Magic 3

***Magic 3*** is the seventeenth studio album by American rapper Nas. It was released on September 14, 2023 through Mass Appeal Records, to coincide with his 50th birthday. The album serves as a third installment to Nas' *Magic* series, following up *Magic 2*. It is also the sixth and final consecutive Nas album produced by Hit-Boy, following the *King's Disease* trilogy, as well as the previous two *Magic* albums.

## Synopsis

Nas' career boasts so many peaks that it's futile even trying to spot valleys. Even so, the Queensbridge-bred rap luminary's run with producer Hit-Boy in the 2020s rivals, if not outright tops, many of those prior high points. Timed to release on his 50th birthday—and in hip-hop's 50th anniversary year, no less—*Magic 3* seeks to close out this particular chapter in his vast and storied rhyme book. Though one naturally hopes these two artists will one day reunite, the sixth project from this fan-friendly team-up makes for one thrilling finale. From the emboldened opening bars of "Fever" to the closing victory lap "1-800-Nas&Hit," Hit-Boy provides Nas with a supreme soundtrack for the cinematic sonic franchise, with standouts like "I Love This Feeling" and "Superhero Status" exemplifying the potency of their fortuitous collaboration.

As a lyricist and performer, Nas remains righteously in the GOAT debate, a fact reinforced by several of these 15 tracks via showing more than telling. That knack for compelling, street-level storytelling continues on the two-part "Based on True Events," while the ironically titled "Speechless, Pt. 2" confirms his effortlessly ruthless approach to rapping for the love of rapping. On the lighter side, he's still out here playing the field, as "Pretty Young Girl" romantically lays out a mature proposal befitting his status and refined interests. Given the luxe flexes he exhibits on "Blue Bentley," it's an offer definitely worth considering.

Though he has nothing left to prove, Nas insists on setting the record straight for anyone unclear or misinformed. On "TSK," he scolds disingenuous critics and keyboard warriors while staking his rightful claim to hip-hop's living history. On the aforementioned "I Love This Feeling," he casually mentions that he's quietly retired from the game more than once, making *Magic 3* an even more auspicious affair. And though Nas could've invited just about anyone to this wrap party, the sole credited feature belongs to Lil Wayne, who brings his own cocksure, veteran flows to "Never Die."

## Critical reception

*Clash* penned in favor, "leans on the absolute strengths of the core duo. 15 tracks that explode with Nas' inherent artistry, his flows, and the potency of his lyrics, remain unrivalled. As a world-builder, too, Hit-Boy has few rivals—overhauling boom-bap from a fresh perfective, he expertly overlays new ideas on that vintage 'Illmatic' sound."

## Track listing

All tracks written by Nasir Jones and Chauncey Hollis, except for "Never Die", co-written by Dwayne Carter Jr.. All tracks produced by Hit-Boy.

## References

1. ↑ White, Andrew (September 14, 2023). "Nas and Hit-Boy Take Victory Lap with Final Collab Album 'Magic 3'". *Complex*.
2. ↑ Murray, Robin (September 15, 2023). "Nas – Magic 3". *Clash Music*.

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