God's Son (album)
God's Son is the sixth studio album by American rapper Nas. It was released on December 13, 2002, by Illmatic Records and Columbia Records. The album was a significant departure from Nas's previous album, Nastradamus, which was commercially disappointing and critically panned.
God's Son is notable for its deeply personal and introspective lyrics, often reflecting on the death of Nas's mother in early 2002. The album addresses themes of grief, spirituality, family, and social commentary. Sonically, God's Son features a blend of traditional East Coast hip hop production with contemporary influences.
The album produced several singles, including "Made You Look" and "I Can." "Made You Look" was a successful commercial single, further solidifying Nas's comeback after the criticism surrounding Nastradamus. "I Can" gained considerable attention for its positive message and use of Beethoven's "Für Elise."
God's Son was generally well-received by critics, who praised Nas's lyrical ability and the album's thematic depth. Many critics viewed it as a return to form for Nas after the mixed reception of his previous work. Commercially, the album was a success, reaching number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart. It has since been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
The album is often regarded as one of Nas's most personal and important works, and it helped to solidify his legacy as one of the most influential rappers of all time. The album also provided a platform for Nas to address the controversies and criticisms he faced in the years prior to its release.