Nas has made a triumphant return with his highly anticipated album, “Magic 2,” which dropped today on July 21, 2023. Executive-produced by Hit-Boy, this album serves as a sequel to his 2021 release, captivating fans with 11 enthralling tracks that showcase Nas’ lyrical prowess and storytelling ability.
“Magic 2” features notable collaborations with acclaimed artists, including 50 Cent and 21 Savage, making it an album to remember.
“Magic 2” boasts an impressive lineup of tracks, with guest appearances from 50 Cent and 21 Savage on “Office Hours” and “One Mic, One Gun,” respectively. The record also pays homage to Emmy nominee Bokeem Woodbine and NBA legend Earvin Magic Johnson, adding an extra layer of star power to Nas’ already stellar performance.
50 Cent, who hails from the same Queens neighborhood as Nas, expressed his excitement about the collaboration on Instagram, stating, “Yal ain’t herd [sic] me in a minute, @nas felt like it was time so it’s done.” The reunion of these two Queens natives is undoubtedly a momentous occasion for hip-hop enthusiasts.
The track “One Mic, One Gun” featuring 21 Savage marks a significant moment in Nas’ career. Last fall, 21 Savage faced criticism after commenting that Nas was “not relevant.” However, their collaboration on “Magic 2” showcases a positive turnaround, with 21 Savage rapping, “when you turn a legend, no such thing as relevance.” Nas expressed his excitement about working with the young artist and how turbulent moments can inspire new art. This collaboration stands as a testament to the power of reconciliation and creative expression in the music industry.
Hit-Boy, the three-time Grammy-winning superproducer, played a pivotal role in the creation of “Magic 2.” He shared a studio clip on his Instagram, capturing moments of laughter and camaraderie with Nas as they marveled at their fifth album together. Nas humorously revealed, “I ain’t thought Hit even wanna work in 2019.” Their undeniable chemistry and shared vision have resulted in a remarkable album that showcases Nas’ evolution as an artist.
“Magic 2” follows Nas’ highly acclaimed album, “King’s Disease III,” released in November the previous year. Debuting at No. 10 on the Billboard 200, the album showcased Nas’ unwavering influence in the music industry, earning him his 15th top 10 album and placing him on par with his long-time rival-turned-collaborator, Jay-Z.
Listen to the new “Magic 2” album by Nas below.
