The Lost Tapes

Infobox Album
Name = The Lost Tapes
Type = compilation
Artist = Nas


Released = September 24, 2002 (US)
Recorded = 1998 - 2001
Genre = East Coast hip hop, Hardcore hip hop, Alternative hip hop
Length = 43:02
Label = Ill Will/Columbia
CK-85275
Producer = Nas (exec.) , Rockwilder, Trackmasters, Kanye West, The Alchemist, L.E.S., Precision, Hill Inc., Alvin West
Reviews =
*Entertainment Weekly A-
*"Rolling Stone" Rating|4|5 [http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/_/id/273641 link]
*"The Source" Rating|4.5|5
*Spin Magazine Rating|4|5
*XXL Magazine Rating|5|5
Last album = ""
(2002)
This album = "The Lost Tapes"
(2002)
Next album = "God's Son"
(2002)

"The Lost Tapes" is a compilation album by rapper Nas. Released shortly following his fifth studio album, "Stillmatic", the album was a compilation of Nas' previously unreleased tracks, some from the bootlegged second disc of the original double album version of "I Am...". The other tracks were underground singles, tracks recorded during the "Stillmatic" sessions.

Several of the tracks touch on many personal issues as "I Am..." was supposed to be an autobiography. Examples include "Poppa Was a Playa" a song which was ghost-produced by a young Kanye West for then-mentor Deric Angelettie. It's a record where Nas recounts childhood memories of his father Olu Dara's self-indulgent lifestyle. Another personal track is "Fetus" where Nas recounts his experience while inside his mother's womb before birth. Other notable songs include the social commentaries "Purple", "Black Zombie" and "Drunk By Myself"---a song that ventures into the tragic mind of an alcoholic. "The Lost Tapes", along with "Stillmatic", and to a lesser extent, "God's Son", revived the underground credibility that Nas seemed to have lost over the years while breaking into the mainstream. Gaining notable critical acclaim upon its release, the album is said to have some of his most artistically developed work ever.

"The Lost Tapes" is highly acclaimed and considered better than most 'lost recordings' compilations. According to Steve 'Flash' Juon of RapReviews.com:

Track listing

*The production of "Poppa Was a Playa" is credited to Deric Angelettie, West's then mentor.
*Missing track titled "My Worst Enemy" produced by The Infinite Arkatechz is available on Japanese export version only.

amples

My Way
*"Just a Little Bit" by Larry Page OrchestraU Gotta Love It
*"Love Song" by Mandrill; written by Carlos Wilson, Louis Wilson and Ricardo Wilson
*"Affirmative Action" by Nas (vocals by AZ); written by Nasir Jones, Anthony Cruz, Cory McKay, Inga Marchand, Samuel Barnes and Jean-Claude OlivierNothing Lasts Forever
*"Say You Love Me" by D.J. RogersNo Idea's Original
*"I'm Gonna Love You Just a Little Bit More Babe" by Barry White; written by Barry WhitePoppa Was a Playa
*"The Newness Is Gone" by Eddie Kendricks; written by Allan Wayne Felder and Norman Ray HarrisFetus
*"Plus Fort Que Nous" by Francis Lai; written by Francis Lai
*"One Time 4 Your Mind" by Nas; written by Nasir Jones and W.P. Mitchell

Chart positions

References