Goofle

The production he goes over is more interesting. Not always to my tastes but it's certainly a step above the standard Nas beat.

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Cuthbert

I think I've mentioned this already in the thread and said something about Jay-Z's production being boring for the most part other than a few Just Blaze beats.

I'm not saying beat selection is Nas' strong point (Illmatic, It Was Written and Life is Good are all very good in that respect imo), but the beats he picks allow his vocals to take the lead, whereas it's the opposite for Jay-Z, most of his popular tracks are popular because people liked the beat. He's a very boring rapper. Good at rhyming but so are a lot of people that aren't rated anywhere near Jay-Z is.

Goofle

We all know Nas is a better lyricist.

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Cuthbert

Nas is just better.

Tbh I find lines like "Jay-Z picks amazing beats" and "Jay-Z is consistent" just regurgitated cliches.

You could put their albums against each other and Nas would come out on top, even a Jay-Z fan couldn't say Jay-Z has had more than 3 good albums. Nas has had more than 3, so I don't buy the consistency argument at all.

Nas doesn't try to pick the most structured or technical beats because that's not the sort of rapper he is.


NaS - Halftime (complete with lyrics) - YouTube

Undoubtedly a classic but the beat is very simple, it doesn't mean it's poor though, and it allows Nas to play to his strengths. Jay-Z has no strengths as a rapper, relies on the beats to carry his tracks. He's a jack of all trades master of nothing.

Goofle

Not really sure who you are arguing with. Jay-Z has better production, you even admitted that's what has made him so popular.

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Cuthbert

Not arguing, just giving reasoning for my opinions. I personally don't think he does have better production. I think people who listen to him in 2012 like the beats because they are "catchy" and are not really bothered about him, but that doesn't mean the beats are better.

The stuff he's been doing with Kanye is overproduced rubbish yet the production gets praised simply because it's Kanye and he's regarded as a great producer.

Goofle

He is a great producer. The production on The Blueprint is great. Every Jay Z album has had great production.

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Cuthbert

He's good but he's overrated.

And WTT is awful.

SGR

Make up your mind, is he good or does he have no rap skills?

You obviously have not heard Jay-Z's stuff. You don't know what good rapping is if you've heard "The Blueprint" and "Reasonable Doubt" and don't think the rapping on those is good.

....

Oh, and Jay-Z easily has 5 great albums.
Reasonable Doubt
In My Lifetime
Blueprint
Black Album
American Gangster

Goofle

I wouldn't use the word "great" for all of those buy I agree that he certainly isn't bad.

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