Even those of you whose interest in hip-hop stretches to occasionally scolding popular artists for their conspicuous and elaborate tough/money/sex talk (three breaches of bourgeois etiquette) will probably have heard about Nas’ new album. Well, the first video is here, above, and it’s an eight-minute historical epic. By the time you’ve reached the chorus, Nas’ nerve in taking this stuff head on (and refusal to add in humour as distancing effect or safety valve) cdn’t be any more evident - it’s a direct challenge - catchy enough to sing along to - but will you?

Here’s Nas talking through why he’s done what he’s done.