This swift trilogy concludes on time to celebrate the rappers 50th birthday. A startling reminder that Nas is yet to show is age, vocally speaking. Perhaps we hear it lyrically, in shared wisdoms, aged cultural nods and reflections on his past. Magic 3 retreads familiar territory, affirming the fruits of this collaboration. Hit Boy's contribution seems to lean on vocal snippets. Clips and samples of classic soul singers brood, tilted and slowed for an aged, slightly low-fi aesthetic. The percussive grooves aren't as bombastic, giving its forty five minutes a mellow, low key presence... for the most part.
When Nas gets into a story, the chemistry shines. His best tracks, like Based On True Events, run focused and cohesive, much like some of his classics from the past, he has a timeless knack for keeping one engaged as he can keep the flow within the narrative for all a tracks verses. He pretty much handles the record alone. The one feature, Lil Wayne, comes with a sudden shift given his strained nasal tone. The rhyme scheme doesn't compliment the track, the verse sticks out like a sore thumb.
Overall, the conclusion arrives hastily on the heels of "franchise fatigue". This era has been stellar but the depth is overwhelming now. Considering the preferred structure of beat and rhymes remains unchallenged, one is left with a lack of distinction between projects. Whatever comes next for the rapper, I hope he challenges himself on both fronts to find new ground as this territory has been thoroughly explored.
Rating: 6/10