Magic 2

Last updated
Magic 2
Nas - Magic 2.png
Studio album by
Nas
ReleasedJuly 21, 2023
Recorded2022–2023
Genre
Length31:54
Label Mass Appeal
Producer
Nas chronology
King's Disease III
(2022)		Magic 2
(2023)		 Magic 3
(2023)
Singles from Magic 2
  1. "One Mic, One Gun"
    Released: November 29, 2022

Magic 2 is the sixteenth studio album by American rapper Nas. It was released on July 21, 2023 through Mass Appeal Records. The album serves as a sequel to Nas' 2021 album Magic , and is the fifth consecutive Nas album produced by Hit-Boy, following the King's Disease trilogy, as well as the first Magic album. [1] The album contains guest appearances from 50 Cent and 21 Savage.

Contents

Background

On July 18, 2023, after almost a week of teasing via his Instagram, [2] [3] Nas announced the album, revealing the title and artwork. 50 Cent also took to Instagram to reveal that he will feature on a track titled "Office Hours".

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic 71/100 [4]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [5]
HotNewHipHop (favourable) [6]
Clash 8/10 [7]
HipHopDX 3.8/5 [8]
Mic Cheque6/10 [9]
musicOMH Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [10]
Pitchfork 6.5/10 [11]

Magic 2 was met with mostly positive praise from critics upon its release. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from professional publications, the album has received an average score of 71 based on seven reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews". [4]

Clash 's Robin Murray called the album "a bravura feast of word play combined to some of the most effective beats of his career" and found that Nas "tak[es] the energy of his 90s recordings into a fresh era". [7] Dylan Green of Pitchfork described Magic 2 as "a low-stakes mid-career rap album to show that one of the genre's icons is still in decent fighting shape", writing that some of Nas's lines feel "forced, like he's cycling through Urban Dictionary tabs open on a laptop in the booth". [11] Reviewing the album for AllMusic, Paul Simpson concluded that, " While not all of Magic 2 is this strong, there are several moments like this one ["One Mic, One Gun"] that can contend with the best of the King's Disease material." [5]

Track listing

All tracks written by Nasir Jones and Chauncey Hollis (Hit-Boy) and produced by Hit-Boy. "Pistols on Your Album Cover" samples "Hip Hop vs. Rap" by KRS-One.

Magic 2 track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Intro" 0:39
2."Abracadabra" 2:46
3."Office Hours" (featuring 50 Cent)
3:52
4."Black Magic" 2:36
5."Motion" 2:52
6."Bokeem Woodbine" 3:00
7."Earvin Magic Johnson" 3:27
8."What This All Really Means" 3:00
9."Slow It Down" 3:30
10."Pistols on Your Album Cover" 3:23
11."One Mic, One Gun" (with 21 Savage; bonus track)
2:49
Total length:31:54

Charts

Chart performance for Magic 2
Chart (2023)Peak
position
UK Album Downloads (OCC) [12] 13
UK Independent Albums (OCC) [13] 47
UK R&B Albums (OCC) [14] 14
US Billboard 200 [15] 52
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard) [16] 18

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nas</span> American rapper (born 1973)

Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, better known by his stage name Nas, is an American rapper. Rooted in East Coast hip hop, he is regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time. The son of jazz musician Olu Dara, Nas began his musical career in 1989 under the moniker "Nasty Nas", and recorded demos for fellow East Coast rapper Large Professor. He was later featured on the 1991 song "Live at the Barbeque" by his group, Main Source.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nas discography</span> East Coast hip hop recording artist discography

The discography of Nas, an American rapper, consists of seventeen studio albums, one collaborative album, one group album, five compilations, four mixtapes, one extended play, and seventy-nine singles. Nas has sold over 20 million records in the United States alone, and 35 million albums worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Untitled Nas album</span> 2008 studio album by Nas

The untitled ninth studio album by American rapper Nas, commonly referred to eponymously as Nas, or simply Untitled, was released on July 15, 2008 by The Jones Experience, Columbia Records and The Island Def Jam Music Group. Its original title Nigger was omitted due to controversy surrounding the racial epithet. The album is distinguished for its political content, diverse sources of production, and provocative subject matter. The album features guest appearances from Chris Brown, Keri Hilson, Busta Rhymes, and The Game, among others.

<i>Kiss the Ring</i> 2012 studio album by DJ Khaled

Kiss the Ring is the sixth studio album by American disc jockey and record producer DJ Khaled. It was released under We the Best Music Group, Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records, and Universal Republic Records on August 21, 2012. The album was supported by the singles "Take It to the Head" and "I Wish You Would", both of which charted on the Billboard Hot 100 at numbers 58 and 78, respectively. The album features guest appearances from Meek Mill, Ace Hood, Plies, Lil Wayne, T.I., Future, Kanye West, Rick Ross, Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, J. Cole, Big K.R.I.T., Kendrick Lamar, Big Sean, Wiz Khalifa, T-Pain, Scarface, Nas, DJ Premier, French Montana, Jadakiss, Birdman, 2 Chainz, Wale, Tyga, Kirko Bangz, Mavado and Mack Maine.

This article summarizes the events, album releases, and album release dates in hip hop music for the year 2018.

<i>Redemption</i> (Jay Rock album) 2018 album by Jay Rock

Redemption is the third studio album by American rapper Jay Rock. It was released by Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) and Interscope Records on June 15, 2018. The album, which serves as Rock's major-label debut, succeeds his second album 90059 (2015), released three years prior.

<i>Nasir</i> (album) 2018 studio album by Nas

Nasir is the eleventh studio album by American rapper Nas. It was released on June 15, 2018 through Mass Appeal Records and Def Jam Recordings. It succeeds Nas album Life Is Good, released six years prior in 2012. The album features an appearance from Kanye West, who also produced the entirety of the album, as well as guest appearances from Puff Daddy, 070 Shake, Tony Williams, and The-Dream.

"Cops Shot the Kid" is a song by American rap artist Nas featuring fellow rap artist Kanye West, and the second track off of Nas' eleventh studio album Nasir (2018). The track was written by Nas, West, Andrew Dawson, and Che Smith, with West handling production and Dawson providing additional production. The song samples "Children's Story" by Slick Rick throughout, and includes dialogue spoken by Richard Pryor from the film Wattstax (1974); both are also credited as writers.

This article summarizes the events, album releases, and album release dates in hip hop music for the year 2019.

<i>The Lost Tapes 2</i> 2019 compilation album by Nas

The Lost Tapes 2 is a compilation album by American rapper Nas, released on July 19, 2019 by Mass Appeal Records and Def Jam Recordings. It is the sequel to the compilation album The Lost Tapes, released in 2002. The Lost Tapes 2 features unreleased tracks from Nas’ last four studio albums: Hip Hop Is Dead (2006), Untitled (2008), Life Is Good (2012) and the album scrapped in favor of Nasir (2018). It includes production from producers such as RZA, Swizz Beatz, Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, No I.D., Pete Rock and The Alchemist, among others.

This article summarizes the events, album releases, and album release dates in hip hop music for the year 2020.

<i>Kings Disease</i> 2020 studio album by Nas

King's Disease is the twelfth studio album by American rapper Nas. It was released on August 21, 2020, through Mass Appeal Records and marketed by Universal Music Group. It succeeds his eleventh album, Nasir, released two years prior. The album features guest appearances from Charlie Wilson, Hit-Boy, Big Sean, Don Toliver, Lil Durk, Anderson .Paak, Brucie B, Nas's supergroup the Firm, Fivio Foreign, and ASAP Ferg.

<i>Burden of Proof</i> (Benny the Butcher album) 2020 studio album by Benny the Butcher

Burden of Proof is the second studio album by American rapper Benny the Butcher. It was released on October 16, 2020, through Griselda/Empire. Produced entirely by Hit-Boy, it features guest appearances from Big Sean, Conway the Machine, Dom Kennedy, Freddie Gibbs, Lil Wayne, Queen Naija, Rick Ross and Westside Gunn. The album was acclaimed by critics and debuted at number 27 on the Billboard 200 with about 19,000 equivalent album units.

This article summarizes the events, album releases, and album release dates in hip hop music for the year 2021.

<i>Kings Disease II</i> 2021 studio album by Nas

King's Disease II is the thirteenth studio album by American rapper Nas. It was released on August 6, 2021, through Mass Appeal Records and marketed by The Orchard. Serving as a sequel to his 2020 album King's Disease, it features guest appearances from Eminem, EPMD, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, YG, Lauryn Hill, Charlie Wilson, Blxst, JaboodyDubs and Hit-Boy. As with the previous record, it was executive produced by Nas and Hit-Boy.

<i>Magic</i> (Nas album) 2021 studio album by Nas

Magic is the fourteenth studio album by American rapper Nas. It was released on December 24, 2021, through Mass Appeal Records. It serves as the third consecutive Nas album that is produced by Hit-Boy, following King's Disease and King's Disease II. The album features guest appearances from ASAP Rocky and DJ Premier.

<i>Kings Disease III</i> 2022 studio album by Nas

King's Disease III is the fifteenth studio album by American rapper Nas. It was released on November 11, 2022 through Mass Appeal Records. The album is the third entry in Nas' King's Disease series of albums, and acts as a sequel to his 2020 album King's Disease and his 2021 album King's Disease II. The album, as with the previous two albums in the series, was executive produced by Nas and American record producer Hit-Boy. The album received widespread acclaim from critics.

<i>The Last Slimeto</i> 2022 studio album by YoungBoy Never Broke Again

The Last Slimeto is the fourth studio album by American rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again. It was released on August 5, 2022, through Atlantic Records and Never Broke Again. It features guest appearances from Kehlani, Rod Wave, and Quavo. The album also features production from YoungBoy's in-house engineer, Jason "Cheese" Goldberg, alongside Bobby Raps, DJ Suede the Remix God, JetsonMade, OG Parker, and Southside, among others.

<i>Drillmatic – Heart vs. Mind</i> 2022 studio album by the Game

Drillmatic – Heart vs. Mind is the tenth studio album by American rapper the Game, released on August 12, 2022, by 100 Entertainment and Virgin Music Label & Artist Services. The album was initially scheduled for release on July 8, 2022, but was delayed. The album includes the January 2022 single "Eazy" with Kanye West, the single "Stupid" with Big Sean, in addition to collaborations with Drake, Ice-T, Fivio Foreign, Roddy Ricch, YG, Ty Dolla Sign, Moneybagg Yo, ASAP Rocky, Jeremih, Pusha T, Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, Meek Mill, Dreezy, G Herbo, Blxst, French Montana, Tory Lanez, Rick Ross, Nipsey Hussle, Chris Brown, Blueface, Twista, Cam'ron, Chlöe, Cassie, and DJ Khaled across its other 30 tracks, and production from high-profile producers, such as Timbaland, Swizz Beatz, Mike Dean and Hit-Boy, among others.

<i>Magic 3</i> 2023 studio album by Nas

Magic 3 is the seventeenth studio album by American rapper Nas. It was released on September 14, 2023 through Mass Appeal Records, the day of the rapper's 50th birthday. The album serves as a third installment to Nas' Magic series, following up Magic 2. It is also the sixth and final consecutive Nas album produced by Hit-Boy, following the King's Disease trilogy, as well as the previous two Magic albums. The album contains a sole guest appearance from Lil Wayne.

References

  1. ↑ Powell, Jon. "Nas unveils Magic 2 artwork and release date". Revolt . Retrieved 18 July 2023.
  2. ↑ Saponara, Michael (17 July 2023). "Nas Seemingly Confirms Magic 2 With Houdini Teaser". HipHopDX . Retrieved 18 July 2023.
  3. ↑ "Instagram video by Nasir Jones • Jul 13, 2023 at 1:14 AM" . Retrieved 18 July 2023– via Instagram.
  4. 1 2 "Critic Reviews for Magic 2 - Metacritic". Metacritic . Retrieved 6 February 2024.
  5. 1 2 Simpson, Paul (July 21, 2023). "Nas "Magic 2" Album Reviews, Songs & More". AllMusic . Retrieved 6 February 2024.
  6. ↑ Westlake, Wyatt (July 24, 2023). "Nas "Magic 2" Review". HotNewHipHop . Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  7. 1 2 Murray, Robin (July 21, 2023). "Nas – Magic 2 | Reviews". Clash . Retrieved July 28, 2023.
  8. ↑ Berry, Peter A. (July 24, 2023). "Nas Remains A Lyrical Wizard But Hit-Boy Could Use Some New Tricks On 'Magic 2'". HipHopDX . Retrieved July 30, 2023.
  9. ↑ Riaz, Hamza (July 28, 2023). "Review: Nas, 'Magic 2'". Mic Cheque. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
  10. ↑ Devlin, Ben (July 27, 2023). "Nas - Magic 2 | Album Reviews". musicOMH . Retrieved July 30, 2023.
  11. 1 2 Green, Dylan (July 28, 2023). "Nas: Magic 2 Album Review". Pitchfork . Retrieved July 28, 2023.
  12. ↑ "Official Album Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 29, 2023.
  13. ↑ "Official Independent Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 29, 2023.
  14. ↑ "Official R&B Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 28, 2023.
  15. ↑ "Nas Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  16. ↑ "Nas Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.