Untitled Nas album From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Untitled Studio album by Nas Released July 11, 2008 (2008-07-11) (see release history) Recorded 2007–2008 Genre East Coast hip hop, gangsta rap, political hip hop Length 54:04 Label Island Def Jam, Columbia, The Jones Experience Producer Antonio "L.A." Reid (exec.), Nasir Jones (exec.), A. Saleh (exec.), Cool & Dre, DJ Green Lantern, DJ Toomp, Dustin Moore, Eric Hudson, J. Myers, Jay Electronica, Mark Batson, Mark Ronson, Polow da Don, Salaam Remi, Stargate, stic.man Professional reviews Allmusic 2008 Robert Christgau (A-) 2008 Entertainment Weekly (B+) 2008 The Independent 2008 New York Times (mixed) 2008 Pitchfork Media (3.8/10) link PopMatters (9/10) 2008 Rolling Stone 2008 The Source 2008 Village Voice (favorable) 2008 Nas chronology Hip Hop Is Dead (2006) Untitled (2008) Singles from Untitled "Hero" Released: June 23, 2008 "Make The World Go Round" Released: October 9, 2008 The untitled ninth studio album by New York rapper Nas was released by Def Jam and Columbia Records on July 15, 2008 in the United States with earlier dates in some other countries. Its original title, Nigger, was changed due to controversy surrounding the racial epithet. The album is distinguished for its political content, diverse sources of production and provocative subject matter. It is Nas's fourth album to debut at #1 on the Billboard 200 album charts. It has been certified Gold in the U.S. by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[1] Contents [hide] 1 Background 1.1 Title controversy 1.2 The Nigger Tape 1.3 Fila deal 2 Singles 3 Production and guest appearances 4 Reception 5 Track listing 6 Credits 7 Chart positions 8 Release history 9 References [edit] Background [edit] Title controversy The original title of the album, Nigger, was mentioned by Nas several times, as well as on an October 12, 2007 performance at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City where he announced the title and release date.[2] Def Jam made no comment on the title.[3] This was similar to attempts to name his 2006 album—eventually titled Hip Hop Is Dead—both Nigga and Hip Hop Is Dead… The N. On May 19, 2008, it was confirmed that Nas changed the name of the album to an untitled one (although on iTunes, the album is self-titled), stating that "the people will always know what the real title of this album is and what to call it."[4] The cover of the album shows the back of a shirtless Nas with flagellation scars forming the shape of the letter N, a reference to the racial slur and how slaves were tortured. Fort Greene, Brooklyn assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries requested New York's Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli to withdraw $84 million from the state pension fund that has been invested into Universal and its parent company, Vivendi, if the album's title was not changed.[5] L.A. Reid, chairman of Def Jam, has confirmed that Def Jam fully backed Nas and his decision on naming his album.[6] The album's original title received support from Ice Cube, Jay-Z, Bishop Lamont, Alicia Keys, LL Cool J, Rev Run, Common, Akon, Method Man, Lupe Fiasco, David Banner, GZA, and Melle Mel.[7][8][9] The title Nigger came under fire from 50 Cent, Reverend Jesse Jackson and the NAACP.[6][10] In a July interview with Angie Martinez, a hostess of the New York radio station Hot 97, Nas made a statement on the government's concern about the original album title: "Somebody called L.A. [Reid] [About the former title of forthcoming album], the White House called!... Yeah the 'White House', 'White House'!... I mean Congress... [called Def Jam], they're concerned!"[11] [edit] The Nigger Tape Nas released a mixtape with DJ Green Lantern titled The Nigger Tape on June 9, 2008.[12] The mixtape, which was released through NasIndependenceDay.com, features three songs that were later included on the album, as well as various unreleased tracks. [edit] Fila deal In July 2008, it was announced that apparel company Fila will be providing financial support for the album's marketing for one year. In exchange, Nas will wear Fila sneakers at his shows.[13] [edit] Singles Prior to the release of the untitled album, Nas released a music video for "Be a Nigger Too", a song rumored to be the first single. In late June, Nas told Billboard magazine that "Be a Nigger Too" would not even be on the album because of sample clearance issues.[14] During the same week, Nas released "Hero", the album's first official single.[15] The song features a chorus sung by Keri Hilson, a beat produced by Polow da Don and lyrics about the music industry's stranglehold on artistry. The Game announced on BET's 106 & Park that "Make the World Go Round" would be the next single of the album, which was debuted in November 2008.[16] [17] [edit] Production and guest appearances Production credits for the album include stic.man of dead prez, DJ Green Lantern, Polow da Don, Salaam Remi, DJ Toomp, Stargate, Cool & Dre, The Game, Mark Ronson, Mark Batson, Jay Electronica, J. Myers, Dustin Moore, Calvin McDaniel and Eric Hudson. Early reports of production mentioned that No I.D., Jermaine Dupri, Chris Webber and The Hitmen were contributing tracks, but these rumours turned out to be false. DJ Premier stated in a recent interview with HipHopDX that he sent in a beat for Nas that Nas did not end up using on this album.[18] Guest artists featured on the album are Busta Rhymes, Keri Hilson, The Game, Chris Brown,[19] The Last Poets, Eban Thomas, and Mykel. Although Jay Electronica produced the introductory track, he does not have a verse on the album, as previously stated by Nas. [edit] Reception The album received a 4.5 mic rating from The Source magazine.[citation needed] It also received 4.5 from HipHopDX.com and was included in their Top 25 Hip Hop Albums of 2008. [20] Reviews for the album have been generally favorable. Entertainment Weekly credited the album for its maturity as well as the album's ability to keep the listeners guessing. Andy Greenwald credits Nas, saying "In a summer of "Lollipop", it's good to hear a complicated record that doesn't shy from grown-up ambition."[citation needed] The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 album charts selling 187,078 copies in the first week of release.[21] As of April 25, 2009 the album has sold 447,898 copies in the United States[citation needed] and has been certified gold by the RIAA. The album also did moderately well in other countries, charting in Ireland, Canada, and the United Kingdom.[citation needed] On December 3, it was announced that the album had been nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, but it ended up losing to Lil Wayne's Tha Carter III.[22] [edit] Track listing # Title Producer(s) Featured guest(s) Writers Sample(s) Note(s) Time 1 "Queens Get the Money" Jay Electronica Nasir Jones, T. Thedford, J. Powell Contains samples from "I Am Sam (Theme)" as performed by John Powell 2:12 2 "You Can't Stop Us Now" Salaam Remi Eban Thomas of The Stylistics & The Last Poets N. Jones, S. Remi, A. Oyewole, B. Strong, N. Whitfield Contains Interpolations from "Message from a Blackman" by The Whatnauts Horns: Vincent Henry and Bruce Purse Additional vocals: Bruce Purse 3:05 3 "Breathe" J. Myers and Dustin Moore N. Jones, J. Sublett Guitars: J. Myers and Dustin Moore Additional vocals: J. Myers and Dustin Moore 3:34 4 "Make the World Go Round" Cool & Dre Chris Brown & The Game N. Jones, Jayceon Taylor, A. Lyon, M. Valenzano, E. Montilla Strings: Eddie "Crack Keys" Montilla Guitar: Kevin Mayer Bass guitar: Thomas Hatcher All other instruments: Cool & Dre 3:49 5 "Hero" Polow da Don Keri Hilson N. Jones, J. Jones, J. Sublett, C. Haynes Additional keys: Brian Kennedy and Jason Perry 4:00 6 "America" Stargate N. Jones, Tor Erik Hermansen, Mikkel S. Eriksen Additional vocals: Flo Simpson All instruments: Mikkel S. Eriksen and Tor Erik Hermansen 3:52 7 "Sly Fox" stic.man of dead prez N. Jones, Clayton Gavin Rock and bass guitar: 01 of SlipKnoT Fox News diss 4:23 8 "Testify" Mark Batson N. Jones, M. Batson 2:46 9 "N.I.G.G.E.R. (The Slave and the Master)" DJ Toomp N. Jones, Aldrin Davis, A. Bell, P. Hurtt Contains samples from "We're Just Trying to Make It" by The Persuaders Bass: J-Mac Strings: The Idalia String Ensemble Keys: Toomp Production Coordination: Keke and Amy 4:33 10 "Untitled" stic.man of dead prez N. Jones, C. Gavin Additional vocals: stic.man of dead prez 2:51 11 "Fried Chicken" Mark Ronson Busta Rhymes N. Jones, Mark Ronson, Trevor Smith Piano: Victor Axelrod Bass: Nick Movshon Drums: Homer Steinweiss Guitars: Binky Griptite, Thomas Brenneck Tenor Sax: Neal Sugarman Baritone Sax: Ian Hendrickson Trumpet: Dave Guy 2:50 12 "Project Roach" Eric Hudson The Last Poets N. Jones, E. Hudson, A. Oyewole All instruments: Eric Hudson 1:48 13 "Y'all My Niggas" J. Myers N. Jones, J. Sublett All instruments: J. Myers 4:16 14 "We're Not Alone" stic.man of dead prez Mykel N. Jones, C. Gavin Additional keys: Mikuak Rai 5:40 15 "Black President" DJ Green Lantern N. Jones, James D'Agostino, J. Armour, Tupac Shakur, Roger Troutman, L. Troutman, D. McDowell, L. Goodman Contains samples from "Changes" by 2Pac and speeches from Barack Obama Additional vocals: Johnny Polygon 4:29 * "Like Me" (Only on UK/Ireland version, iTunes bonus track) DJ Green Lantern N. Jones, J. D'Agostino Additional vocals: Anthony Wilson and Dwayne Collins Commentary: Larry White 3:47 * "Proclamation" (iTunes pre-order) LT Hutton N. Jones 1:00 [edit] Credits Executive Producers: Nasir Jones, Antonio "L.A." Reid, A. Saleh Mastering: Chris Gehringer A&R Administration: Terese Joseph A&R for Emagen Entertainment Group, Inc: A. Saleh A&R Coordination: Leesa D. Brunson A&R for Def Jam: Shakir Stewart Marketing: Shari Bryant Management: N. Jones and A. Saleh for The Jones Group, Inc. Legal Representation: Kenny Meiselas ESQ, Paul Rothenberg ESQ. Art Direction & Design: Tavon Sampson Cover photography: Mieeno Peluce Cover Illustration & Design: Tavon Sampson & Eric Altenburger Package Production: Carol Corless Sample Clearance Agent: Deborah Mannis-Gardner for DMG Clearances, Inc. Business Affairs: Michael Seltzer, Antoinette Trotman, Ian Allen All Booklet Images Courtesy of Corbis and Getty Images [edit] Chart positions Chart (2008) Peak position Canadian Albums Chart[23] 5 Irish Albums Chart[24] 54 UK Albums Chart[24] 23 U.S. Billboard 200[23] 1 U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums[23] 1 U.S. Billboard Top Rap Albums[23] 1 [edit] Release history This section does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources (ideally, using inline citations). Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (December 2008) Region Date Germany July 11, 2008 Ireland France July 14, 2008 United Kingdom United States July 15, 2008 [edit] References ^ Gold & Platinum. RIAA. Accessed November 15, 2008. ^ Shaheem Reid (October 13, 2007). Nas Reveals Controversial Title Of New LP At NYC Gig MTV News. Accessed October 15, 2007. ^ Hillary Crosley (October 15, 2007). Nas Selects N-Word For New Album Title Billboard. Accessed October 15, 2007. ^ Nas Issues Statement Regarding 'N****r' Name Change ^ Black widow (October 5, 2007). Update: Universal Told To Change The Title Of Nas' 'N-Word' Album Or Lose $84 Million Six Shot. Accessed April 20, 2008. ^ a b Shaheem Reid (October 22, 2007). L.A. Reid Stands 'Firmly Behind' Nas Over LP Title MTV News. Accessed October 22, 2007. ^ Mixtape Monday: Nas Drops Exclusive New Lyrics; Snoop Dogg Insists He Can Out-Sing Diddy ^ AllHipHop.com Interview with Melle Mel about Nigger title ^ Shaheem Reid (November 1, 2007). Nas' Album Title Gets Support From Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Bishop Lamont, LL Cool J, GZA, Reverend Run, David Banner MTV News. Accessed November 1, 2007. ^ Shaheem Reid (October 18, 2007). Nas Explains Controversial Album Title, Denies Reports Of Label Opposition MTV. Accessed October 21, 2008. ^ Angie Martinez Interview With Nas ^ DJ Green Lantern & Nas - The Nigger Tape Accessed June 9,2008. ^ Fila Provide Financial Support For Nas' "Untitled" "Nas has signed a one year endorsement deal with South Korea’s largest sportswear manufacturing company, Fila." Urban Lookout. Accessed July 4, 2008. ^ Crosley, Hillary (2008-06-27). "Tough issues go beyond words for rapper Nas". Billboard. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/27/AR2008062703869.html. Retrieved on 2008-07-05. ^ Nas' Defjam Page For "Hero" ^ "The Game Announces Next Single Of "untiled"". ^ [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHwAWYAsH0Y "Behind the scenes of "Make The World Go Round" video shoot"] ^ http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.8364/title.dj-premier-talks-rejected-beats-recreating-illmatic-line-up ^ Shaheem Reid (May 14, 2008). Nas Previews Controversial Album For MTV News: 'I'm Here To Rap About What I Feel' MTV News. Accessed May 15, 2008. ^ [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/columns-editorials/id.1284 HipHopDX.com - The Top 25 Hip Hop Albums of 2008]. HipHopDX.com. Accessed December 30, 2008. ^ Aliya Ewing (July 23, 2008). Hip Hop Album Sales: Week Ending 7/20/08 HipHopDX. Accessed August 4, 2008. ^ [1] ^ a b c d "Nas > Charts & Awards > Billboard Albums". allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:djfrxztjldfe~T3. Retrieved on 2008-08-14. ^ a b Nas - Untitled - Music Charts αCharts. Accessed September 23, 2008. Preceded by Tha Carter III by Lil Wayne U.S. Billboard 200 number-one album August 2, 2008 – August 9, 2008 Succeeded by Breakout by Miley Cyrus [hide]v • d • eNas Studio albums Illmatic · It Was Written · I Am… · Nastradamus · Stillmatic · God's Son · Street's Disciple · Hip Hop Is Dead · Untitled Compilations From Illmatic to Stillmatic: The Remixes · The Lost Tapes · Greatest Hits Collaborations The Firm: The Album · QB's Finest · Distant Relatives Related articles Discography · Breaking Atoms · Bravehearts · Ill Will Records · The Firm · Jay-Z vs. Nas feud · Video Anthology Vol. 1 · Olu Dara · Kelis · Belly Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Untitled_Nas_album" Categories: 2008 albums | Nas albums | Albums produced by Cool & Dre | Albums produced by Polow da Don | Albums produced by Salaam Remi | Albums produced by Stargate | Albums produced by Mark Ronson | Albums produced by DJ Toomp | Albums recorded at Electric Lady Studios | Def Jam Recordings albums | Untitled works