Nas is less-hemmed-in artistically on the follow-up to the compromised, hastily created Nasir. This time, he works closely with Hit-Boy, who either produces or co-produces each track. Despite having contributed heavily to contemporaneous LPs by Tee Grizzley and Big Sean, among other high-profile cuts issued around the turn of the 2020s, Hit-Boy evidently isn't spread as thin as executive Nasir producer Kanye West. Over these beats from Hit-Boy and his associates -- low profile and tightly coiled on the balling "27 Summers," airy yet regal on the proud "Ultra Black," elegant-turned-stark on energizer "The Cure" -- Nas is more ruminative and measured, like he's found his stride again. Going strictly by the conviction and feeling in each line, King's Disease is the MC's best work since 2008. ~ Andy Kellman