Magic 3 2023 Album

Nas

I knew this was better than 'Magic 2' after about two songs and have since gone back and relistened to both other 'Magic' albums and this is better by far. Like 'KDIII' was compared to the other two 'KD' releases, (but more so 'KDI'), the production is so much better and there are fewer dull moments. The last song is one of the weak moments, largely due to it containing content we've heard from Nas on a number of these Hit/Nas collaborations already and that it ends with boring shoutouts, but also by having the least likeable production on the album. Elsewhere, 'Never Die' would be better without Wayne. Nas raps with coherence and Wayne, as is often the case, doesn't. I could've also done without the humming that concludes 'Fever', but there's nothing else I can be critical of. The production is more bangin' than 'Magic 2' that elevates this to another level and it's more consistently great than 'Magic'. I'm shocked to see the overall rating here being lower than the aforementioned albums. I love the small moments such as the callbacks like the "Represent, Represent" sample on the opener. I still don't think Nas has made many, if any, songs throughout these six Hit-Boy produced albums that are contending with his career best tracks, but this is basically consistently one 4 out of 5 (or higher) song after another, and the first 4 songs rival his best 4 song run on an album. For me this is the best 'Magic' release and 'KDIII' was the best 'KD' release. Third time lucky again! Beats: ★★★★ Rapping/Bars: ★★★★☆ Hooks: ★★★☆ Best Tracks: Fever, TSK, Superhero Status, I Love This Feeling, Based on True Events Pt. 2, Jodeci Member