Search - Nas - Video Anthology, Vol. 1 on DVD

"From Nasty to Nas, Nas to Escobar"

Scott D. Gribble | Baltimore MD | 12/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD is one of the better Video Anthologies I've seen. Most music video DVD limits the artist's videos in order to justify another collection. Ironically enough, even though this DVD is Vol. I, they really didn't leave anything off (even the bad videos).

The videos from Illmatic are great. "It Ain't Hard to Tell", "One Love", "Halftime", "The World Is Yours" dominate the DVD from the start (and rightfully so). Very rarely do you get to see these kinds of videos any more, and it's refreshing to see the gritty & grimy-ness match that of the album.

"If I Ruled The World" & "Street Dreams" are from It Is Written. Both videos have some pretty nice concepts and are well shot.

The controversial "Hate Me Now" & "Nas Is Like" come from I Am... While "Nas Is Like" is an incredible song and video, "Hate Me Now" starts to show the demise of Nas as he rolls into his career slump.

Both "You Owe Me" & "Nastradamus" (from the same album title) are horrible songs and videos. Although I'm glad they included them as a painful reminder of how lazy Nas got. It's really interesting to see these.

Stillmatic marks a triumphant return for Nas's career and video quality with the original "Got UR Self" & inspired "One Mic". Nas does not just return to what works, but pushes boundaries and embrases new concepts here.

Finally "Made You Look" returns Nas to his Illmatic days, while "I Can" is even better as a video than a song.

It's nice they included all these videos, instead of just giving us the "best of". People are going to enjoy different videos in different ways. It's even nice to hear on the commentary that Nas believes "Nastradamus" was a huge failure. Speaking of the commentary is pretty good. It lasts for a minuet or so into each song, and is often pretty insightful. Besides that there are really no other special features. It would be nice to have something else, but i bought this for the videos, so I'm more than satisfied.

My only real complaint is that seeing as this is an "Anthology" there's no reason why the first half of the videos are out of order. How hard is it? So it's kind of annoying, but overall does take away from the overall quality. It also would have been nice to have some of his guest spots on video, especially his earlier works.

Bottom line: This is a Nas video DVD with every video released from his albums. You get exactly what you pay for in that and they don't cut any corners. While they could have (and almost always) done more... this is an excellent DVD."

Possibly the best hip hop video collection...ever?

DJ I DA I | Maryland via New York | 05/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nas is definetly one of the most important hip hop artist of this era. With the addition of his video anthology, he proves his value to the hip hop world. The difference between Nas and other artist of his stature is that Nas is imbedded in the same streets in which hip hop has risen from. It is expressed in his music and it's very apparent in his videos. Nas is so street, when he tries to crossover, it usually doesn't work. His most sucessful attempt was "You Owe Me" featuring Ginuwine. Which is included here. The "Hate Me Now" video is especially interesting with the release of the Passion of Christ. Some say it's blasphemy? I guess they didn't read the caption in the begining. Or is it because they have a problem with seeing Jesus being portrayed accurately as a Black Man. Anyway, just about every video includes some sort of social commentary expressed visually. Definetly watch and enjoy the videos, but go back and listen to Nas's commentary on each one. The Anthology is a reminder of what hip hop was...and could be. A balanced art with both party music and raw street news. This is a Gem!
The Videos:
1. It Ain't Hard to Tell
2. One Love
3. Halftime
4. Nas Is Like
5. The World Is Yours
6. If I Ruled The World
7. Hate Me Now
8. Street Dreams
9. Nastradamas
10. You Owe Me
11. Got Ur Self A Gun
12. One Mic
13. Made You Look
14. I Can

I tried really hard not to say anything...but that guy SKI...he is the one that is soooo ignorant. To give this one star based on one video which he misinterpetated because he didn't read the prelude or listen to Nas's commentary...that's a shame. Peace and Wisdom people."

Hip-Hop Junkies Get Their NAS Big Fix for A Bargain

Prince Love | the wilderness of North America | 04/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It took me a minute folks, but I have it! Without stepping into a store to see it for myself...this DVD compilation is worth it's weight in gold! Practically every video in Nas' catalog is featured here. If you're like me then you have probably seen all of his videos. But some of his underground stuff squeaks by. I think the "One Love" remix directed by my man Brian "Black" Luvar is missing here. But to have the music videos for "If I Ruled The World", "One Love","Halftime", and "Nas Is Like" all in the same package is righteous- a collector's dream. Nas is Hip-Hop..."Made You Look" is classic material. Nas has been able to get the best of the best to direct most of his videos (Nas is pretty loyal to them). Benny Boom, Nick Quested, and Hype Williams serve up incredible visuals that compliment and stretch the overwise average stage presence/dramatics of Nas.
Hey if you're lucky you'll catch your's truly featured in the "Street Dreams" video. I played the 'James Woods'character opposite Kenya Moore as Sharon Stone! Also around the same time we were in Las Vegas, Tupac was murdered after the Tyson fight! Crazy huh? Surreal but true.
Nevertheless BUY THIS! BANANAS!!"

Nas is awesome

Chris | St.Louis,MO | 09/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nas is always good this has all the videos.huge Nas fan keep on going Nas you rule this rap game"