While Nas may never be able to top Illmatic, this CD proves Nas is still amazing in every right and Is able to produce another five star classic.Classics -If I Ruled the world (Imagine that)ShootoutsSuspectAffirmative ActionThe MessageStreet DreamsI gave you powerThat's half the album right there. The other tracks are very good or near classics. I don't rate intros but I loved the intro. My only gripe was the female hook in Nas is coming, sounded very out of place, as did Dre at the beggining although it brought a grin to my face. It's too bad Dre didn't have even a tighter beat.This is a slept on classic by most. Probably Nas's second or third best album depending on your view.