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{{Infobox Album <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Albums -->
|Name = Hip Hop Is Dead
|Type = studio
|Artist = ]
|Cover = Hiphopisdead1.jpg
|Released = December 15, 2006<br/><small>(see ])</small>
|Recorded = 2006
|Genre = ]
|Length = 60:24
|Label = ], ], ]
|Producer = ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ]
|Reviews = * ] {{Rating|4|5}}
* ] {{Rating|3.5|5}}
* ] (A-)
* '']'' {{Rating|4|5}}
* '']'' (B)
* '']'' (favorable)
* ] (7.8/10)
* ] (8/10)
* '']'' {{Rating|4|5}}
* '']'' (favorable)
|Last album = '']''<br/>(2004)
|This album = '''''Hip Hop Is Dead'''''<br/>(2006)
|Next album = ] </br>(2008) <!-- studio albums in chronology for studio album articles -->
|Misc = {{Singles
|Name = Hip Hop Is Dead
|Type = studio
|single 1 = ]
|single 1 date = November 2006
|single 2 = ]
|single 2 date = January 23, 2007
}}}}

{{for|the song from this album|Hip Hop Is Dead (song)}} {{for|the song from this album|Hip Hop Is Dead (song)}}
{{Infobox album
| name = Hip Hop Is Dead
| type = studio
| artist = ]
| cover = Hiphopisdead1.jpg
| alt =
| released = December 19, 2006
| recorded = 2005–2006
| studio =
| genre = ]
| length = {{duration|m=60|s=27}}
| label = {{hlist|]|]|]}}
| producer = {{hlist|]|]|]|]|]|]|]|]|]|]|]|]}}
| prev_title = ]
| prev_year = 2004
| next_title = {{Noitalic|]}}
| next_year = 2008
| misc = {{Singles
| name = Hip Hop Is Dead
| type = studio
| single1 = ]
| single1date = November 5, 2006
| single2 = ]
| single2date = January 23, 2007
}}
}}


'''''Hip Hop Is Dead''''' is a ] by ] ] and ] artist ], released December 19, 2006. The ] is Nas' eighth album overall of all-original material, while serving as his first album for ]. Nas' previous label, ], co-financed the release with Def Jam (which was once distributed by Columbia). ''Hip Hop Is Dead'' became his third studio album to debut at number one on the ] chart, selling 355,880 copies in its first week<ref name=bbdebut>Hasty, Katie. '']''. December 27, 2006.</ref> and 764,000 copies up to November 2008.<ref>Grein, Paul. . '']''. November 21, 2008.</ref> '''''Hip Hop Is Dead''''' is the eighth ] by American rapper ], released December 19, 2006, on ]. His first album for the label, it was co-financed by Nas's previous label, ], which once distributed for Def Jam. The album's title was inspired by Nas's view of the music industry and the state of ] at the time. The album features appearances from Nas's then-wife ], Def Jam label-mates ], ], and ], as well as ], ], and ], among others.


The album debuted at number one on the U.S. ] chart, selling 355,880 copies in its first week. His fourth U.S. number-one album, it had sold 785,000 copies by March 2014, eventually over time it went gold by the RIAA.<ref></ref> Upon its release, ''Hip Hop Is Dead'' received generally positive reviews from most music critics. ''Hip Hop Is Dead'' was nominated for a ],<ref>. Retrieved on 2011-5-10.</ref> ultimately losing to ]'s '']'' at the ].<ref>. Retrieved on 2011-5-10.</ref>
==Conception==
===Background===
Nas announced the album's title after a performance on May 18, 2006 <ref>Bolden Janeé Sohh.com. Retrieved on June 19, 2006.</ref><ref name="rolling stone"> '']''. Retrieved on July 30, 2006</ref> In a late September interview on English DJ ]'s Radio show, Nas said, "Hip-hop is dead because we as artists no longer have the power." He went on to say, "Could you imagine what ] could be doing, Nas, ], ], if we were the ]s? Could you imagine the power we'd have? I think that's where we're headed." He has described the album as a mixture of "street" records, "political" records and collaborations.<ref name="mixtape1006">. ]. Retrieved on October 9, 2006.</ref> In another interview for ], Nas discussed the concept of the album title and the social atmosphere and condition of the music industry that inspired it, stating:


==Background==
{{quote|When I say 'hip-hop is dead', basically America is dead. There is no political voice. Music is dead ... Our way of thinking is dead, our commerce is dead. Everything in this society has been done. It's like a slingshot, where you throw the muthafucka back and it starts losing speed and is about to fall down. That's where we are as a country ... what I mean by 'hip-hop is dead' is we're at a vulnerable state. If we don't change, we gonna disappear like ]. I think hip-hop could help rebuild America, once hip-hoppers own hip-hop ... We are our own politicians, our own government, we have something to say.<ref name=rwd>. MTV.com. Retrieved on December 20, 2006.</ref>|Nas}}
Nas announced the album's title after a performance on May 18, 2006.<ref>Bolden Janeé Sohh.com. Retrieved on June 19, 2006.</ref><ref name="rolling stone"> '']''. Retrieved on July 30, 2006</ref> In a late September interview on English DJ ]'s Radio show, Nas said, "Hip-hop is dead because we as artists no longer have the power." He went on to say, "Could you imagine what ] could be doing, Nas, ], ], if we were the ]s? Could you imagine the power we'd have? I think that's where we're headed." He has described the album as a mixture of "street" records, "political" records and collaborations.<ref name="mixtape1006">. ]. Retrieved on October 9, 2006.</ref> In another interview for ], Nas discussed the concept of the album title and the social atmosphere and condition of the music industry that inspired it, stating:

{{blockquote|When I say 'hip-hop is dead', basically America is dead. There is no political voice. Music is dead ... Our way of thinking is dead, our commerce is dead. Everything in this society has been done. It's like a slingshot, where you throw the muthafucka back and it starts losing speed and is about to fall down. That's where we are as a country ... what I mean by 'hip-hop is dead' is we're at a vulnerable state. If we don't change, we gonna disappear like ]. I think hip-hop could help rebuild America, once hip-hoppers own hip-hop ... We are our own politicians, our own government, we have something to say.<ref name=rwd>. MTV.com. Retrieved on December 20, 2006.</ref>|Nas}}

A promo single, "Where Y'all At", was released in June 2006 and produced by Salaam Remi.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sunkara|first=Bhasakar|title=Nas - "Where Y'all At"|url=http://rap.about.com/od/songreviews/gr/NasWhereYallAt.htm|publisher=About.com|access-date=March 30, 2008|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304190406/http://rap.about.com/od/songreviews/gr/NasWhereYallAt.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> It contained a sample from Nas' "]",<ref>{{cite web|last=Dombal|first=Ryan|title=Nas: "Where Y'all At" |url=http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/track_review/37138-where-yall-at|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080207155437/http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/track_review/37138-where-yall-at|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 7, 2008|publisher=Pitchfork Media|date=June 28, 2006|access-date=March 30, 2008}}</ref> but it did not make the final cut for ''Hip Hop Is Dead''.<ref>{{cite news|title=Radiohead Reveal Tour Plans&nbsp;– Enigmatically; Plus Jordin Sparks, Ashley Tisdale, Amy Winehouse, Deerhunter & More, In For The Record|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1575329/20071129/radiohead.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071207075744/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1575329/20071129/radiohead.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 7, 2007|publisher=MTV News|date=November 29, 2007|access-date=March 30, 2008}}</ref> It was, however, released as a bonus track on the Japanese import version of the album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=UICD-9025 |title=Hip Hop Is Dead [Limited Pressing&#93; NAS CD Album |publisher=CDJapan |access-date=2014-08-26}}</ref>

A music video for "]" premiered on February 5, 2007, the song featuring ] and sampling ]'s song "]".<ref name="unforgettable">{{cite news|last=Reid|first= Shaheem|title='Nas King Cole' Shoots 'Unforgettable' Clip, Preps New Album For '07|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1549573/20070109/nas.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070111042326/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1549573/20070109/nas.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 11, 2007|publisher =]|date=January 9, 2007|access-date=August 18, 2007}}</ref> Another video, ], featuring ], followed.<ref>{{cite news|last=Reid|first= Shaheem|title= Game Says He's 'Good' With Buck But Has Disdain For G-Unit; Unleashes New Mixtape|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1556643/20070409/game_the.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070417065704/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1556643/20070409/game_the.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 17, 2007 |publisher=]|date=April 9, 2007|access-date=August 18, 2007}}</ref>

===Title controversy===
In an interview on the music television show '']'', while promoting his ], Nas said that he chose "Hip Hop Is Dead" as the title of the album in order to engender excitement and a reaction among hip hop artists. He went on to say that it worked, due to reactions from artists like ] and ] (whether West was actually reacting to the title of the album or merely promoting the album is unclear, given that he produced on two of the album's tracks). The title had a major impact in the hip hop world, especially for ], whose artists were blamed at the time for cheapening the quality of hip-hop with ] and ]. Southern rapper ] had made statements against the title of Nas' album, and also furthered his comments by questioning Nas' street credibility. They have since reconciled, with Nas appearing on Jeezy's 2008 single, "]".<ref name=jeezy>Shake. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061219020255/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.4702/title.young-jeezy-says-nas-has-no-street-credibility |date=2006-12-19 }}. Hiphopdx.com. Retrieved on December 20, 2006.</ref> Many other Southern rappers such as ], ], and ] (whose fellow ] member, ], declared hip hop dead on 2001's "Funkin' Around", off '']'') have also attacked Nas' album title claiming that it is targeted at Southern hip hop.<ref name=mtv>. ]. Retrieved on December 29, 2006</ref> Nas also has a fair share of supporters such as fellow New York rappers ], ], ], and ].

==Critical reception==
{{Music ratings
| MC = 79/100<ref name="MC">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/hip-hop-is-dead/nas|title=Hip Hop Is Dead by Nas|publisher=]|access-date=December 29, 2009}}</ref>
| rev1 = ]
| rev1Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="Brown">Brown, Marisa. . ]. Retrieved on 2009-10-27.</ref>
| rev2 = '']''
| rev2Score = (B)<ref name="Rosen">Rosen, Jody. . '']''. Retrieved on 2009-10-27.</ref>
| rev3 = '']''
| rev3Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="Lynskey">Lynskey, Dorian. . '']''. Retrieved on 2010-10-16.</ref>
| rev4 = '']'' (])
| rev4Score = A−<ref name="Christgau">Christgau, Robert. "". ]: April 2007. Archived from {{Dead link|date=November 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} on 2009-10-27.</ref>
| rev5 = '']''
| rev5Score = (favorable)<ref name="Sanneh">Sanneh, Kelefa. . '']''. Retrieved on 2009-10-27.</ref>
| rev6 = ]
| rev6Score = (7.8/10)<ref name="Macia">{{cite web|last=Macia|first=Peter|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/9729-hip-hop-is-dead/|title=Nas: ''Hip Hop Is Dead''|work=Album Reviews|publisher=]|date=15 December 2006|access-date=17 May 2012}}</ref>
| rev7 = ]
| rev7Score = (8/10)<ref name="Frauenhofer">Frauenhofer, Michael. . ]. Retrieved on 2009-10-27.</ref>
| rev8 = '']''
| rev8Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="Serpick">Serpick, Evan. . '']''. Retrieved on 2009-10-27.</ref>
| rev9 = '']''
| rev9Score = {{Rating|3.5|4}}<ref name="Gardner">Gardner, Elysa. . '']''. Retrieved on 2009-10-27.</ref>
| rev10 = '']''
| rev10Score = (favorable)<ref name="Spies">Spies, Michael. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080531052327/http://www.villagevoice.com/music/0651,spies,75322,22.html |date=2008-05-31 }}. '']''. Retrieved on 2009-10-27.</ref>
}}


''Hip Hop Is Dead'' received generally positive reviews from most music critics.<ref name="Metacritic"/> At ], which assigns a ] rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an ] score of 79, based on 22 reviews, which indicates "generally favorable reviews".<ref name="Metacritic">. ]. Retrieved on 2009-10-27.</ref> Nas is hip-hop's "grumpiest man", according to Jody Rosen for '']'', and the album "is a lot like Nas himself: impossible not to admire, but hard to love".<ref name=eweekly>Rosen, Jody. '']''. December 8, 2006.</ref> Among those music writers and critics that reviewed ''Hip Hop Is Dead'' favorably was Jason Rubin of '']'', which gave the album an A− rating. Rubin praised the album's production quality and lyrical concept, and stated "''Hip Hop'' is unsparing in its diagnosis of rap's ills, but ultimately, it's hopeful. It contains a smart, tight, cohesive analysis of where rap went astray, but also the seeds of the genre's rebirth and renewal."<ref>. AVClub.com. Retrieved on November 15, 2008</ref>
In an interview on the music television show ], while promoting his ], Nas said that he chose "Hip Hop Is Dead" as the title of the album in order to engender excitement and a reaction among hip hop artists. He went on to say that it worked, due to reactions from artists like ] and ].


Despite perceiving its sound and musical quality as weaknesses, '']'' writer Soren Baker gave it 3 out of 4 stars and wrote "Nas demonstrates why he remains one of rap's most revered artists, as his defense of hip-hop culture is impassioned and informed, if not fully realized".<ref name="Baker">Baker, Soren. . '']''. Retrieved on 2009-10-27.</ref> Sean Fennessey of '']'' called the album "disorienting and sometimes brilliant" and complimented its "bold, startling production and a renewed lyrical vigor".<ref name="Fennessey">Fennessey, Sean. "". '']'': 109–110. January 2007.</ref> The album was nominated for a ], losing to ]'s '']'' (2007), at the ] in February 2008.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303235544/http://rap.about.com/od/grammyawards/a/2008GrammyAward.htm |date=2016-03-03 }}. About.com. Retrieved on November 15, 2008</ref>
===Title significance===
The title had a major impact in the hip hop world, especially for ], whose artists have been blamed for cheapening the quality of hip-hop with ] and ]. Southern rapper ] had made statements against the title of Nas' album, and also furthered his comments by questioning Nas' street credibility. They have since reconciled, with Nas appearing on Jeezy's 2008 single, "]".<ref name=jeezy>Shake. . Hiphopdx.com. Retrieved on December 20, 2006.</ref> Many other Southern rappers such as ], ], and ] (whose fellow ] member, ], declared hip hop dead on 2001's "Funkin' Around", off '']'') have also attacked Nas' album title claiming that it is targeted at Southern hip hop.<ref name=mtv>. ]. Retrieved on December 29, 2006</ref> Nas also has a fair share of supporters such as fellow New York rappers ], ] and ].


==Commercial performance==
==Reception==
''Hip Hop Is Dead'' debuted at number one on the US ], selling 355,880 copies in its first week. The album has joined '']'' (1996) and '']'' (1999) as Nas's third album to debut at number one on the chart.<ref name=bbdebut>Hasty, Katie. '']''. December 27, 2006.</ref> In its second week, the album dropped to number four on the chart, selling an additional 101,000 copies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1549226/omarion-gets-late-christmas-gift-1-debut-as-overall-sales-slide/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915214446/http://www.mtv.com/news/1549226/omarion-gets-late-christmas-gift-1-debut-as-overall-sales-slide/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 15, 2020|title=OMARION GETS LATE CHRISTMAS GIFT — #1 DEBUT — AS OVERALL SALES SLIDE|website=MTV|last=Harris|first=Chris|date=January 7, 2007|access-date=April 15, 2020}}</ref> In its third week, the album dropped to number eight on the chart, selling 44,800 copies that week.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1063394/dreamgirls-takes-no-1-in-sluggish-sales-week|title='Dreamgirls' Takes No. 1 In Sluggish Sales Week|magazine=Billboard|last=Hasty|first=Katie|date=January 10, 2007|access-date=April 15, 2020}}</ref> On March 12, 2007, the album was certified ] by the ] (RIAA) for sales of over 500,000 copies in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=nas&ti=&lab=&genre=&format=&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section|title=RIAA Certifications - Nas|website=] |access-date=April 23, 2020}}</ref>
Selling 355,880 copies in its first week, ''Hip Hop Is Dead'' joined '']'' (]) and '']'' (]) as another Nas album to debut at #1 on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart. His 2008 album, '']'' (]), also debuted at #1 on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart. The title track "]" (produced by ]), which contains samples from "]" by ], and "]" by ], and ]'s "The Big Beat", was the first single of the album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iomusic.com/Bands_and_Artists/N/Nas/|title=The Big Beat|last=Collins|first=Roger|work=Iomusic News|accessdate=2008-12-5}}</ref> It received airplay on radio stations in ] (]), the ], and in ], notably on ]. <ref name="sohh">Bolden, Janeé. . Sohh.com. Retrieved on July 19, 2006.</ref><ref name="rolling stone"/> The single recently reached #48 on the ] chart<ref name=billboard48> ]. Retrieved on December 6, 2006.</ref> and #41 on the ]. The second single from the album Hip Hop Is Dead is "]" (Featuring ]). It contains a sample from ]'s "]".


The title track "]" (produced by ]), which contains samples from "]" by ], and "]" by ] (which Nas previously used on "]", and ]'s "The Big Beat", was the first single of the album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iomusic.com/Bands_and_Artists/N/Nas/|title=The Big Beat|last=Collins|first=Roger|work=Iomusic News|access-date=2008-12-05}}</ref> It received airplay on radio stations in ] (]), the UK, and in United States, notably on ].<ref name="rolling stone"/><ref name="sohh">Bolden, Janeé. . Sohh.com. Retrieved on July 19, 2006.</ref> The single recently reached #48 on the ] chart<ref name=billboard48> '']''. Retrieved on December 6, 2006.</ref> and #41 on the ]. The second single from the album Hip Hop Is Dead is "]" (Featuring ]). It contains a sample from ]'s "]".
The album was generally received well by music critics and publications, both rap and otherwise. Nas is hip-hop's "grumpiest man", according to Jody Rosen for '']'', and the album "is a lot like Nas himself: impossible not to admire, but hard to love".<ref name=eweekly>Rosen, Jody. '']''. December 8, 2006.</ref> Among those music writers and critics that reviewed ''Hip Hop Is Dead'' favorably was Jason Rubin of '']'', which gave the album an A- rating. Rubin praised the album's production quality and lyrical concept, and stated "''Hip Hop'' is unsparing in its diagnosis of rap's ills, but ultimately, it's hopeful. It contains a smart, tight, cohesive analysis of where rap went astray, but also the seeds of the genre's rebirth and renewal."<ref>. AVClub.com. Retrieved on November 15, 2008</ref> The album was nominated for a ], losing to ]'s '']'' (2007), at the ] in February 2008.<ref>. About.com. Retrieved on November 15, 2008</ref>


==Track listing== ==Track listing==
Information is based on Liner Notes.<ref name="Nasalbum">Nas. “Hip Hop Is Dead”. Def Jam Recordings. 2006.</ref>
{{tracklist
{{Track listing
| extra_column = Producer(s) | extra_column = Producer(s)


| title1 = Money over Bullshit | title1 = Money Over Bullshit
| note1 =
| extra1 = <small>], ]
| length1 = 4:16 | writer1 =
| extra1 = {{hlist|]|]}}
| length1 = {{duration|m=4|s=16}}


| title2 = You Can't Kill Me | title2 = You Can't Kill Me
| note2 =
| extra2 = <small>L.E.S., Al West
| length2 = 3:14 | writer2 =
| extra2 = {{hlist|L.E.S.|Al West}}
| length2 = {{duration|m=3|s=14}}


| title3 = Carry on Tradition | title3 = Carry on Tradition
| note3 =
| extra3 = <small>]
| length3 = 3:49 | writer3 =
| extra3 = ]
| length3 = {{duration|m=3|s=49}}


| title4 = ] | title4 = Where Are They Now
| note4 =
| extra4 = <small>Nas, ]
| length4 = 2:44 | writer4 =
| extra4 = {{hlist|]|]}}
| length4 = {{duration|m=2|s=44}}


| title5 = ] | title5 = ]
| extra5 = <small>will.i.am | note5 = featuring ]
| writer5 =
| note5 = featuring ]
| extra5 = ]
| length5 = 3:45
| length5 = {{duration|m=3|s=45}}


| title6 = Who Killed It? | title6 = Who Killed It?
| note6 =
| extra6 = <small>Salaam Remi, will.i.am
| length6 = 3:10 | writer6 =
| extra6 = {{hlist|Salaam Remi|will.i.am}}
| length6 = {{duration|m=3|s=10}}


| title7 = Black Republican | title7 = Black Republican
| note7 = featuring ]
| extra7 = <small>L.E.S., Wyldfyer
| writer7 =
| note7 = featuring ]
| extra7 = {{hlist|L.E.S.|Wyldfyer}}
| length7 = 3:45
| length7 = {{duration|m=3|s=45}}


| title8 = Not Going Back | title8 = Not Going Back
| note8 = featuring ]
| extra8 = <small>]
| writer8 =
| note8 = featuring ]
| extra8 = ]
| length8 = 4:09
| length8 = {{duration|m=4|s=9}}


| title9 = Still Dreaming | title9 = Still Dreaming
| extra9 = <small>Kanye West | note9 = featuring ] and ]
| writer9 =
| note9 = featuring ] & ]
| extra9 = ]
| length9 = 3:38
| length9 = {{duration|m=3|s=37}}


| title10 = Hold Down the Block | title10 = Hold Down the Block
| note10 =
| extra10 = <small>]
| length10 = 3:58 | writer10 =
| extra10 = ]
| length10 = {{duration|m=3|s=58}}


| title11 = Blunt Ashes | title11 = Blunt Ashes
| note11 =
| extra11 = <small>]
| length11 = 4:03 | writer11 =
| extra11 = ]
| length11 = {{duration|m=4|s=3}}


| title12 = Let There Be Light | title12 = Let There Be Light
| note12 = featuring ]
| extra12 = <small>Kanye West, Devo Springsteen*, Paul Cho*
| writer12 =
| note12 = featuring ]
| extra12 = {{hlist|Kanye West|]{{small|{{ref|a|}}}}}}
| length12 = 4:28
| length12 = {{duration|m=4|s=28}}


| title13 = Play on Playa | title13 = Play on Playa
| note13 = featuring ]
| extra13 = <small>Scott Storch
| writer13 =
| note13 = featuring ]
| extra13 = Scott Storch
| length13 = 3:33
| length13 = {{duration|m=3|s=33}}


| title14 = ] | title14 = ]
| note14 = featuring Chrisette Michele
| extra14 = <small>will.i.am
| writer14 =
| note14 = featuring ]
| length14 = 4:34 | extra14 = will.i.am
| length14 = {{duration|m=4|s=34}}


| title15 = Hustlers | title15 = Hustlers
| note15 = featuring ] and ]
| extra15 = <small>]
| writer15 =
| note15 = featuring ] & Marsha Ambrosius
Marvin Ambrosius
| length15 = 4:06
| extra15 = ]
| length15 = {{duration|m=4|s=6}}


| title16 = Hope | title16 = Hope
| note16 = featuring Chrisette Michele
| extra16 = <small>L.E.S., Nas, Alexander "Spanador" Mosely
| length16 = 4:06 | writer16 =
| extra16 = {{hlist|L.E.S.|Nas|Alexander "Spanador" Mosely}}
}}
| length16 = {{duration|m=3|s=5}}
{{tracklist
| collapsed = yes
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| headline = ] pre-order Bonus Track


| total_length = {{duration|m=60|s=27}}
| title17 = Shine on 'Em
| extra17 = <small>Salaam Remi
| length17 = 2:35
}} }}
{{Track listing
{{tracklist
| collapsed = yes
| extra_column = Producer(s) | extra_column = Producer(s)
| headline = ] & ] Bonus Track | headline = Bonus tracks


| title17 = Shine On
| title18 = The N (Don't Hate Me Now)
| note17 = ] pre-order
| extra18 = <small>Salaam Remi
| length18 = 2:48 | writer17 =
| extra17 = Salaam Remi
}}
| length17 = {{duration|m=2|s=42}}
{{tracklist
| collapsed = yes
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| headline = ] Bonus Track


| title18 = The N (Don't Hate Me Now)
| title19 = Where Y'all At
| note18 = ] and ]
| extra19 = <small>Salaam Remi
| length19 = 4:09 | writer18 =
| extra18 = Salaam Remi
| length18 = {{duration|m=2|s=48}}

| title19 = Where Y'all At
| note19 = ]
| writer19 =
| extra19 = Salaam Remi
| length19 = {{duration|m=4|s=9}}

| total_length = {{duration|m=70|s=6}}
}} }}
<small>*Co-producer</small>


;Notes
===Additional credits===
*{{sup|{{note|a|}}}} signifies a co-producer.

==Personnel==
Unless otherwise indicated, Information is based on Liner Notes.<ref name="Nasalbum"/>
{| class="wikitable" {| class="wikitable"
|- |-
Line 163: Line 216:
!Title !Title
!Notes !Notes
|-
|
|''Hip Hop Is Dead''
|
<small>Executive producer: Nasir Jones <br />A&R: Jay Brown <br />A&R for Ill Will Music Group: Mike Brinkley <br />A&R Administration: Terese Joseph <br />A&R Coordination: Fabienne Leys <br />Marketing: Tracey Waples <br />Marketing coordination: Shari Bryant <br />Management: Michael "Blue" Williams for Family Tree Entertainment <br />Mastering: Chris Gehringer at Sterling Sound, NYC <br />Mixing: Dylan "3-D" Dresdow at Paper V.U. Studios, LA<br />Photography: Afshin Shahidi <br />Creative direction: Andy West <br />Cover design: Tavon Sampson <br />Wardrobe: Mike Bogard for The B Lynn Group <br />Photo and art coordination: Nichell Delavaille <br />Package production: Doug Joswick <br />Legal representation: ] and Paul Rothenberg, Esq. <br />Sample clearance agent: Deborah Mannis-Gardner for DMG Clearances, Inc. <br />Business Affairs: Michael Seltzer, Antoinette Trotman, Ian Allen</small>
|- |-
|1 |1
|"Money Over Bullshit" |"Money Over Bullshit"
| |
<small>Songwriters: N. Jones, L. Lewis, W. Coleman<br/>All Instruments: L.E.S. & Wyldfyer</small> <small>Songwriters: N. Jones, L. Lewis, W. Coleman<br/>Additional Instruments: L.E.S. & Wyldfyer</small>
|- |-
|2 |2
|"You Can't Kill Me" |"You Can't Kill Me"
| |
<small>Songwriters: N. Jones, L. Lewis, A. West<br>Sample: "Sly" by ]<br>All Instruments: Al West</small> <small>Songwriters: N. Jones, L. Lewis, A. West<br>Sample: "Sly" by ]<ref>{{Citation |title=You Can't Kill Me by Nas |url=https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/51707 |access-date=2023-07-06 |language=en}}</ref> and the Headhunters<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spice |first=Anton |date=2014-01-28 |title=Roots & Branches: The story of Herbie Hancock's Head Hunters in 10 records |url=https://thevinylfactory.com/features/roots-branches-the-story-of-herbie-hancocks-head-hunters-in-10-records/ |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=The Vinyl Factory |language=en-US}}</ref><br>Additional Instruments: Al West</small>
|- |-
|3 |3
Line 182: Line 240:
|"Where Are They Now" |"Where Are They Now"
| |
<small>Songwriters: N. Jones, S. Gibbs, J. Brown, B. Byrd, R. Lehnhoff<br>Sample: "Get Up, Get into It, Get Involved" by ]</small> <small>Songwriters: N. Jones, S. Gibbs, J. Brown, B. Byrd, R. Lehnhoff<br>Sample: "Get Up, Get into It, Get Involved" by ]<br>Sample: “Set It Off" by ]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fletch |date=2006-11-19 |title=Rebel To America: Where Are They Now? |url=http://escobartheory.blogspot.com/2006/11/where-are-they-now.html |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=Rebel To America}}</ref></small>
|- |-
|5 |5
|"Hip Hop Is Dead" |"Hip Hop Is Dead"
| |
<small>Songwriters: N. Jones, W. Adams, J. Lordan, D. Ingle<br>Sample: "]" by Michael Viner & ]<br>Sample: "]" by ]<br>Sample: "The Big Beat" as performed by ]<br>], Drum Programming, ] & ]: will.i.am</small> <small>Songwriters: N. Jones, W. Adams, J. Lordan, D. Ingle<br>Samples: "]" and “]”,<br>both by ] & ]<br>Sample: "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" by ]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Serwer |first=Jesse |title=The 77 Best Rock Samples in Rap History |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/jesse-serwer/the-77-best-rock-samples-in-rap-history |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=Complex |language=en-us}}</ref><br>Sample: "The Big Beat" as performed by ]<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2013-11-17 |title=The hip-hop rebirth of Billy Squier |url=https://nypost.com/2013/11/16/the-hip-hop-rebirth-of-billy-squier/ |access-date=2023-07-06 |language=en-US}}</ref><br>], ], ] ] & ]: will.i.am</small>
|- |-
|6 |6
|"Who Killed It?" |"Who Killed It?"
| |
<small>Songwriters: N. Jones, S. Gibbs, W. Adams<br>Sample: "I Ain't No Joke" by ]<br>Drums, ] & Keys: Salaam Remi<br>], ] & ]: Vincent Henry<br>], ] & ]: Bruce Purse<br>]: W. Marshall Henry<br>]: Patrice Jackson<br>]: Adam Hill</small> <small>Songwriters: N. Jones, S. Gibbs, W. Adams<br>Sample: "I Ain't No Joke" by ]<ref>{{Citation |title=Who Killed It? by Nas |url=https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/51709 |access-date=2023-07-06 |language=en}}</ref><br>Drums, ] & Keyboards: Salaam Remi<br>], ] & ]: Vincent Henry<br>], ] & ]: Bruce Purse<br>]: W. Marshall Sealy<br>]: Patrice Jackson<br>]: Adam Hill<br>]: Naira Underwood</small>
|- |-
|7 |7
Line 202: Line 260:
|"Not Going Back" |"Not Going Back"
| |
<small>Songwriters: N. Jones, T. Hermansen, M. Ericksen, K. Roger-Jones<br>Sample: “Alone" by Heart.<ref>Spin Staff. “The 20 Coolest Tributes...Class of 2013” (#16). Spin. 17 April 2013. https://www.spin.com/2013/04/rock-roll-hall-fame-inductees-2013-best-covers-public-enemy-heart-donna-summer-rush-randy-newman-albert-king/170413-lil-wayne/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027131410/https://www.spin.com/2013/04/rock-roll-hall-fame-inductees-2013-best-covers-public-enemy-heart-donna-summer-rush-randy-newman-albert-king/170413-lil-wayne/ |date=2017-10-27 }}</ref></small>
<small>Songwriters: N. Jones, T. Hermansen, M. Ericksen, K. Roger-Jones</small>
|- |-
|9 |9
|"Still Dreaming" |"Still Dreaming"
| |
<small>Songwriters: N. Jones, K. West, C. Payne, J. Webb<br>Sample: "The Interim" by ]<br>Sample: "Use Me" by ]</small> <small>Songwriters: N. Jones, K. West, C. Payne, C. Ernst-Wells<br>Sample: "The Interim" by ]<ref name="Stillsecond">{{Citation |title=Still Dreaming by Nas featuring Kanye West & Chrisette Michele |url=https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/51706 |access-date=2023-07-06 |language=en}}</ref><br>”The Interim” written by Cheryl Ernst-Wells<ref>{{Citation |title=The Interim by Diana Ross |url=https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/51701 |access-date=2023-07-06 |language=en}}</ref><br>Sample: "Use Me" by ]<ref name="Stillsecond"/></small>
|- |-
|10 |10
Line 217: Line 275:
|"Blunt Ashes" |"Blunt Ashes"
| |
<small>Songwriters: N. Jones, M. Webber<br/>All Instruments: Chris Webber</small> <small>Songwriters: N. Jones, M. Webber<br/>Sample: "]” by ]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-01-05 |title=Remembering Chris Webber's Beat-Making Career |url=https://www.slamonline.com/news/nba/chris-webber-beat-making-music-career/ |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=SLAM |language=en}}</ref><br>Additional Instruments: Chris Webber</small>
|- |-
|12 |12
|"Let There Be Light" |"Let There Be Light"
| |
<small>Songwriters: N. Jones, K. West, T. Williams, D. Harris, P. Cho<br>Sample: "Beddie Bye" by ]<br>Sample: "Take The Money And Run" by ]<br>Drums: Mark Biondi<br>Keyboards: Paul Cho</small> <small>Songwriters: N. Jones, K. West, T. Williams, D. Harris, P. Cho<br>Sample: "Take The Money And Run" by ]<ref>{{Citation |title=Let There Be Light by Nas |url=https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/51710 |access-date=2023-07-06 |language=en}}</ref><br>Drums: Mark Biondi<br>Keyboards: Paul Cho</small>
|- |-
|13 |13
Line 232: Line 290:
|"Can't Forget About You" |"Can't Forget About You"
| |
<small>Songwriters: N. Jones, W. Adams, C. Payne, I. Gordon<br>Sample: "]" by ]<br>Drums, Drum Programming & Keyboards: will.i.am</small> <small>Songwriters: N. Jones, W. Adams, C. Payne, I. Gordon<br>Sample: "]" by ]<br>Drums, Drum Programming & Keyboards: will.i.am</small>
|- |-
|15 |15
|"Hustlers" |"Hustlers"
| |
<small>Songwriters: N. Jones, J. Taylor, M. Ambrosius, A. Young, M. Elizondo<br>Keyboards: Mike Elizondo<br>Keyboard Bass: Liomnel "LJ" Holoman</small> <small>Songwriters: N. Jones, J. Taylor, M. Ambrosius, A. Young, M. Elizondo<br>Keyboards: Mike Elizondo & Lionel "LJ" Holoman<br>Bass played by LJ Holoman<br>Additional Vocals: Jaramye Daniels</small>
|- |-
|16 |16
Line 245: Line 303:
|- |-
|* |*
|"Shine on 'Em" |"Shine On"
| |
<small>Songwriters: N. Jones, S. Gibbs</small> <small>Songwriters: N. Jones, S. Gibbs</small>
Line 257: Line 315:
|"Where Y'all At" |"Where Y'all At"
| |
<small>Songwriters: N. Jones, S. Gibbs, C. Stepney, R. Rudolph<br>Sample: "]" by Nas<br>Sample: "Rainy Day in Centreville" by ]</small> <small>Songwriters: N. Jones, S. Gibbs, C. Stepney, R. Rudolph<br>Sample: "]" by Nas<br>Sample: "Rainy Day in Centreville" by ]<ref>{{Cite web |last=AbduSalaam |first=Ismael |date=2010-07-23 |title=Know Your Samples: Minnie Riperton |url=https://beatsboxingmayhem.com/2010/07/23/minnie-riperton/ |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=Beats, Boxing and Mayhem |language=en}}</ref></small>
|-
|} |}


==Chart history== ==Charts==
{{col-begin}}
===Album===
{{col-2}}
{|class="wikitable sortable"

===Weekly charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Chart (2006) !Chart (2006)
!Peak<br/>position !Peak<br>position
|- |-
|]<ref name="acharts">{{cite web|title=Nas - Hip Hop Is Dead - Music Charts|work=αCharts|url=http://acharts.us/album/14796|accessdate=2009-01-08}}</ref> |]<ref name="ultratop">{{cite web |url=http://www.ultratop.be/en/showitem.asp?interpret=Nas&titel=Hip+Hop+Is+Dead&cat=a |title=Nas – Hip Hop Is Dead |publisher=]. Hung Medien |access-date=2009-01-08}}</ref>
|align="center"|50 | style="text-align:center;"|50
|- |-
|] (Wallonia)<ref name="ultratop"/>
|Belgian Albums Charts (])<ref>{{cite web|title=Nas - Hip Hop Is Dead|work=]|url=http://www.ultratop.be/nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Nas&titel=Hip+Hop+Is+Dead&cat=a|accessdate=2009-01-08}}</ref>
|align="center"|76 | style="text-align:center;"|76
|- |-
|] |]
|align="center"|45 | style="text-align:center;"|45
|-
|]<ref name="ultratop"/>
| style="text-align:center;"|95
|- |-
|]<ref name="acharts"/> |]<ref name="ultratop"/>
|align="center"|95 | style="text-align:center;"|89
|- |-
|]<ref name="oricon">{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/17729/products/music/689823/1/ |title=Nas – Hip Hop Is Dead |publisher=].|access-date=2013-11-12}}</ref>
|]<ref name="acharts"/>
|align="center"|89 | style="text-align:center;"|30
|- |-
|]<ref name="acharts"/> |]<ref name="ultratop"/>
|align="center"|22 | style="text-align:center;"|22
|- |-
|]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/albums/Hip%20Hop%20Is%20Dead |title=Nas – Hip Hop Is Dead |publisher=] |access-date=2011-12-22}}</ref>
|]<ref name="acharts"/>
|align="center"|68 | style="text-align:center;"|68
|- |-
|U.S. ]<ref>{{cite web|title=The Billboard 200 - Hip Hop Is Dead - Nas|work=]|publisher=]|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/esearch/chart_display.jsp?cfi=305&cfgn=Albums&cfn=The+Billboard+200&ci=3081519&cdi=9162859&cid=01%2F06%2F2007|accessdate=2009-01-08}}</ref> |US ]<ref name="bb">{{cite magazine |url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=nas|chart=all}} |title=Hip Hop Is Dead – Nas |magazine=] |publisher=] |access-date=2011-12-22}}</ref>
|align="center"|1 | style="text-align:center;"|1
|- |-
|US ] (''Billboard'')<ref name="bb"/>
|U.S. ''Billboard'' ]<ref>{{cite web|title=Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums - Hip Hop Is Dead - Nas|work=Billboard|publisher=Nielsen Business Media|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/esearch/chart_display.jsp?cfi=333&cfgn=Albums&cfn=Top+R%26amp%3BB%2FHip-Hop+Albums&ci=3081475&cdi=9161469&cid=01%2F06%2F2007|accessdate=2009-01-08}}</ref>
|align="center"|1 | style="text-align:center;"|1
|- |-
|US ] (''Billboard'')<ref name="bb"/>
|U.S. ''Billboard'' Top Rap Albums<ref>{{cite web|title=Top Rap Albums - Hip Hop Is Dead - Nas|work=Billboard|publisher=Nielsen Business Media|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/esearch/chart_display.jsp?cfi=335&cfgn=Albums&cfn=Top+Rap+Albums&ci=3081512&cdi=9162444&cid=01%2F06%2F2007|accessdate=2009-01-08}}</ref>
|align="center"|1 | style="text-align:center;"|1
|} |}
{{col-2}}


===Singles=== ===Year-end charts===
{| class="wikitable" {| class="wikitable sortable"
|rowspan="2"| '''Year'''
|rowspan="2"| '''Song'''
|colspan="4"| '''Chart positions'''
|- |-
!Chart (2007)
| ''']'''
!Peak<br>position
| ''']'''
| ''']'''
|- |-
|US ''Billboard'' 200<ref name="bb"/>
| 2006
| style="text-align:center;"|64
| "Hip Hop Is Dead"
|align="center"| #41
|align="center"| #48
|align="center"| #25
|- |-
|US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (''Billboard'')<ref name="bb"/>
|rowspan="2"| 2007
| style="text-align:center;"|14
| "Black Republican"
|align="center"| #124
|align="center"| #102
|align="center"| -
|-
| "Cant Forget About You"
|align="center"| -
|align="center"| #46
|align="center"| -
|- |-
|US Top Rap Albums (''Billboard'')<ref name="bb"/>
| style="text-align:center;"|7
|} |}
{{col-end}}

==Certifications==
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|award=Silver|relyear=2006|certyear=2013|certmonth=7|artist=Nas|type=album|title=Hip Hop Is Dead|id=10295-1231-2}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|award=Gold|relyear=2006|certyear=2007|artist=Nas|type=album|title=Hip Hop Is Dead}}
{{Certification Table Bottom}}


==Release history== ==Release history==
Line 333: Line 392:
!Date !Date
|- |-
|] |Ireland
|December 15, 2006 |December 15, 2006
|- |-
|] |United Kingdom
|December 18, 2006 |December 18, 2006
|- |-
|] |United States
|December 19, 2006 |December 19, 2006
|} |}

==Personnel==
*Executive producer: Nasir Jones
*A&R: Jay Brown
*A&R for Ill Will Music Group: Mike Brinkley
*A&R Administration: Terese Joseph
*A&R Coordination: Fabienne Leys
*Marketing: Tracey Waples
*Marketing coordination: Shari Bryant
*Management: Michael "Blue" Williams for Family Tree Entertainment
*Mastering: Chris Gehringer at Sterling Sound, NYC
*Photography: Afshin Shahidi
*Creative direction: Andy West
*Cover design: Tavon Sampson
*Wardrobe: Mike Bogard for The B Lynn Group
*Photo and art coordination: Nichell Delavaille
*Package production: Doug Joswick
*Legal representation: Kenny Meiselas, Esq. and Paul Rothenberg, Esq.
*Sample clearance agent: Deborah Mannis-Gardner for DMG Clearances, Inc.
*Business Affairs: Michael Seltzer, Antoinette Trotman, Ian Allen


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist}} {{Reflist|30em}}


==External links== ==External links==
* at DefJam * at DefJam
* at Columbia Records
*
*
*
*
*
* at UKEvents.net


{{Nas}}


{{start box}} {{Authority control}}
{{succession box
|before = '']'' by ]
|title = ] ]
|years = December 31, 2006 - January 6, 2007
|after = '']'' by ]
}}
{{end box}}


{{Nas}}


] ]
] ]
]
]
] ]
] ]
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Latest revision as of 22:11, 8 November 2024

For the song from this album, see Hip Hop Is Dead (song). 2006 studio album by Nas
Hip Hop Is Dead
Studio album by Nas
ReleasedDecember 19, 2006
Recorded2005–2006
GenreHip hop
Length60:27
Label
Producer
Nas chronology
Street's Disciple
(2004) 		Hip Hop Is Dead
(2006) 		Untitled
(2008)
Singles from Hip Hop Is Dead
  1. "Hip Hop Is Dead"
    Released: November 5, 2006
  2. "Can't Forget About You"
    Released: January 23, 2007

Hip Hop Is Dead is the eighth studio album by American rapper Nas, released December 19, 2006, on Def Jam Recordings. His first album for the label, it was co-financed by Nas's previous label, Columbia Records, which once distributed for Def Jam. The album's title was inspired by Nas's view of the music industry and the state of hip hop music at the time. The album features appearances from Nas's then-wife Kelis, Def Jam label-mates Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Chrisette Michele, as well as will.i.am, Snoop Dogg, and The Game, among others.

The album debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, selling 355,880 copies in its first week. His fourth U.S. number-one album, it had sold 785,000 copies by March 2014, eventually over time it went gold by the RIAA. Upon its release, Hip Hop Is Dead received generally positive reviews from most music critics. Hip Hop Is Dead was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, ultimately losing to Kanye West's Graduation at the 50th Grammy Awards.

Background

Nas announced the album's title after a performance on May 18, 2006. In a late September interview on English DJ Tim Westwood's Radio show, Nas said, "Hip-hop is dead because we as artists no longer have the power." He went on to say, "Could you imagine what 50 Cent could be doing, Nas, Jay, Eminem, if we were the Jimmy Iovines? Could you imagine the power we'd have? I think that's where we're headed." He has described the album as a mixture of "street" records, "political" records and collaborations. In another interview for MTV.com, Nas discussed the concept of the album title and the social atmosphere and condition of the music industry that inspired it, stating:

When I say 'hip-hop is dead', basically America is dead. There is no political voice. Music is dead ... Our way of thinking is dead, our commerce is dead. Everything in this society has been done. It's like a slingshot, where you throw the muthafucka back and it starts losing speed and is about to fall down. That's where we are as a country ... what I mean by 'hip-hop is dead' is we're at a vulnerable state. If we don't change, we gonna disappear like Rome. I think hip-hop could help rebuild America, once hip-hoppers own hip-hop ... We are our own politicians, our own government, we have something to say.

— Nas

A promo single, "Where Y'all At", was released in June 2006 and produced by Salaam Remi. It contained a sample from Nas' "Made You Look", but it did not make the final cut for Hip Hop Is Dead. It was, however, released as a bonus track on the Japanese import version of the album.

A music video for "Can't Forget About You" premiered on February 5, 2007, the song featuring Chrisette Michele and sampling Nat King Cole's song "Unforgettable". Another video, Hustlers, featuring The Game, followed.

Title controversy

In an interview on the music television show 106 & Park, while promoting his untitled 2008 album, Nas said that he chose "Hip Hop Is Dead" as the title of the album in order to engender excitement and a reaction among hip hop artists. He went on to say that it worked, due to reactions from artists like Lil Wayne and Kanye West (whether West was actually reacting to the title of the album or merely promoting the album is unclear, given that he produced on two of the album's tracks). The title had a major impact in the hip hop world, especially for Southern hip hop, whose artists were blamed at the time for cheapening the quality of hip-hop with crunk and snap music. Southern rapper Young Jeezy had made statements against the title of Nas' album, and also furthered his comments by questioning Nas' street credibility. They have since reconciled, with Nas appearing on Jeezy's 2008 single, "My President". Many other Southern rappers such as Ludacris, Trick Daddy, and Big Boi (whose fellow Outkast member, Andre 3000, declared hip hop dead on 2001's "Funkin' Around", off Big Boi and Dre Present...Outkast) have also attacked Nas' album title claiming that it is targeted at Southern hip hop. Nas also has a fair share of supporters such as fellow New York rappers KRS-One, DMX, Raekwon, and Ghostface Killah.

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic79/100
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic
Entertainment Weekly(B)
The Guardian
MSN Music (Consumer Guide)A−
The New York Times(favorable)
Pitchfork Media(7.8/10)
PopMatters(8/10)
Rolling Stone
USA Today
The Village Voice(favorable)

Hip Hop Is Dead received generally positive reviews from most music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 79, based on 22 reviews, which indicates "generally favorable reviews". Nas is hip-hop's "grumpiest man", according to Jody Rosen for Entertainment Weekly, and the album "is a lot like Nas himself: impossible not to admire, but hard to love". Among those music writers and critics that reviewed Hip Hop Is Dead favorably was Jason Rubin of The A.V. Club, which gave the album an A− rating. Rubin praised the album's production quality and lyrical concept, and stated "Hip Hop is unsparing in its diagnosis of rap's ills, but ultimately, it's hopeful. It contains a smart, tight, cohesive analysis of where rap went astray, but also the seeds of the genre's rebirth and renewal."

Despite perceiving its sound and musical quality as weaknesses, Los Angeles Times writer Soren Baker gave it 3 out of 4 stars and wrote "Nas demonstrates why he remains one of rap's most revered artists, as his defense of hip-hop culture is impassioned and informed, if not fully realized". Sean Fennessey of Vibe called the album "disorienting and sometimes brilliant" and complimented its "bold, startling production and a renewed lyrical vigor". The album was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, losing to Kanye West's Graduation (2007), at the 50th Grammy Awards in February 2008.

Commercial performance

Hip Hop Is Dead debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, selling 355,880 copies in its first week. The album has joined It Was Written (1996) and I Am… (1999) as Nas's third album to debut at number one on the chart. In its second week, the album dropped to number four on the chart, selling an additional 101,000 copies. In its third week, the album dropped to number eight on the chart, selling 44,800 copies that week. On March 12, 2007, the album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales of over 500,000 copies in the United States.

The title track "Hip Hop Is Dead" (produced by will.i.am), which contains samples from "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" by Iron Butterfly, and "Apache" by Incredible Bongo Band (which Nas previously used on "Made You Look", and Billy Squier's "The Big Beat", was the first single of the album. It received airplay on radio stations in Australia (Triple J), the UK, and in United States, notably on Hot 97. The single recently reached #48 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and #41 on the Billboard Hot 100. The second single from the album Hip Hop Is Dead is "Can't Forget About You" (Featuring Chrisette Michele). It contains a sample from Nat King Cole's "Unforgettable".

Track listing

Information is based on Liner Notes.

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Money Over Bullshit" 4:16
2."You Can't Kill Me" 
  • L.E.S.
  • Al West
3:14
3."Carry on Tradition" Scott Storch3:49
4."Where Are They Now" 2:44
5."Hip Hop Is Dead" (featuring will.i.am) will.i.am3:45
6."Who Killed It?" 
  • Salaam Remi
  • will.i.am
3:10
7."Black Republican" (featuring Jay-Z) 
  • L.E.S.
  • Wyldfyer
3:45
8."Not Going Back" (featuring Kelis) Stargate4:09
9."Still Dreaming" (featuring Kanye West and Chrisette Michele) Kanye West3:37
10."Hold Down the Block" Mark Batson3:58
11."Blunt Ashes" Chris Webber4:03
12."Let There Be Light" (featuring Tre Williams) 4:28
13."Play on Playa" (featuring Snoop Dogg) Scott Storch3:33
14."Can't Forget About You" (featuring Chrisette Michele) will.i.am4:34
15."Hustlers" (featuring The Game and Marsha Ambrosius)Marvin AmbrosiusDr. Dre4:06
16."Hope" (featuring Chrisette Michele) 
  • L.E.S.
  • Nas
  • Alexander "Spanador" Mosely
3:05
Total length:60:27
Bonus tracks
No.TitleProducer(s)Length
17."Shine On" (iTunes pre-order)Salaam Remi2:42
18."The N (Don't Hate Me Now)" (United Kingdom and Circuit City)Salaam Remi2:48
19."Where Y'all At" (Best Buy)Salaam Remi4:09
Total length:70:06
Notes
  • signifies a co-producer.

Personnel

Unless otherwise indicated, Information is based on Liner Notes.

# Title Notes
Hip Hop Is Dead

Executive producer: Nasir Jones
A&R: Jay Brown
A&R for Ill Will Music Group: Mike Brinkley
A&R Administration: Terese Joseph
A&R Coordination: Fabienne Leys
Marketing: Tracey Waples
Marketing coordination: Shari Bryant
Management: Michael "Blue" Williams for Family Tree Entertainment
Mastering: Chris Gehringer at Sterling Sound, NYC
Mixing: Dylan "3-D" Dresdow at Paper V.U. Studios, LA
Photography: Afshin Shahidi
Creative direction: Andy West
Cover design: Tavon Sampson
Wardrobe: Mike Bogard for The B Lynn Group
Photo and art coordination: Nichell Delavaille
Package production: Doug Joswick
Legal representation: Kenny Meiselas, Esq. and Paul Rothenberg, Esq.
Sample clearance agent: Deborah Mannis-Gardner for DMG Clearances, Inc.
Business Affairs: Michael Seltzer, Antoinette Trotman, Ian Allen

1 "Money Over Bullshit"

Songwriters: N. Jones, L. Lewis, W. Coleman
Additional Instruments: L.E.S. & Wyldfyer

2 "You Can't Kill Me"

Songwriters: N. Jones, L. Lewis, A. West
Sample: "Sly" by Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters
Additional Instruments: Al West

3 "Carry on Tradition"

Songwriters: N. Jones, S. Storch
All Instruments: Scott Storch

4 "Where Are They Now"

Songwriters: N. Jones, S. Gibbs, J. Brown, B. Byrd, R. Lehnhoff
Sample: "Get Up, Get into It, Get Involved" by James Brown
Sample: “Set It Off" by Big Daddy Kane

5 "Hip Hop Is Dead"

Songwriters: N. Jones, W. Adams, J. Lordan, D. Ingle
Samples: "Apache" and “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida”,
both by Michael Viner & The Incredible Bongo Band
Sample: "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" by Iron Butterfly
Sample: "The Big Beat" as performed by Billy Squier
Additional Drums, Drum Machine, Farfisa organ & Keyboards: will.i.am

6 "Who Killed It?"

Songwriters: N. Jones, S. Gibbs, W. Adams
Sample: "I Ain't No Joke" by Eric B. & Rakim
Drums, Bass & Keyboards: Salaam Remi
Flute, Soprano Saxophone & Clarinet: Vincent Henry
Bass Trumpet, Flugelhorn & Trumpet: Bruce Purse
French Horn: W. Marshall Sealy
Cello: Patrice Jackson
Viola: Adam Hill
Violin: Naira Underwood

7 "Black Republican"

Songwriters: N. Jones, S. Carter, L. Lewis, W. Coleman, C. Coppala
Sample: "Marcia Religiosa" by City of Prague Philharmonic

8 "Not Going Back"

Songwriters: N. Jones, T. Hermansen, M. Ericksen, K. Roger-Jones
Sample: “Alone" by Heart.

9 "Still Dreaming"

Songwriters: N. Jones, K. West, C. Payne, C. Ernst-Wells
Sample: "The Interim" by Diana Ross
”The Interim” written by Cheryl Ernst-Wells
Sample: "Use Me" by Bill Withers

10 "Hold Down the Block"

Songwriters: N. Jones, M. Batson
Drums, Bass & Keyboards: Mark Batson
Saxophone: Leroi Moore
Vocals: Mark B. Mayfield

11 "Blunt Ashes"

Songwriters: N. Jones, M. Webber
Sample: "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” by Marvin Gaye
Additional Instruments: Chris Webber

12 "Let There Be Light"

Songwriters: N. Jones, K. West, T. Williams, D. Harris, P. Cho
Sample: "Take The Money And Run" by Steve Miller Band
Drums: Mark Biondi
Keyboards: Paul Cho

13 "Play on Playa"

Songwriters: N. Jones, S. Storch, C. Broadus, M. Gaye, L. Ware, A. Ross
Sample: "After the Dance" by Marvin Gaye

14 "Can't Forget About You"

Songwriters: N. Jones, W. Adams, C. Payne, I. Gordon
Sample: "Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole
Drums, Drum Programming & Keyboards: will.i.am

15 "Hustlers"

Songwriters: N. Jones, J. Taylor, M. Ambrosius, A. Young, M. Elizondo
Keyboards: Mike Elizondo & Lionel "LJ" Holoman
Bass played by LJ Holoman
Additional Vocals: Jaramye Daniels

16 "Hope"

Songwriters: N. Jones, L. Lewis
Additional Vocals: Chrisette Michele

* "Shine On"

Songwriters: N. Jones, S. Gibbs

* "The N (Don't Hate Me Now)"

Songwriters: N. Jones, S. Gibbs

* "Where Y'all At"

Songwriters: N. Jones, S. Gibbs, C. Stepney, R. Rudolph
Sample: "Made You Look" by Nas
Sample: "Rainy Day in Centreville" by Minnie Riperton

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2006) Peak
position
Australian Albums Chart 50
Belgian Albums Chart (Wallonia) 76
Canadian Albums Chart 45
Dutch Albums Chart 95
French Albums Chart 89
Japan Albums Chart 30
Swiss Albums Chart 22
UK Albums Chart 68
US Billboard 200 1
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard) 1
US Top Rap Albums (Billboard) 1

Year-end charts

Chart (2007) Peak
position
US Billboard 200 64
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard) 14
US Top Rap Albums (Billboard) 7

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI) Silver 60,000
United States (RIAA) Gold 500,000

Sales figures based on certification alone.
Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Region Date
Ireland December 15, 2006
United Kingdom December 18, 2006
United States December 19, 2006

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External links

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