Album of the Week

Nas: Life Is Good (Def Jam)

Approaching his 40th year, by the standards of the game, Nas has become an elder statesman of hip-hop, juggling his reputation for incisive reportage with the trials of fatherhood and divorce. The cover of this tenth album depicts Nas sitting with his ex-wife (and Milkshake singer) Kelis's wedding dress draped over his lap - a sure sign that domestic issues are weighing heavily on him.

Sure enough, ...