Nas – Life Is Good (7.1/10)

The first time I listened to Life is Good, the only thing I focused on was the terribleness of the track Summer on Smash; easily one of the worst individual tracks to be presented from an artist of the supreme talent of Nasir Jones.

So far, I’ve written and subsequently scrapped like 9 reviews for this album (all without flattery) because, each time as I was typing, the only track that seemed to loiter in my sub-consciousness was that landfill of a wannabe pop single, Summer on Smash. (I can’t stress enough how bad that song is.

) In fact, Nas’ tenth studio album should have been more appropriately titled Peaks and Valleys, as the middle of the LP is a complete waste of sound waves. Thankfully, regretfully, and gratefully, if you give the album more than a few listens, there are several gems to be uncovered within the LP. Reach Out and Nasty are among the elite.

As always, Nas’ reflections on street life and his social commentary are ever-polarizing and poignant. In addition, the candor with which he discusses his highly publicized divorce with Kelis contributes to a fresh edge within the content of his lyrics. Ultimately, Life is Good ain’t that good; but Nas is Nas (one of the greatest of all-time) and he’s always welcome on my playlist.

Did I mention how awful Summer on Smash was?

-B.

Divorce Party? Jack White and Karen Elson Say Yes to No!

 

 

 

Here’s an unfortunate piece of news that we received through a press release today.  Sounds like an amicable split, especially since Jack White was just seen sidestage during Karen Elson’s performance at Bonnaroo:

To whom it may concern:

karen elson and jack white announce today that they are getting divorced.

“we remain dear and trusted friends and co-parents to our wonderful children Scarlett and Henry Lee.

We feel so fortunate for the time we have shared and the time we will continue to spend both separately and together watching our children grow.

In honor of that time shared, we are throwing a divorce party.  an evening together in Nashville to re-affirm our friendship and celebrate the past and future with close friends and family.”

with love

Karen Elson and Jack White