With a writer's eye for detail, Nas renders the world in full color and heartbreaking clarity. On the harrowing "N.Y. State of Mind," he captures a vivid snapshot of his city's margins, fleshing out the grittiness of Queensbridge with elegantly rendered lyrics, while the anti-hero anthem "Hate Me Now" details the trappings of celebrity in an unforgiving close-up. From a furious, scene-stealing debut ("Live at the Barbeque") to a mature exploration of fatherhood ("Daughters"), Nas never lets his pen slip, even as he evolves from hip-hop's prodigal son to become the elder statesman of a generation.