CNN Names Nas “The Greatest Lyricist of All Time”

Nowadays it is very easy to dismiss the value of lyrics in the rap game but as we know that, there are still artists out there that try to convey real messages, such Nasir Jones. CNN apparently took notice as it shows a big deal of appreciation for Nas’s contribution to pop culture by naming him “The Greatest Lyricist of All Time.”

Let’s begin with a disclaimer: Nas doesn’t endorse the following sentence. But he’s the greatest lyricist of all time. Those words were carefully chosen: “lyricist” over “rapper” or “hip-hop artist;” “greatest” instead of “most successful;” “all time” rather than “today.”

With “Life is Good,” Nas dropped his ninth No. 1 hip-hop album since 1994. Seven of those have gone platinum, which places him second among rappers only to Jay-Z with 11. (We’re not counting compilations or collaborations here, only original solo efforts, and yes, Tupac Shakur had nine, but five were posthumous releases.)

And that, friends, is the crux of the debate: hot lines vs. hot songs. No one would deny Hova his dap, but it seems he has said, in both word and action, that it’s tough to top Nas.

Read the entire article here. And while you’re at it, also have a look at HYPETRAK’s Top 50 albums of 2012 where Nas’s Life Is Good is ranked at #3.