The Bottom Line
"Be a N*gger Too" is a painfully dull attempt to start a discussion on race and racism.
Pros
- Raises an important social issue
Cons
- Shamelessly tacky
- Dull and uninsipiring
Description
- "Be a N*gger Too" is from Nas' controversially titled 9th album
- Produced by Salaam Remi and Big Jack
- Addresses the N-Word debate
Guide Review - Nas - "Be a N*gger Too"
Given Nas' reputation as a wildly controversial hip-hop figure, it's only apt that the first leaked song from his N*gger album is more than a little odd. A horrendous beat plays as he attempts to desensitize us from the poisonous venom of racist slurs by uttering them as often as possible. But it's not enough to drop the much maligned N-Bomb 49 times in 3 minutes (yes, I counted), Nas revs up the drama by casually alluding to other equally caustic racial epithets.
Worse still, "Be a N*gger Too" lacks focus. The conversation shifts restlessly from racism to materialism ("I buy Aston Martins"). While respectable, Nas' attempt to spark a positive conversation falls short of its goal. He should see if Obama's writers are looking for a side gig.
Listen: Nas - "Be a N*gger Too"
