Ranking the Best Songs on Nas’ Life is Good

Until Kendrick Lamar’s recent album, the biggest trivia question in the Soul In Stereo empire was this: What was the last album Edd gave a 5 star review to?

Well, until Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers, the answer was Nas’ Life is Good, the only 5-star review of a current album in this site’s long history. And it happened 10 years ago today.

Life is Good‘s legacy isn’t nearly as strong as it should be, and I get it. While the current generation of hip-hop fans are finally coming around to Nas’ greatness (largely in part to his work with Hit-Boy in recent years), 2012 hip-hop Twitter was too wet behind the ears to grasp the mature themes and sounds of this LP. I mean, if the greatest album you’d ever heard at that time was probably Tha Carter III, that’s to be expected.

But for more mature fans, we were excited to see the maturation of not just Nas, but hip-hop as a whole.

Our July anniversary series continues with this criminally underrated album, and I’m joined by longtime Soul In Stereo supporter Brandon O’Sullivan. We call him Theo ’round here. Together, we rank and revisit one of the best albums in the past decade.

And I’m still mad y’all missed out.

Talk about your pick for best song.

Brandon: “Bye Baby”

Whew, I was fighting between this one and “Cherry Wine.” But this album is not complete without the final track, “Bye Baby.” I mean, look at the album cover. No, this song is not him Ether-ing his ex-wife, Kelis (no pun intended). The song is him reminiscing on his failed marriage without sounding corny or disrespectful. The fact that Salaam Remi sent Noah “40” Shebib the looped sample, which eventually led to a studio session with Aaron Hall to rework the song, is inevitable. Although my era sticks to the “Piece of My Love” song, the use of “Goodbye Love” was perfect for Nas’ content. It is about him moving on, and the song closes his chapter onto the next.

Edd: “Bye Baby”

First off, let me acknowledge that I didn’t cheat off Theo’s paper while compiling our lists, like a desperate 7^th grader in math class. We just both have great tastes. And, like Brandon, I had trouble placing “Bye Baby” over “Cherry Wine” – but it’s the right choice. In an era where breakup songs are so hilariously immature that they’re impossible to take seriously, “Bye Baby” does it right. Nas reflects on the good times, recognizes fault and bids his ex farewell. Now I’m SURE Kelis has her side to this story (as has been well documented in the years since) but overall it’s a refreshingly mature take on a broken home. And yes, that “Goodbye Love” flip was expertly done. It’s lowkey one of Nas’ best songs ever, and considering his catalog that’s saying a LOT.

Who has the standout feature on the album?

Brandon: Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse on “Cherry Wine” is the only answer. Have you heard of the song, “Me and Mr. Jones,” and how Amy dedicated her love to this rapper? I wish they did a collaborative EP had she not passed, but her feature was bittersweet and added so much with the help of Salaam Remi’s vintage production.

Edd: Amy Winehouse

I mean we’re certainly not picking Swizz Beatz’s feature for this one. Amy is the clear frontrunner as she almost – ALMOST – steals the show from Nasir himself. Note for young artists: When picking features, don’t just select an artist who will get you a bunch of curiosity streams on Spotify, find someone who is the best fit for the sound and story your song presents. Amy’s feature is so compelling because it’s such a perfect fit for the production. It SOUNDS like an Amy Winehouse song. I’m so glad Nas and Amy were able to have one high-profile collabo before her tragic passing. R&B still misses her.

What’s the best beat on the album?

Brandon: “No Introduction”

I love the vast majority of this album. I wanted to cheat out of this one because it was a struggle to pick one. But “No Introduction” will take the cake as it serves as the album’s opener, setting a precedent on what direction will sound like. First off, much love to J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League for putting their heart, soul, and passion into the production with fiery drums, orchestral backdrops, and incredible chord progressions.

Edd: “A Queens Story”

Before relistening to the album for this post I was sure I’d select “Bye Baby.” Instead I’ll go with the big horns, soaring strings and cinematic feel of Salaam Remi ‘s “A Queens Story.” There’s a track on the deluxe edition called “The Black Bond’ but coincidentally, the production on this song equally feels like a big-budget spy score.

Which song is the most underrated?

Brandon: “Stay”

When it comes to my personal favorite and most underrated on the album, nothing comes close to “Stay.” When people talk about the album, they discuss how the first five songs or the singles are among the best songs on the album. I can’t tell you how much “Stay” gets overlooked. No I.D. used the L.A. Carnival sample twice as he did for CyHi’s “Woopty Doo,” but Nas pulled it off better differently. If you listen to the original piece and how it’s constructed, it was used unpredictably, but it made sense through the producers’ lens. An upbeat jazz song turned into a somber one. The sample doesn’t even say “stay,” which is crazy. It’s no surprise to hear Kaye Fox providing additional vocals with the help of James Poyser and Kevin Randolph on the keys. And that second verse, MAN. His flows, rhyme schemes, and everything were perfect.

Edd: “Stay”

I’ll go with “Stay” too, mainly because Nas’ superior version seems to have been overshadowed by J. Cole’s interpretation.  Cole’s is good too but you know how it goes on Twitter – everything Cole spits THE MOST GREATEST VERSE THAT EVER VERSED. Can’t add much to what Theo has already said other than that second verse has always stuck with me. “Want you here to witness me while you in misery/We hate each other, but it’s love, what a thug mystery.” It’s a whole new spin on loving your enemies and yet another example of this album’s complex maturity.

And what’s the most overrated song?

Brandon: “Summer on Smash”

No question, my answer is the obvious: “Summer On Smash.” That’s the one song on the album I don’t like, and it’s clear as day that was the attempt at radio play. It was not a surprise that it was the final song created for Life Is Good. This song reminds me of Miguel’s debut single, “Getcha Hands Up,” back in the day, which is no surprise he shows up because of his 2012 dominance and Swizz Beatz… No comment.

Edd: “The Don”

See, I can’t say “Summer On Smash” is overrated because NO ONE likes that song. In fact I’ve often defended my original 5 star review of this album from those who said “how can that album get the highest score with a bad song on it?” Well, a 5 star score doesn’t mean it’s a perfect release, it just means nearly every song is absolute flames. There’s more than enough heat here to scorch a misstep or two. Yeah .. I know I’m rambling and that’s because I just can’t think of anything to select for this category. Twist my arm and I’ll say “The Don” – it’s a good song but not very memorable, making it an iffy choice for a single. And speaking of…

Which song deserved to be a single?

Brandon: “Accident Murderers”

This is tricky because I thought of the others between “Reach Out” and “You Wouldn’t Understand” (not the forgettable Swizz-produced joint). I chose a throwback song with a modern twist called “Accident Murderers.” I love the song’s concept as it tackles the idea of someone trying to kill the intended target but ending up killing an innocent bystander. And lord behold, we get a dope Rick Ross feature who stayed consistent with the theme (which he isn’t good at). Back in 2012, Ross was on fire with his mixtape (Rich Forever), Maybach Music Group (Self Made, Vol. 2), and his album (God Forgives, I Don’t), which came out later that month.

Edd: “A Queens Story”

“You Wouldn’t Understand” seems like the obvious pick (when are y’all gonna give Victoria Monet her flowers!?) but I will go with “A Queens Story.” It’s probably not a big radio hit but I could see it being a decent cult fave. If we were counting deluxe edition tracks, “The Black Bond” for sure gets my vote.

Is this Nas’s best album?

Brandon: The answer is no, but in Nas’ case with his fanbase, it has to reach an Illmatic-level of greatness. However, this is one of his best albums (top five in his catalog), the most underrated in his resumé that the critics and older fans have been waiting for him to release. I love Untitled and Distant Relatives, but it wasn’t received well depending on whom you ask, so maybe I’m in the minority. This was a great return to form with the production, songwriting, and topics he tackled over four years with the usual street narrative, storytelling ability, and maturity. But after a while, it gets slipped through the cracks regarding Nas’ later work. For an artist like Nasir Jones, that still gets doubted on whether he could pick good beats; he’s buried that hatchet up until Nasir with Ye. Now, he’s at a better place with Hit-Boy and still rhyming at a high level during his 30-plus-year career in the industry. I know I’m going to get flack for this, but for the people claiming that JAY-Z’s 4:44 was the blueprint for deep-thought introspection with beautifully-produced soulful production, Nasir Jones got him beat within five years. Hell, he got the one executively produced the album: No I.D. I see why my man, Edd, gives this one a five-star release. A damn-near- perfect masterpiece.

Edd: The greatest rap album of all time is Nas’ Illmatic. This album is not Illmatic, so no, it’s not Nas’ best album. But it absolutely is one of his best LPs and is by far his greatest achievement in the modern era – yes, children, even better than his recent run of greatness with Hit-Boy. As Theo mentioned, Jay gets the credit for being “the first” legendary rapper to gracefully mature his sound with 4:44, but Nas did it earlier and better. For every veteran looking to transition their sound into the next phase of their career without compromising their core audience, Life is Good should be the archetype. I don’t throw around 5 star scores on this site very often; Life is Good deservers every accolade and more.

Who are you siding with, Edd or Brandon? Let us know below and show your love for this underrated banger.