The cover artwork of Nas' sixth studio album, "Nastradamus," released in 1999, has sparked controversy and curiosity among fans and critics alike. Designed by Pen & Pixel, a company known for its extravagant and eye-catching album covers, the artwork depicts Nas as a mystical figure surrounded by flames and futuristic imagery. The album cover for "Nastradamus" showcases Nas' belief in his own prophetic abilities, drawing inspiration from the legendary prophet Nostradamus. The image suggests that Nas sees himself as a visionary, possessing the ability to foretell the future through his lyrical storytelling. The flames surrounding him may symbolize the fiery passion and intensity he brings to his music. The futuristic elements in the artwork align with the album's theme of exploring and predicting the future.
You could knock Magic for being backward-facing, but then again, all of Nas’s music is backward-facing. It’s charming when he revisits his own gospels, but the nostalgia act would be easier to swallow if it weren’t so resentful—the King’s Disease records are joyless Grammy bait, demanding that award committees ignore the elephant in the room. (Needless to say, they’ve complied.) The specter of his ex-wife turns up as a scapegoat on “Ugly” (“It’s grown men jealous outside/It’s grown-ass women that’ll have you set up to die”) and “Wu for the Children” (“One girl for the rest of your life, is that realistic?/Some had told me they like when you call ’em all types of bitches”). These are the grievances of a Bitcoin millionaire, music defined less by what it is than by what it’s not: druggy, minimalist, or improvisational.
It asks that you overlook his mid-career miscues and late-career misanthropy, which is just as well his listeners have long clamored for a return to 90s pragmatism, and Magic is the most meat-and-potatoes Nas record in years. His characters rarely exhibit agency of their own, which becomes a convenient narrative device when your wife walks out and the audience s gaze drifts from New York to Atlanta.
The futuristic elements in the artwork align with the album's theme of exploring and predicting the future. Nas has always been known for his insightful and thought-provoking lyrics, and with "Nastradamus," he delves into the concept of what lies ahead for himself and the world. The album cover serves as a visual representation of this exploration, with its use of futuristic imagery and striking design.
Nas And Hit-Boy’s ‘King’s Disease’ And ‘Magic’ Albums, RANKED
When you’re a made figure, there comes a time where you’re beyond proving yourself to the masses. Heading into 2020, if anyone in Hip-Hop had earned that right, Nas had, as he’d already compiled one of the most storied careers the culture had ever witnessed.
With countless hits and classic albums secured, the Queens native’s resume was rivaled by few, making him one of the unquestioned greats of all-time. Yet, looking at his professional and personal trajectory, staying in comfort zones and resting on his laurels has never been a thing for Nas, which is why he took it upon himself to have his most productive years as a creative nearly three decades after making his debut.
That year, he teamed up with Hit-Boy, a Cali-bred producer that scored smash records for the likes of JAY-Z, Kanye West, Drake, Beyoncé and more for King’s Disease, his first full-length album in eight years. The album was a success and reminded the public of Nas’ merit as a force to be reckoned with, but little did we know that it was merely the beginning of an epic run for the ages.
Between August 2020 and September 2023, Nas and Hit-Boy released six studio albums, more than double his output the decade prior. Turning King’s Disease into an album series before unveiling Magic, which also became a trilogy, the following year, Nas added to his legend while introducing himself to new prospective listeners, all in the name of making dope art.
Yet, the dynamic duo announced they were ending their time as a tandem with the release of Magic 3, which dropped earlier this month and bookends one of the most exciting periods in what continues to be an iconic career. In celebration of a job well done, VIBE ranked the entirety of Nas and Hit-Boy’s album series’ to determine which one we feel has and will best stand the test of time.
That year, he teamed up with Hit-Boy, a Cali-bred producer that scored smash records for the likes of JAY-Z, Kanye West, Drake, Beyoncé and more for King’s Disease, his first full-length album in eight years. The album was a success and reminded the public of Nas’ merit as a force to be reckoned with, but little did we know that it was merely the beginning of an epic run for the ages.
While some fans appreciate the creativity and symbolism behind the album cover, others have criticized it for being too busy and chaotic. The use of vibrant colors and intricate details can be overwhelming at first glance, making it difficult to decipher the intended message. However, this complexity may have been intentional, as it reflects the complexity and multi-layered nature of Nas' music and lyrics. In conclusion, the album cover for Nas' "Nastradamus" is a visually striking and thought-provoking piece of artwork. It embodies Nas' belief in his own prophetic abilities and his exploration of future possibilities. While it may be divisive among fans and critics, there is no denying the impact and intrigue it has generated within the hip-hop community..
Reviews for "Nas' Album Covers: The Visual Narratives of a Legend"
1. Samantha - 2/5 - The album cover for Nas' latest release, "Magic," was incredibly underwhelming. The design seemed rushed and lacked creativity or any significant connection to the themes explored in the album. It felt like a missed opportunity to visually represent the magic of Nas' lyricism and storytelling. Overall, I was disappointed with the lackluster design choice, which did not do justice to the incredible music Nas had created.
2. Jacob - 1/5 - I found the album cover for "Magic" to be nothing short of a complete letdown. It lacked any imagination or originality. The bland colors and simplistic design failed to capture the essence of Nas' music. It felt like a half-hearted attempt, and I expected more from an artist of Nas' caliber. The cover did not evoke any emotions or intrigue, which is a significant aspect of a successful album cover. I hope Nas puts more thought into his next album's cover art.
3. Emma - 2/5 - As a long-time fan of Nas, I anticipated something captivating for the cover art of "Magic." Unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The design was generic and uninspired, failing to capture the essence of the album's musical content. It felt like a rushed afterthought, rather than a thoughtfully curated representation of Nas' artistic vision. Overall, I was left feeling disappointed and unimpressed. I hope Nas steers back to more visually compelling album covers in the future.
4. Ryan - 2.5/5 - I was underwhelmed by the album cover for "Magic" by Nas. It lacked the creativity and depth I have come to expect from his work. The simplistic design and monochromatic color scheme failed to stand out among other album covers and create a lasting impression. It seemed like a missed opportunity to visually enhance the magic that Nas' music often exudes. I appreciate the album's content, but the cover left me wanting more.