- Can't Tell Me Nothing
- Flashing Lights
- Homecoming


Kanye Graduates With Flying Colours!, 06 Mar 2008
I am always going to be bias when it comes to Kanye as I personally believe he is a genius when it comes to his lyrics and songs, but even if I wasn't I would have to say that Graduation is possibly one of the greatest albums of 2007, and its not hard to see why it outsold 50 Cent. Favourite tracks for me are "The Glory", "Stronger" and "Homecoming".

Graduation is another brilliant example of why Kanye West is one of the most recognised men in the music world. He has definitely moved away from the Rap genre in which he used to be associated with and has instead created his own unique style of music. The album is possibly not as catchy as "Late Registration" but it is more creative and brings in new sounds and a new style and leaves your mouth watering for a fourth album!


WOW>>>>>, 03 Mar 2008
WOW WOW WOW...what an album i love kanye west iv always thought his music was great even though I havnt been this keen on any of his albums but i still continue to buy them to show support... but this album right here this is a 1 n a mill i love it... track 2 is such a lovely song it just makes you get up and start dancing no matter whose in front of you... Kanye West you go boi... with this album you can only continue to do your mum proud mwah mwah mwah x


Good, but never threatens to be great., 29 Feb 2008
Kanye has a massive problem, he'll never better his first album "College Dropout".

And like Oasis with Definitely Maybe, everything he will do after will always be compared (unfavourably) with his debut.

So taking this album as a one off then it's certaintly strong in areas. Stronger, Good Morning, Flashing Lights and the recent single ft Chris Martin are all highlights, but unfortunately there is a bit of filler, which lets him down.

Still worth a listen though.

Still great, 25 Feb 2008
This album is almost as good as his first and much better than his second really solid tracks and you wont have to use the skip button,kanye could use every song as a single so that should show you how good this album is
definitely one of the best if not the best hip hop albums of 08 BANGIN.

Great Mix!, 22 Oct 2008
I loved all but one track on this CD...it is very rare to find an album with so many great songs. While they all share a similar tie to the techno mixed with hip-hop, the CD still boasts a vast array of different styles: fast, slow, heavy bass, masculine, feminine...I just can't say enough good things about the songs.

I think the people who will enjoy this CD the most are the ones who listened to techno in the 80s, but enjoy today's hip-hop just as much.

Before I bought this album, I bought Loose...after hearing both albums, I am convinced Timbaland will go down in history as one of the greatest producers that ever lived.

shock value wow, 10 Oct 2008
wow this is my fav album ever..Bought on I tunes then played so much had to by hard copy to play everywhere.

Very sexy and can easily get lost in this one all day long, puts you in the dancing mood.

Love it , 30 Jun 2008
This is CD is amazing, i brought it as a bit of an impulse buy, and now i love every track on it!

Bland, worthless music, 10 Jun 2008

Everybody who gives this high ratings should try broadening their musical horizons as this really is crap.

Timbaland ROCKS!, 18 May 2008
Just love this album, so many good tracks - `The Way I are` is my favourite on there, so catchy so brilliantly done. `Scream` too. `Apologize` with OneRepublic is another really really cool song, you`ll never get fed up with this album at all. The best R&B/Hip Hop about at the moment is surely Timbaland, he ROCKS!

A masterpiece, 10 Jan 2008
There are some great tracks on here that obviously have been created by a musical genius. A fantastic album that to me is one of the best hip-hop/ rap albums i've ever heard. My favourite tracks that i'm still listening to 2 years after buying the album: Gone, My way home... Actually I listen to every track regularly theyre all great.

Definately recommended., 28 Apr 2007
First time I heard it all way through, there was not one track I didn't enjoy. Even the skits are great, and I usually skip 'em. Packed with humour and club bangers, this has got bassically everything a hip hop album needs. I can't really say which track is the best, because I kinda class it as one big song, but We Major and Gone are definately the stand outs. I hardly ever give full marks, but this absoulutley deserved it. It's even better than Kanye West's previous album College Dropout, which I loved.

If you love Kanye, you'll love this album more than you'll love him.
If you hate him, give this a try and I garantee you'll enjoy it.

All hail new king Kanye West, 13 Sep 2006
The best album i have brought. This will go down in Hip-Hop history.
Well done Mr West

G.O.O.D. music, 29 May 2006
Although I'm a massive Kanye fan, this album didn't really "click" with me as quickly as his last -- but after a couple of listens it definitely packs a punch... and a mighty one at that. 'Gold Digger', 'Crack Music', 'Roses', 'We Major', 'Hey Mama', and 'Gone' are by far my favourite tracks, though the rest of the album ain't half bad either.

Roll on album #3.

The lone voice in the wilderness of Rap/Hip Hop. Brilliant!!, 21 May 2006
I'd given up on rap music, until I heard this ablum. Its a breath of fresh air amongst the dross of rap music.

His sampling of Curtis Mayfield's Move on up in 'Touch the Sky' is sublime.
Gold digger is... well exceptional and truly unique.

I knew that Adam Levine from Maroon 5 had a good voice but on Heard Erm Say, he has a voice of an angel.

My Way Home (sampled from Gil Scott's Home is where the hatred is) is short but o soooooo sweet.

This album has removed the C from Rap music.

simple as this....., 19 Nov 2008
Buy it!!!
NOW!!
its in instant classic and prob wont be cheap for long.
KAMAAL IS ON FORM AS USUALL.
JUST CLICK ADD 2 BASKET LOL

The abstract is back, 14 Nov 2008
Iv just got this cd today,didnt even know anything about it until it popped up while i was seving the net,im a huge hip hop junkie and so i really respect Q,iv been listening to him since i was 12 when i first bought my first Tribe album and iv been a fan ever since anyway this is a brillent album showing hip hop aint dead.its 90% produced by Q himself and two others are from the late J dilla,My favourite track is DANCE ON GLASS but the whole album is brill,a must for any hip hop head PEACE

2008 was a bad year... until now!, 13 Nov 2008
He's only gone and done it! This album is not just worth the wait, its worthy of all the praise that is getting lavished on it from reviewers all over the globe. This is a real masterclass that demonstrates to all the would-be rappers out there that even though the world and its dog are bored stiff of the gerne, with artists that don't just cater to the marketing exec's by knocking out music by numbers (you all know who I'm talking about) great hip-hop albums can still be produced.

What we have here is a mature yet fresh hip-hop/nu-soul fusion that works on so many levels its frightening! Some of the tracks are so tasty its hard to describe.

From 'Getting Up' and 'Official' to 'You' and 'Life Is Better' the residing unescapable word that comes to mind is "Class"! In a funny sort of way this is more of a follow-up to Foreign Exchange's seminal 'Connected' than even their 2008 release 'Leave It All Behind'... praise indeed!

I'm positive this album will last ages... but lets just hope we won't have to wait so long for the next installment.

Hip-Hop is NOT dead!!!, 09 Nov 2008
Now I haven't written a review on here in a long time but I really felt like people need to know how good this album really is. Two shelved albums & almost a decade after the release of "Amplified", Q-Tip is back with "The Renaissance". Amplified was an unusual album. Pure Hip-Hop songs such as "Let's Ride" were mixed in with more commercial sounding tunes such as "Breathe & Stop", which were clearly aimed at attracting a broader audience. The results were mixed. Whilst his first solo LP boasts some excellent individual tracks, the album itself feels forced & does not work. This is not a problem, however, on Tip's latest effort. Here you really get the sense that he was free to pursue whatever musical direction he wanted & the result is one of the finest Hip-Hop albums in years.

The album is almost entirely produced by Q-Tip himself. The exceptions are "Won't Trade", which is produced by Mark Ronson, & "Move", produced by the late, great J Dilla (Dilla also produced the UK bonus track "Feva"). It is worth noting that 4 of the 13 tracks - "Johnny Is Dead", "Official", "I Believe" & "Feva" - are re-workings from one of Tip's earlier shelved albums. All four tracks can be heard in there original form on his "Abstract Innovations" mixtape.

The Renaissance has an old school Hip-Hop, dare I say Tribe-esque feel to it. Best songs on the album are the first single "Gettin' Up", "Won't Trade", "Official" & the excellent "Move". But honestly the whole album is good - there are no weak tracks.

Overall, The Renaissance is a true Hip-Hop album for Hip-Hop fans. It highlights just how talented Q-Tip is, not only as an MC but also as a producer. Unfortunately it also serves as a reminder as to just how disappointing it is that this is only his second album (which was released) in almost 10 years. Support Q-Tip, support Hip-Hop & buy "The Renaissance" - you won't be disappointed! Let's hope there is a new Tribe album to come...

Good comeback., 04 Nov 2008
First studio album from Tip in eight years. It is good rather than great.
Very much got a Neo Soul vibe. Two best tracks "Move" and "Feva" are more Hip Hop flavour, both produced by late great J-Dilla. It's an album for older Hip Hop heads and well worth buying if you want something different from the normal club Hip Hop.

Great album , 07 Jun 2008
like the title says a great album from kanye. I'm not going to compare it with curtis ans they re both great in their own right and really aren't compariable.
the best songs are;
- Good Morning
- Champion
- Good Life
- Can't Tell Me Nothing
- Flashing Lights
- Homecoming


Kanye Graduates With Flying Colours!, 06 Mar 2008
I am always going to be bias when it comes to Kanye as I personally believe he is a genius when it comes to his lyrics and songs, but even if I wasn't I would have to say that Graduation is possibly one of the greatest albums of 2007, and its not hard to see why it outsold 50 Cent. Favourite tracks for me are "The Glory", "Stronger" and "Homecoming".

Graduation is another brilliant example of why Kanye West is one of the most recognised men in the music world. He has definitely moved away from the Rap genre in which he used to be associated with and has instead created his own unique style of music. The album is possibly not as catchy as "Late Registration" but it is more creative and brings in new sounds and a new style and leaves your mouth watering for a fourth album!


WOW>>>>>, 03 Mar 2008
WOW WOW WOW...what an album i love kanye west iv always thought his music was great even though I havnt been this keen on any of his albums but i still continue to buy them to show support... but this album right here this is a 1 n a mill i love it... track 2 is such a lovely song it just makes you get up and start dancing no matter whose in front of you... Kanye West you go boi... with this album you can only continue to do your mum proud mwah mwah mwah x


Good, but never threatens to be great., 29 Feb 2008
Kanye has a massive problem, he'll never better his first album "College Dropout".

And like Oasis with Definitely Maybe, everything he will do after will always be compared (unfavourably) with his debut.

So taking this album as a one off then it's certaintly strong in areas. Stronger, Good Morning, Flashing Lights and the recent single ft Chris Martin are all highlights, but unfortunately there is a bit of filler, which lets him down.

Still worth a listen though.

Still great, 25 Feb 2008
This album is almost as good as his first and much better than his second really solid tracks and you wont have to use the skip button,kanye could use every song as a single so that should show you how good this album is
definitely one of the best if not the best hip hop albums of 08 BANGIN.

Great Mix!, 22 Oct 2008
I loved all but one track on this CD...it is very rare to find an album with so many great songs. While they all share a similar tie to the techno mixed with hip-hop, the CD still boasts a vast array of different styles: fast, slow, heavy bass, masculine, feminine...I just can't say enough good things about the songs.

I think the people who will enjoy this CD the most are the ones who listened to techno in the 80s, but enjoy today's hip-hop just as much.

Before I bought this album, I bought Loose...after hearing both albums, I am convinced Timbaland will go down in history as one of the greatest producers that ever lived.

shock value wow, 10 Oct 2008
wow this is my fav album ever..Bought on I tunes then played so much had to by hard copy to play everywhere.

Very sexy and can easily get lost in this one all day long, puts you in the dancing mood.

Love it , 30 Jun 2008
This is CD is amazing, i brought it as a bit of an impulse buy, and now i love every track on it!

Bland, worthless music, 10 Jun 2008

Everybody who gives this high ratings should try broadening their musical horizons as this really is crap.

Timbaland ROCKS!, 18 May 2008
Just love this album, so many good tracks - `The Way I are` is my favourite on there, so catchy so brilliantly done. `Scream` too. `Apologize` with OneRepublic is another really really cool song, you`ll never get fed up with this album at all. The best R&B/Hip Hop about at the moment is surely Timbaland, he ROCKS!

A masterpiece, 10 Jan 2008
There are some great tracks on here that obviously have been created by a musical genius. A fantastic album that to me is one of the best hip-hop/ rap albums i've ever heard. My favourite tracks that i'm still listening to 2 years after buying the album: Gone, My way home... Actually I listen to every track regularly theyre all great.

Definately recommended., 28 Apr 2007
First time I heard it all way through, there was not one track I didn't enjoy. Even the skits are great, and I usually skip 'em. Packed with humour and club bangers, this has got bassically everything a hip hop album needs. I can't really say which track is the best, because I kinda class it as one big song, but We Major and Gone are definately the stand outs. I hardly ever give full marks, but this absoulutley deserved it. It's even better than Kanye West's previous album College Dropout, which I loved.

If you love Kanye, you'll love this album more than you'll love him.
If you hate him, give this a try and I garantee you'll enjoy it.

All hail new king Kanye West, 13 Sep 2006
The best album i have brought. This will go down in Hip-Hop history.
Well done Mr West

G.O.O.D. music, 29 May 2006
Although I'm a massive Kanye fan, this album didn't really "click" with me as quickly as his last -- but after a couple of listens it definitely packs a punch... and a mighty one at that. 'Gold Digger', 'Crack Music', 'Roses', 'We Major', 'Hey Mama', and 'Gone' are by far my favourite tracks, though the rest of the album ain't half bad either.

Roll on album #3.

The lone voice in the wilderness of Rap/Hip Hop. Brilliant!!, 21 May 2006
I'd given up on rap music, until I heard this ablum. Its a breath of fresh air amongst the dross of rap music.

His sampling of Curtis Mayfield's Move on up in 'Touch the Sky' is sublime.
Gold digger is... well exceptional and truly unique.

I knew that Adam Levine from Maroon 5 had a good voice but on Heard Erm Say, he has a voice of an angel.

My Way Home (sampled from Gil Scott's Home is where the hatred is) is short but o soooooo sweet.

This album has removed the C from Rap music.

So Good It's Almost Frightening, 23 Oct 2008
Let me sum this album up for you: it is the best album that's been released in the 21st Century so far. I'm not kidding! Nas has always shown glimpses of greatness but he's not managed to be really consistent since his excellent debut Illmatic. He's only had 'moments' of greatness. But then came Hip Hop Is Dead which was a very very strong CD. I feared Nasty Nas would fall off again and retreat to making mediocre tunes but he came back even harder with Untitled. Wow! His lyrical genius, cleverness and uniqueness are fully shown off here. Listen to Jay-Z or Lil' Wayne and then listen to this and you will see that Nas is simply in a league of his own. Although he dropped out of school aged 13, he's clearly managed to educate himself well. This CD is peppered with references to black history - Nas's knowledge of black American history is impeccable and as far as the history of black music goes, the man is a walking encyclopedia.

The CD is a meditation on the N word. Exploring its history, its meaning today and much more. The entire effort is filled with attitude, sass, anger, hope and hot, hot tunes. It is the album you always hoped Nas would one day release. Standout tracks are Black President (I hope Obama is flattered) where Nas puts a sample from Tupac's Changes to brilliant use; Testify; the current single Hero; N-I-G-G-E-R and ...actually every track is a standout track. Seriously. BUY THIS NOW.

average, 30 Jul 2008
This album is very disappointing compared to other nas albums..yes lyrically nas is on point as usual and delivers some great lyrics..unfortunately the production on this album is seriously mediocre..nas last couple of album especially have had top producers like kanye etc this however has largelly a roster of unknown producers who deliver some shockingly bad bland beats. thers a couple of tracks to be liked..like america but a lot of it is boring indeed.

Get nas last album..its way better than this

Nas' best album, 23 Jul 2008
To say this is Nas' best album is an understatement. After the controversy as to what the album title was going to be there was a lot of pressure for him to pull together a solid tight album. Importantly and long overdue, this album discusses the history, social complexity and street rule regarding the N word and, to be honest, it could not have come from someone with more erudite and articulate (runners up would be Common, Talib Kweli, Mos Def and Ice Cube)

First theme side: This is fairly radio friendly but without much of the kind of material wealth normal talk that you usually get in mainstream hip hop music. Even the Polow Da Don produced lead single "Hero" featuring the Keri Hilson (who is fairly popular now) has a conscious thread discussing the controversy behind the former album name and poses the question of what chance do younger generations have if veterans are not allowed freedom of speech, discussion etc. "Make The World Go Round" (Cool & Dre & The Game production) with Chris Brown and The Game is another lighter production track where The Game's verse is hard to differentiate from Nas' which gives The Game a lot of credit. Chris Brown's voice is not really distinctive (!) and is heavily distorted. The track is very listenable. "Hero" is clearly the most commercial-radio song on the album but still fits in nicely and illustrates Nas' skill as a radio MC and a MC that can credibly discuss serious issues in black culture, politics etc.

Second theme: The album is very political with "Black President" - clearly is focused on Barack Obama, "America" and "Testify" - discussing institutional racism, "Sly Fox" - think Bill O'Reilly and his clique, which lyrical shots in all direction but very focused at the same time. N.I.*.*.E.R (The Slave and the Master) is another excellent track which analyses the same eponymous matter.

Others: one of my favourite tracks is Fried Chicken which somehow manages to weave and mock sexual and dietary stereotypes at the same time with Busta Rhymes.

There is not much of the typical hip hop swagger in terms of how fast is my car, look at my rims and being derogatory about women but rather the album is trying to push the boundaries. Nas really has not made an album that is more time relevant and yet the themes in his messages are perennial and will not age. I am glad that Nas did not name his album after the N word as the attention drawn to the album would only be negative and I am sure would reduce album sales etc. This is a great album. Normally I say download specific tracks but I strongly advise you download/buy the entire album. It is worth it and each time you listen to it, you hear more. This is better than Hip Hop Is Dead which was clearly reflective of a new label sign and lacks the focus of Untitled. Buy it!!


lyrically fautless, 22 Jul 2008
This album is phenomenal in a lyrical sense. Black president incorporates a 2pac sample which compliments nas hopeful lyrics that barack obama will change america for the better. Hero feat keri hilson is the obvious single its got a commercial but the lyrics and vocals are so tight its a great first single.

My top track off the album is Fried chicken feat busta rhymes and produced by mark ronson. its a wicked beat which suits nas flow perfectly and bustas verse sets the whole track off its genius.

Were not alone is a superb song with vocals by mykel whos tone is beautiful and is a perfect backdrop for the production and nas tight lyrics. Its a step up from hip hop is dead...and proves HIP HOP IS NOT DEAD!!!

Nas...All you need to know., 18 Jul 2008
As usual, Nas cleans up the industry with a soulful and insightful look at America and the world today. Not a perfect record, with a couple of weaker tracks, but as a whole, classic hip -hop. Nas, 'nuff said.

College Drop Out, the debut from the most sought-after hip-hop producer not named Pharrell, delivers the unthinkable: West magically sledgehammers home his opinions on taboo topics over beats that are equally daring. The envelope-ripping beats shouldn't come as a surprise given that he's supplied the soundscapes to monster singles by everyone from Alicia Keys ("You Don't Know My Name") to Talib Kweli ("Get By"). What is freakish is that in West's world, rhymes about strippers, God, college life and guns can coexist tidily and not undermine each other. On "Breathe in Breathe Out" he raps "I gotta apologise to Mos and Kweli/ Is it cool to rap about gold if I told the world I copped it from Ghana and Mali"--tongue firmly planted in cheek. On the catchy "Through the Wire", fuelled by a Chaka Khan hook, he spits some impeccable rhymes despite his jaw being wired shut after a near-fatal car accident. Maybe it was this brush with mortality that kicked his lyrics into high gear on "All Falls Down". The skits on here are just as potent, one poking fun at the overeducated underclass that makes a small fraction of the loot he does. With jaw-dropping cameos from Jay-Z, Common, Mos Def and the Harlem Boys Choir plus the feel-good club tune of the year, "Slow Jamz" featuring Twista, College Dropout is as explosive, contradictory and complex as rap music gets. --Dalton Higgins

simple as this....., 19 Nov 2008
Buy it!!!
NOW!!
its in instant classic and prob wont be cheap for long.
KAMAAL IS ON FORM AS USUALL.
JUST CLICK ADD 2 BASKET LOL

The abstract is back, 14 Nov 2008
Iv just got this cd today,didnt even know anything about it until it popped up while i was seving the net,im a huge hip hop junkie and so i really respect Q,iv been listening to him since i was 12 when i first bought my first Tribe album and iv been a fan ever since anyway this is a brillent album showing hip hop aint dead.its 90% produced by Q himself and two others are from the late J dilla,My favourite track is DANCE ON GLASS but the whole album is brill,a must for any hip hop head PEACE

2008 was a bad year... until now!, 13 Nov 2008
He's only gone and done it! This album is not just worth the wait, its worthy of all the praise that is getting lavished on it from reviewers all over the globe. This is a real masterclass that demonstrates to all the would-be rappers out there that even though the world and its dog are bored stiff of the gerne, with artists that don't just cater to the marketing exec's by knocking out music by numbers (you all know who I'm talking about) great hip-hop albums can still be produced.

What we have here is a mature yet fresh hip-hop/nu-soul fusion that works on so many levels its frightening! Some of the tracks are so tasty its hard to describe.

From 'Getting Up' and 'Official' to 'You' and 'Life Is Better' the residing unescapable word that comes to mind is "Class"! In a funny sort of way this is more of a follow-up to Foreign Exchange's seminal 'Connected' than even their 2008 release 'Leave It All Behind'... praise indeed!

I'm positive this album will last ages... but lets just hope we won't have to wait so long for the next installment.

Hip-Hop is NOT dead!!!, 09 Nov 2008
Now I haven't written a review on here in a long time but I really felt like people need to know how good this album really is. Two shelved albums & almost a decade after the release of "Amplified", Q-Tip is back with "The Renaissance". Amplified was an unusual album. Pure Hip-Hop songs such as "Let's Ride" were mixed in with more commercial sounding tunes such as "Breathe & Stop", which were clearly aimed at attracting a broader audience. The results were mixed. Whilst his first solo LP boasts some excellent individual tracks, the album itself feels forced & does not work. This is not a problem, however, on Tip's latest effort. Here you really get the sense that he was free to pursue whatever musical direction he wanted & the result is one of the finest Hip-Hop albums in years.

The album is almost entirely produced by Q-Tip himself. The exceptions are "Won't Trade", which is produced by Mark Ronson, & "Move", produced by the late, great J Dilla (Dilla also produced the UK bonus track "Feva"). It is worth noting that 4 of the 13 tracks - "Johnny Is Dead", "Official", "I Believe" & "Feva" - are re-workings from one of Tip's earlier shelved albums. All four tracks can be heard in there original form on his "Abstract Innovations" mixtape.

The Renaissance has an old school Hip-Hop, dare I say Tribe-esque feel to it. Best songs on the album are the first single "Gettin' Up", "Won't Trade", "Official" & the excellent "Move". But honestly the whole album is good - there are no weak tracks.

Overall, The Renaissance is a true Hip-Hop album for Hip-Hop fans. It highlights just how talented Q-Tip is, not only as an MC but also as a producer. Unfortunately it also serves as a reminder as to just how disappointing it is that this is only his second album (which was released) in almost 10 years. Support Q-Tip, support Hip-Hop & buy "The Renaissance" - you won't be disappointed! Let's hope there is a new Tribe album to come...

Good comeback., 04 Nov 2008
First studio album from Tip in eight years. It is good rather than great.
Very much got a Neo Soul vibe. Two best tracks "Move" and "Feva" are more Hip Hop flavour, both produced by late great J-Dilla. It's an album for older Hip Hop heads and well worth buying if you want something different from the normal club Hip Hop.

Great album , 07 Jun 2008
like the title says a great album from kanye. I'm not going to compare it with curtis ans they re both great in their own right and really aren't compariable.
the best songs are;
- Good Morning
- Champion
- Good Life
- Can't Tell Me Nothing
- Flashing Lights
- Homecoming


Kanye Graduates With Flying Colours!, 06 Mar 2008
I am always going to be bias when it comes to Kanye as I personally believe he is a genius when it comes to his lyrics and songs, but even if I wasn't I would have to say that Graduation is possibly one of the greatest albums of 2007, and its not hard to see why it outsold 50 Cent. Favourite tracks for me are "The Glory", "Stronger" and "Homecoming".

Graduation is another brilliant example of why Kanye West is one of the most recognised men in the music world. He has definitely moved away from the Rap genre in which he used to be associated with and has instead created his own unique style of music. The album is possibly not as catchy as "Late Registration" but it is more creative and brings in new sounds and a new style and leaves your mouth watering for a fourth album!


WOW>>>>>, 03 Mar 2008
WOW WOW WOW...what an album i love kanye west iv always thought his music was great even though I havnt been this keen on any of his albums but i still continue to buy them to show support... but this album right here this is a 1 n a mill i love it... track 2 is such a lovely song it just makes you get up and start dancing no matter whose in front of you... Kanye West you go boi... with this album you can only continue to do your mum proud mwah mwah mwah x


Good, but never threatens to be great., 29 Feb 2008
Kanye has a massive problem, he'll never better his first album "College Dropout".

And like Oasis with Definitely Maybe, everything he will do after will always be compared (unfavourably) with his debut.

So taking this album as a one off then it's certaintly strong in areas. Stronger, Good Morning, Flashing Lights and the recent single ft Chris Martin are all highlights, but unfortunately there is a bit of filler, which lets him down.

Still worth a listen though.

Still great, 25 Feb 2008
This album is almost as good as his first and much better than his second really solid tracks and you wont have to use the skip button,kanye could use every song as a single so that should show you how good this album is
definitely one of the best if not the best hip hop albums of 08 BANGIN.

Great Mix!, 22 Oct 2008
I loved all but one track on this CD...it is very rare to find an album with so many great songs. While they all share a similar tie to the techno mixed with hip-hop, the CD still boasts a vast array of different styles: fast, slow, heavy bass, masculine, feminine...I just can't say enough good things about the songs.

I think the people who will enjoy this CD the most are the ones who listened to techno in the 80s, but enjoy today's hip-hop just as much.

Before I bought this album, I bought Loose...after hearing both albums, I am convinced Timbaland will go down in history as one of the greatest producers that ever lived.

shock value wow, 10 Oct 2008
wow this is my fav album ever..Bought on I tunes then played so much had to by hard copy to play everywhere.

Very sexy and can easily get lost in this one all day long, puts you in the dancing mood.

Love it , 30 Jun 2008
This is CD is amazing, i brought it as a bit of an impulse buy, and now i love every track on it!

Bland, worthless music, 10 Jun 2008

Everybody who gives this high ratings should try broadening their musical horizons as this really is crap.

Timbaland ROCKS!, 18 May 2008
Just love this album, so many good tracks - `The Way I are` is my favourite on there, so catchy so brilliantly done. `Scream` too. `Apologize` with OneRepublic is another really really cool song, you`ll never get fed up with this album at all. The best R&B/Hip Hop about at the moment is surely Timbaland, he ROCKS!

A masterpiece, 10 Jan 2008
There are some great tracks on here that obviously have been created by a musical genius. A fantastic album that to me is one of the best hip-hop/ rap albums i've ever heard. My favourite tracks that i'm still listening to 2 years after buying the album: Gone, My way home... Actually I listen to every track regularly theyre all great.

Definately recommended., 28 Apr 2007
First time I heard it all way through, there was not one track I didn't enjoy. Even the skits are great, and I usually skip 'em. Packed with humour and club bangers, this has got bassically everything a hip hop album needs. I can't really say which track is the best, because I kinda class it as one big song, but We Major and Gone are definately the stand outs. I hardly ever give full marks, but this absoulutley deserved it. It's even better than Kanye West's previous album College Dropout, which I loved.

If you love Kanye, you'll love this album more than you'll love him.
If you hate him, give this a try and I garantee you'll enjoy it.

All hail new king Kanye West, 13 Sep 2006
The best album i have brought. This will go down in Hip-Hop history.
Well done Mr West

G.O.O.D. music, 29 May 2006
Although I'm a massive Kanye fan, this album didn't really "click" with me as quickly as his last -- but after a couple of listens it definitely packs a punch... and a mighty one at that. 'Gold Digger', 'Crack Music', 'Roses', 'We Major', 'Hey Mama', and 'Gone' are by far my favourite tracks, though the rest of the album ain't half bad either.

Roll on album #3.

The lone voice in the wilderness of Rap/Hip Hop. Brilliant!!, 21 May 2006
I'd given up on rap music, until I heard this ablum. Its a breath of fresh air amongst the dross of rap music.

His sampling of Curtis Mayfield's Move on up in 'Touch the Sky' is sublime.
Gold digger is... well exceptional and truly unique.

I knew that Adam Levine from Maroon 5 had a good voice but on Heard Erm Say, he has a voice of an angel.

My Way Home (sampled from Gil Scott's Home is where the hatred is) is short but o soooooo sweet.

This album has removed the C from Rap music.

So Good It's Almost Frightening, 23 Oct 2008
Let me sum this album up for you: it is the best album that's been released in the 21st Century so far. I'm not kidding! Nas has always shown glimpses of greatness but he's not managed to be really consistent since his excellent debut Illmatic. He's only had 'moments' of greatness. But then came Hip Hop Is Dead which was a very very strong CD. I feared Nasty Nas would fall off again and retreat to making mediocre tunes but he came back even harder with Untitled. Wow! His lyrical genius, cleverness and uniqueness are fully shown off here. Listen to Jay-Z or Lil' Wayne and then listen to this and you will see that Nas is simply in a league of his own. Although he dropped out of school aged 13, he's clearly managed to educate himself well. This CD is peppered with references to black history - Nas's knowledge of black American history is impeccable and as far as the history of black music goes, the man is a walking encyclopedia.

The CD is a meditation on the N word. Exploring its history, its meaning today and much more. The entire effort is filled with attitude, sass, anger, hope and hot, hot tunes. It is the album you always hoped Nas would one day release. Standout tracks are Black President (I hope Obama is flattered) where Nas puts a sample from Tupac's Changes to brilliant use; Testify; the current single Hero; N-I-G-G-E-R and ...actually every track is a standout track. Seriously. BUY THIS NOW.

average, 30 Jul 2008
This album is very disappointing compared to other nas albums..yes lyrically nas is on point as usual and delivers some great lyrics..unfortunately the production on this album is seriously mediocre..nas last couple of album especially have had top producers like kanye etc this however has largelly a roster of unknown producers who deliver some shockingly bad bland beats. thers a couple of tracks to be liked..like america but a lot of it is boring indeed.

Get nas last album..its way better than this

Nas' best album, 23 Jul 2008
To say this is Nas' best album is an understatement. After the controversy as to what the album title was going to be there was a lot of pressure for him to pull together a solid tight album. Importantly and long overdue, this album discusses the history, social complexity and street rule regarding the N word and, to be honest, it could not have come from someone with more erudite and articulate (runners up would be Common, Talib Kweli, Mos Def and Ice Cube)

First theme side: This is fairly radio friendly but without much of the kind of material wealth normal talk that you usually get in mainstream hip hop music. Even the Polow Da Don produced lead single "Hero" featuring the Keri Hilson (who is fairly popular now) has a conscious thread discussing the controversy behind the former album name and poses the question of what chance do younger generations have if veterans are not allowed freedom of speech, discussion etc. "Make The World Go Round" (Cool & Dre & The Game production) with Chris Brown and The Game is another lighter production track where The Game's verse is hard to differentiate from Nas' which gives The Game a lot of credit. Chris Brown's voice is not really distinctive (!) and is heavily distorted. The track is very listenable. "Hero" is clearly the most commercial-radio song on the album but still fits in nicely and illustrates Nas' skill as a radio MC and a MC that can credibly discuss serious issues in black culture, politics etc.

Second theme: The album is very political with "Black President" - clearly is focused on Barack Obama, "America" and "Testify" - discussing institutional racism, "Sly Fox" - think Bill O'Reilly and his clique, which lyrical shots in all direction but very focused at the same time. N.I.*.*.E.R (The Slave and the Master) is another excellent track which analyses the same eponymous matter.

Others: one of my favourite tracks is Fried Chicken which somehow manages to weave and mock sexual and dietary stereotypes at the same time with Busta Rhymes.

There is not much of the typical hip hop swagger in terms of how fast is my car, look at my rims and being derogatory about women but rather the album is trying to push the boundaries. Nas really has not made an album that is more time relevant and yet the themes in his messages are perennial and will not age. I am glad that Nas did not name his album after the N word as the attention drawn to the album would only be negative and I am sure would reduce album sales etc. This is a great album. Normally I say download specific tracks but I strongly advise you download/buy the entire album. It is worth it and each time you listen to it, you hear more. This is better than Hip Hop Is Dead which was clearly reflective of a new label sign and lacks the focus of Untitled. Buy it!!


lyrically fautless, 22 Jul 2008
This album is phenomenal in a lyrical sense. Black president incorporates a 2pac sample which compliments nas hopeful lyrics that barack obama will change america for the better. Hero feat keri hilson is the obvious single its got a commercial but the lyrics and vocals are so tight its a great first single.

My top track off the album is Fried chicken feat busta rhymes and produced by mark ronson. its a wicked beat which suits nas flow perfectly and bustas verse sets the whole track off its genius.

Were not alone is a superb song with vocals by mykel whos tone is beautiful and is a perfect backdrop for the production and nas tight lyrics. Its a step up from hip hop is dead...and proves HIP HOP IS NOT DEAD!!!

Nas...All you need to know., 18 Jul 2008
As usual, Nas cleans up the industry with a soulful and insightful look at America and the world today. Not a perfect record, with a couple of weaker tracks, but as a whole, classic hip -hop. Nas, 'nuff said.

Well, we know he can make hip-hop at least..., 05 Jun 2008
This album has rightly been lauded by just about everyone. It's an incredibly clever and interesting piece of work. The tracks are varied in their feel and attitude, from "thuggish" to thoughtful and reflective. If anything the problem is that West is trying too hard to be all things to all people. He's a thoughtful, reflective soul who believes in Jesus and disapproves of drug use (in principle) but who is also happy to hand out beat-downs, steal and deal drugs (or to do whatever he has to "to get by"). Most rappers are guilty of trying to take the moral high ground while also maintaining their street cred by acting like delinquents, but with many rappers (e.g. Tupac) this seems to be a genuine contradiction (or perhaps a paradox if you want to be really flattering). With Kanye West, you get the feeling that at least some of it has to be an act. Either he's genuinely a bad boy who doesn't give a sh*t, or he's basically a good guy who acts like a thug for the sake of street cred. I don't really buy the apparent contradictions that I see in his attitude.

That said, there are some simply unforgettable tracks on this album. I think it's true to say that the production is consistently sublime and inspired, and it is in this department that Kanye is above reproach. Tracks like "Jesus Walks", "Get em high", "Through the wire" and "All falls down" are instant classics, and are all quite different to most of what you hear in hip-hop, not to mention being quite different from each other. A lot of the other tracks are less noteworthy, particularly in terms of lyrical content, and yet the album never fails to be listenable. At times it descends into silliness somewhat with tracks like "The new workout plan", but given the quality of the album, it's hard to take issue with Kanye's dafter moments.

Kanye's follow-up, "Late registration" was less well-received than this debut, and perhaps it's because the man himself has a tendency to wear a little thin. Many rappers have a very strong identity and ethos which marks them out as individuals, and yet Kanye is so determined to be all things to all people that he's in danger of ending up pleasing noone. He's a truly superb producer, a talented rapper and an all-round creative guy. If he can just make up his mind who he wants to be and find himeslf a niche, he could be truly unstoppable.

Awful, 09 May 2008
I liked 'Jesus Walks' and 'Through the Wire' and another track which I can't remember the name of, so bought the album. I hate all the talky bits inbetween the tracks, can't stand it.

best album made, 21 Sep 2007
To me this is the best album ive ever heard i like nearly every song on the album unlike most albums where i only like some songs this is classic kanye west.

I love kanyes new album graduation and late registration but this is still his best work some of my favourtite songs like slow jamz, family business, we don't care and never let me down this album is well worth its money and id recomend it to anyone even if your not a big kanye west fan.

But id also recomend checking out graduation this is nearly as good but in different ways more mature and more solo songs its fresh and bold great for relaxing and chilling out to.

Seriously a classic., 06 Sep 2007
This is possibly my favourite album of all time. In years to come this WILL be a named a classic and rightly so.

Having heard Kanye's 2nd and 3rd albums, while I still love them and still remain a fan, College Dropout is THE Kanye West album. It tops them all by miles.

Even if you're not a rap fan, I think Kanye West is the type of artist that breaks genre barriers and reaches out to people that enjoy all different types of music. He's the guy that would make you say ''I don't like rap but I love Kanye''.

You need this album in your CD collection, if no other.



Kanye West-The College Dropout, 07 Apr 2006
We Don't Care- A good way to strat the album. A bright song complete with kids singing in chorus and Introduction but somehow it doesn't sound cheesy. It is about giving a positive message to young people and the person listening of not caring what people say. The song sounds lame but works well, one of my favourite tracks from the album, keep you listening.

Graduation Day- This is one of the many interludes on the album. Links the tracks very well though-out the album. This track features 'land of hope and glory' sounds good which the gospel vocals.

All Falls Down- A single taken from the album. This is another of my favourites tracks. I think this is lyrically one of kanye's best songs along with 'Jesus Walks'. Has a tight bass line and a catchy rhythm. One listen of this track and you'll be hooked!

I'll fly away- This interlude features a group of male gospel singers and a jazz piano! Very original to any other hip-hop album. Sounds really good and shows Kanye sticking to his roots.

Spaceship- a song about his hatred for his old job before he became the rap icon he is now. A cleaver song including a sample of the Marvin Gaye track 'Distant Lover'.

Jesus Walks- This is the song that Kanye will always be remembered for. A song about racism and his drive too succeed. This song broke into new levels in the hip-hop industry.

Never let me down- there are a lot of vocals in the sweet track. I really like what this song is about and comes with a well-deserved tribute the inspirational late Aaliyah and Lisa (left eye) Lopez.

Get em' high- this is one of my least favourite tracks on the album. I love the beat and is good in clubs. But I think it goes back on what Kanye raps about mostly on how much he hates talking about girls, cars and money.

The Workout Plan- I hate this song! A real let down, it's boring, isn't about anything interesting and has an annoying string sample!

Slow Jamz- This is a really fresh track, with its soulful vocals and gentle raps. I love that Twista's rap contrasts with the song in that his rap is so fast it's unreal and the song is really chilled.

Breathe in breath out- I love this samples in the track. Kanye speaks out about his life and how he loves music. It Features Ludacris who really brings the beat together. You really hear Kanye's rapping ability in this track when the beat it taken down and u here his free-styling skills.

School Spirit- This track comes with a lot of interludes at the beginning but they are well worth a listen they are a good laugh. There is a jazz and soul approach to this song which works really well for his voice.

Two Words- this is another of my favourite tracks on the album and is where the album picks up again. The song is about prison and how tough life can be. A lot of samples in this tracks but they work really well. Over all this is an amazing song.

Through the wire- this is a song solely about Kanye's lifer and surviving his near fatal car accident. I like this track because it is real and going back on what a record label would tell you to rap about.

Family Business- Again, this is another of my favourite tracks. It gives you a glimpse into Kanye's life and when he has lost people close to him. A highly sampled track but comes with a lot of vocals and a nice piano sample.

Last Call- This song goes on forever! But you really feel like Kanye is directly talking to you at the end when he tells the story of how he got into the industry. I like to look at this song as a mini documentary of Kanye West!

Overall I really like the album, an amazing introduction to Kanye and his future albums to come. Oh yeah and good luck trying to read to track listings on the back of the album!

It Takes a Nation of Millions was the sign that hip-hop had exploded like a grenade. A rap record as abrasive, hard-core and eloquent as a Winston Churchill speech, the 1988 disc is one classic track after another: tense, multilayered, harmonically wild music. Chuck D declaims like a master preacher with foil Flavor Flav's voice darting around his. They have got the desperate energy of people fighting for their lives, and everything from their pumped-up rhetoric ("Prophets of Rage") to the group's quasi-paramilitary organisation, to the sirens and sax squeals in nearly every track declares how urgent their mission is. It is a hugely influential album, and it still sounds fresh and frightening after all these years. --Douglas Wolk

simple as this....., 19 Nov 2008
Buy it!!!
NOW!!
its in instant classic and prob wont be cheap for long.
KAMAAL IS ON FORM AS USUALL.
JUST CLICK ADD 2 BASKET LOL

The abstract is back, 14 Nov 2008
Iv just got this cd today,didnt even know anything about it until it popped up while i was seving the net,im a huge hip hop junkie and so i really respect Q,iv been listening to him since i was 12 when i first bought my first Tribe album and iv been a fan ever since anyway this is a brillent album showing hip hop aint dead.its 90% produced by Q himself and two others are from the late J dilla,My favourite track is DANCE ON GLASS but the whole album is brill,a must for any hip hop head PEACE

2008 was a bad year... until now!, 13 Nov 2008
He's only gone and done it! This album is not just worth the wait, its worthy of all the praise that is getting lavished on it from reviewers all over the globe. This is a real masterclass that demonstrates to all the would-be rappers out there that even though the world and its dog are bored stiff of the gerne, with artists that don't just cater to the marketing exec's by knocking out music by numbers (you all know who I'm talking about) great hip-hop albums can still be produced.

What we have here is a mature yet fresh hip-hop/nu-soul fusion that works on so many levels its frightening! Some of the tracks are so tasty its hard to describe.

From 'Getting Up' and 'Official' to 'You' and 'Life Is Better' the residing unescapable word that comes to mind is "Class"! In a funny sort of way this is more of a follow-up to Foreign Exchange's seminal 'Connected' than even their 2008 release 'Leave It All Behind'... praise indeed!

I'm positive this album will last ages... but lets just hope we won't have to wait so long for the next installment.

Hip-Hop is NOT dead!!!, 09 Nov 2008
Now I haven't written a review on here in a long time but I really felt like people need to know how good this album really is. Two shelved albums & almost a decade after the release of "Amplified", Q-Tip is back with "The Renaissance". Amplified was an unusual album. Pure Hip-Hop songs such as "Let's Ride" were mixed in with more commercial sounding tunes such as "Breathe & Stop", which were clearly aimed at attracting a broader audience. The results were mixed. Whilst his first solo LP boasts some excellent individual tracks, the album itself feels forced & does not work. This is not a problem, however, on Tip's latest effort. Here you really get the sense that he was free to pursue whatever musical direction he wanted & the result is one of the finest Hip-Hop albums in years.

The album is almost entirely produced by Q-Tip himself. The exceptions are "Won't Trade", which is produced by Mark Ronson, & "Move", produced by the late, great J Dilla (Dilla also produced the UK bonus track "Feva"). It is worth noting that 4 of the 13 tracks - "Johnny Is Dead", "Official", "I Believe" & "Feva" - are re-workings from one of Tip's earlier shelved albums. All four tracks can be heard in there original form on his "Abstract Innovations" mixtape.

The Renaissance has an old school Hip-Hop, dare I say Tribe-esque feel to it. Best songs on the album are the first single "Gettin' Up", "Won't Trade", "Official" & the excellent "Move". But honestly the whole album is good - there are no weak tracks.

Overall, The Renaissance is a true Hip-Hop album for Hip-Hop fans. It highlights just how talented Q-Tip is, not only as an MC but also as a producer. Unfortunately it also serves as a reminder as to just how disappointing it is that this is only his second album (which was released) in almost 10 years. Support Q-Tip, support Hip-Hop & buy "The Renaissance" - you won't be disappointed! Let's hope there is a new Tribe album to come...

Good comeback., 04 Nov 2008
First studio album from Tip in eight years. It is good rather than great.
Very much got a Neo Soul vibe. Two best tracks "Move" and "Feva" are more Hip Hop flavour, both produced by late great J-Dilla. It's an album for older Hip Hop heads and well worth buying if you want something different from the normal club Hip Hop.

Great album , 07 Jun 2008
like the title says a great album from kanye. I'm not going to compare it with curtis ans they re both great in their own right and really aren't compariable.
the best songs are;
- Good Morning
- Champion
- Good Life
- Can't Tell Me Nothing
- Flashing Lights
- Homecoming


Kanye Graduates With Flying Colours!, 06 Mar 2008
I am always going to be bias when it comes to Kanye as I personally believe he is a genius when it comes to his lyrics and songs, but even if I wasn't I would have to say that Graduation is possibly one of the greatest albums of 2007, and its not hard to see why it outsold 50 Cent. Favourite tracks for me are "The Glory", "Stronger" and "Homecoming".

Graduation is another brilliant example of why Kanye West is one of the most recognised men in the music world. He has definitely moved away from the Rap genre in which he used to be associated with and has instead created his own unique style of music. The album is possibly not as catchy as "Late Registration" but it is more creative and brings in new sounds and a new style and leaves your mouth watering for a fourth album!


WOW>>>>>, 03 Mar 2008
WOW WOW WOW...what an album i love kanye west iv always thought his music was great even though I havnt been this keen on any of his albums but i still continue to buy them to show support... but this album right here this is a 1 n a mill i love it... track 2 is such a lovely song it just makes you get up and start dancing no matter whose in front of you... Kanye West you go boi... with this album you can only continue to do your mum proud mwah mwah mwah x


Good, but never threatens to be great., 29 Feb 2008
Kanye has a massive problem, he'll never better his first album "College Dropout".

And like Oasis with Definitely Maybe, everything he will do after will always be compared (unfavourably) with his debut.

So taking this album as a one off then it's certaintly strong in areas. Stronger, Good Morning, Flashing Lights and the recent single ft Chris Martin are all highlights, but unfortunately there is a bit of filler, which lets him down.

Still worth a listen though.

Still great, 25 Feb 2008
This album is almost as good as his first and much better than his second really solid tracks and you wont have to use the skip button,kanye could use every song as a single so that should show you how good this album is
definitely one of the best if not the best hip hop albums of 08 BANGIN.

Great Mix!, 22 Oct 2008
I loved all but one track on this CD...it is very rare to find an album with so many great songs. While they all share a similar tie to the techno mixed with hip-hop, the CD still boasts a vast array of different styles: fast, slow, heavy bass, masculine, feminine...I just can't say enough good things about the songs.

I think the people who will enjoy this CD the most are the ones who listened to techno in the 80s, but enjoy today's hip-hop just as much.

Before I bought this album, I bought Loose...after hearing both albums, I am convinced Timbaland will go down in history as one of the greatest producers that ever lived.

shock value wow, 10 Oct 2008
wow this is my fav album ever..Bought on I tunes then played so much had to by hard copy to play everywhere.

Very sexy and can easily get lost in this one all day long, puts you in the dancing mood.

Love it , 30 Jun 2008
This is CD is amazing, i brought it as a bit of an impulse buy, and now i love every track on it!

Bland, worthless music, 10 Jun 2008

Everybody who gives this high ratings should try broadening their musical horizons as this really is crap.

Timbaland ROCKS!, 18 May 2008
Just love this album, so many good tracks - `The Way I are` is my favourite on there, so catchy so brilliantly done. `Scream` too. `Apologize` with OneRepublic is another really really cool song, you`ll never get fed up with this album at all. The best R&B/Hip Hop about at the moment is surely Timbaland, he ROCKS!

A masterpiece, 10 Jan 2008
There are some great tracks on here that obviously have been created by a musical genius. A fantastic album that to me is one of the best hip-hop/ rap albums i've ever heard. My favourite tracks that i'm still listening to 2 years after buying the album: Gone, My way home... Actually I listen to every track regularly theyre all great.

Definately recommended., 28 Apr 2007
First time I heard it all way through, there was not one track I didn't enjoy. Even the skits are great, and I usually skip 'em. Packed with humour and club bangers, this has got bassically everything a hip hop album needs. I can't really say which track is the best, because I kinda class it as one big song, but We Major and Gone are definately the stand outs. I hardly ever give full marks, but this absoulutley deserved it. It's even better than Kanye West's previous album College Dropout, which I loved.

If you love Kanye, you'll love this album more than you'll love him.
If you hate him, give this a try and I garantee you'll enjoy it.

All hail new king Kanye West, 13 Sep 2006
The best album i have brought. This will go down in Hip-Hop history.
Well done Mr West

G.O.O.D. music, 29 May 2006
Although I'm a massive Kanye fan, this album didn't really "click" with me as quickly as his last -- but after a couple of listens it definitely packs a punch... and a mighty one at that. 'Gold Digger', 'Crack Music', 'Roses', 'We Major', 'Hey Mama', and 'Gone' are by far my favourite tracks, though the rest of the album ain't half bad either.

Roll on album #3.

The lone voice in the wilderness of Rap/Hip Hop. Brilliant!!, 21 May 2006
I'd given up on rap music, until I heard this ablum. Its a breath of fresh air amongst the dross of rap music.

His sampling of Curtis Mayfield's Move on up in 'Touch the Sky' is sublime.
Gold digger is... well exceptional and truly unique.

I knew that Adam Levine from Maroon 5 had a good voice but on Heard Erm Say, he has a voice of an angel.

My Way Home (sampled from Gil Scott's Home is where the hatred is) is short but o soooooo sweet.

This album has removed the C from Rap music.

So Good It's Almost Frightening, 23 Oct 2008
Let me sum this album up for you: it is the best album that's been released in the 21st Century so far. I'm not kidding! Nas has always shown glimpses of greatness but he's not managed to be really consistent since his excellent debut Illmatic. He's only had 'moments' of greatness. But then came Hip Hop Is Dead which was a very very strong CD. I feared Nasty Nas would fall off again and retreat to making mediocre tunes but he came back even harder with Untitled. Wow! His lyrical genius, cleverness and uniqueness are fully shown off here. Listen to Jay-Z or Lil' Wayne and then listen to this and you will see that Nas is simply in a league of his own. Although he dropped out of school aged 13, he's clearly managed to educate himself well. This CD is peppered with references to black history - Nas's knowledge of black American history is impeccable and as far as the history of black music goes, the man is a walking encyclopedia.

The CD is a meditation on the N word. Exploring its history, its meaning today and much more. The entire effort is filled with attitude, sass, anger, hope and hot, hot tunes. It is the album you always hoped Nas would one day release. Standout tracks are Black President (I hope Obama is flattered) where Nas puts a sample from Tupac's Changes to brilliant use; Testify; the current single Hero; N-I-G-G-E-R and ...actually every track is a standout track. Seriously. BUY THIS NOW.

average, 30 Jul 2008
This album is very disappointing compared to other nas albums..yes lyrically nas is on point as usual and delivers some great lyrics..unfortunately the production on this album is seriously mediocre..nas last couple of album especially have had top producers like kanye etc this however has largelly a roster of unknown producers who deliver some shockingly bad bland beats. thers a couple of tracks to be liked..like america but a lot of it is boring indeed.

Get nas last album..its way better than this

Nas' best album, 23 Jul 2008
To say this is Nas' best album is an understatement. After the controversy as to what the album title was going to be there was a lot of pressure for him to pull together a solid tight album. Importantly and long overdue, this album discusses the history, social complexity and street rule regarding the N word and, to be honest, it could not have come from someone with more erudite and articulate (runners up would be Common, Talib Kweli, Mos Def and Ice Cube)

First theme side: This is fairly radio friendly but without much of the kind of material wealth normal talk that you usually get in mainstream hip hop music. Even the Polow Da Don produced lead single "Hero" featuring the Keri Hilson (who is fairly popular now) has a conscious thread discussing the controversy behind the former album name and poses the question of what chance do younger generations have if veterans are not allowed freedom of speech, discussion etc. "Make The World Go Round" (Cool & Dre & The Game production) with Chris Brown and The Game is another lighter production track where The Game's verse is hard to differentiate from Nas' which gives The Game a lot of credit. Chris Brown's voice is not really distinctive (!) and is heavily distorted. The track is very listenable. "Hero" is clearly the most commercial-radio song on the album but still fits in nicely and illustrates Nas' skill as a radio MC and a MC that can credibly discuss serious issues in black culture, politics etc.

Second theme: The album is very political with "Black President" - clearly is focused on Barack Obama, "America" and "Testify" - discussing institutional racism, "Sly Fox" - think Bill O'Reilly and his clique, which lyrical shots in all direction but very focused at the same time. N.I.*.*.E.R (The Slave and the Master) is another excellent track which analyses the same eponymous matter.

Others: one of my favourite tracks is Fried Chicken which somehow manages to weave and mock sexual and dietary stereotypes at the same time with Busta Rhymes.

There is not much of the typical hip hop swagger in terms of how fast is my car, look at my rims and being derogatory about women but rather the album is trying to push the boundaries. Nas really has not made an album that is more time relevant and yet the themes in his messages are perennial and will not age. I am glad that Nas did not name his album after the N word as the attention drawn to the album would only be negative and I am sure would reduce album sales etc. This is a great album. Normally I say download specific tracks but I strongly advise you download/buy the entire album. It is worth it and each time you listen to it, you hear more. This is better than Hip Hop Is Dead which was clearly reflective of a new label sign and lacks the focus of Untitled. Buy it!!


lyrically fautless, 22 Jul 2008
This album is phenomenal in a lyrical sense. Black president incorporates a 2pac sample which compliments nas hopeful lyrics that barack obama will change america for the better. Hero feat keri hilson is the obvious single its got a commercial but the lyrics and vocals are so tight its a great first single.

My top track off the album is Fried chicken feat busta rhymes and produced by mark ronson. its a wicked beat which suits nas flow perfectly and bustas verse sets the whole track off its genius.

Were not alone is a superb song with vocals by mykel whos tone is beautiful and is a perfect backdrop for the production and nas tight lyrics. Its a step up from hip hop is dead...and proves HIP HOP IS NOT DEAD!!!

Nas...All you need to know., 18 Jul 2008
As usual, Nas cleans up the industry with a soulful and insightful look at America and the world today. Not a perfect record, with a couple of weaker tracks, but as a whole, classic hip -hop. Nas, 'nuff said.

Well, we know he can make hip-hop at least..., 05 Jun 2008
This album has rightly been lauded by just about everyone. It's an incredibly clever and interesting piece of work. The tracks are varied in their feel and attitude, from "thuggish" to thoughtful and reflective. If anything the problem is that West is trying too hard to be all things to all people. He's a thoughtful, reflective soul who believes in Jesus and disapproves of drug use (in principle) but who is also happy to hand out beat-downs, steal and deal drugs (or to do whatever he has to "to get by"). Most rappers are guilty of trying to take the moral high ground while also maintaining their street cred by acting like delinquents, but with many rappers (e.g. Tupac) this seems to be a genuine contradiction (or perhaps a paradox if you want to be really flattering). With Kanye West, you get the feeling that at least some of it has to be an act. Either he's genuinely a bad boy who doesn't give a sh*t, or he's basically a good guy who acts like a thug for the sake of street cred. I don't really buy the apparent contradictions that I see in his attitude.

That said, there are some simply unforgettable tracks on this album. I think it's true to say that the production is consistently sublime and inspired, and it is in this department that Kanye is above reproach. Tracks like "Jesus Walks", "Get em high", "Through the wire" and "All falls down" are instant classics, and are all quite different to most of what you hear in hip-hop, not to mention being quite different from each other. A lot of the other tracks are less noteworthy, particularly in terms of lyrical content, and yet the album never fails to be listenable. At times it descends into silliness somewhat with tracks like "The new workout plan", but given the quality of the album, it's hard to take issue with Kanye's dafter moments.

Kanye's follow-up, "Late registration" was less well-received than this debut, and perhaps it's because the man himself has a tendency to wear a little thin. Many rappers have a very strong identity and ethos which marks them out as individuals, and yet Kanye is so determined to be all things to all people that he's in danger of ending up pleasing noone. He's a truly superb producer, a talented rapper and an all-round creative guy. If he can just make up his mind who he wants to be and find himeslf a niche, he could be truly unstoppable.

Awful, 09 May 2008
I liked 'Jesus Walks' and 'Through the Wire' and another track which I can't remember the name of, so bought the album. I hate all the talky bits inbetween the tracks, can't stand it.

best album made, 21 Sep 2007
To me this is the best album ive ever heard i like nearly every song on the album unlike most albums where i only like some songs this is classic kanye west.

I love kanyes new album graduation and late registration but this is sti