NAS --- "HERO"

This is the new single off of Nas's new album. The album,which was to be called "Nigger", will not longer carry that name. A new title has not yet been selected. This track features Keri Hilson and is produced by Polow Da Don. The track is good and has a positive message. Nas can always be counted on to come with some strong music.

I admire Nas for the way he stands up to controversy and is not afraid to speak his mind. The way he handled the hate from the parents of the Virginia Tech shooting victims and the bad press he has gotten for calling his album, "Nigger", shows strong character and substance. It is funny to me how one of the few rappers, who writes about social issues and things that matter gets battered, while these other rappers whose concepts deal with nothing, but their own glorification and pointless beef get praised, get their ringtones bought and get repeated spins on the radio and in the club.

I agree with changing the name of the album at this time due to the times we are in in America. I do not think people are ready to walk into a store and see the word that many of us, black and white, use on a regular basis, plastered on a CD on a shelf. But, I definitely understand the concept and believe that Nas trying to place such a controversial word in our faces to force us to deal with the real issues that live behind the word is something that is needed.

This to me is simply another hint that we as people need to have a thorough self-examination about what goes on in this world. We have a lot to deal with as people and as a society.