On the celebratory posse-cut “Da Bridge” Nas laments “we from the largest project, yo the biggest on earth, Queensbridge know the history, left y’all cursed.” While Nas’ salvo may at first appear to be nothing more then your typical, emcee hood-reppin rhetoric, there is truth to his manifesto. After all, the infamous Queensbridge projects have churned out a distinguished list of influential emcees and producers; its alumni includes MC Shan, Mobb Deep, and Nas, among many others.

While Nas offers, QB Finest, as the first project for his newly-birthed record label (Ill Will). This enigmatic compilation only hints at the talent currently residing in the bridge, as it comprises strictly the thug element of The Bridge’s storied existence. Granted, “QB Finest” scores points for resurrecting the career of its first-lady, Roxanne Shante, who makes a triumphant comeback on “We Live This” feat. Havoc Of Mobb Deep & Noyd.

Like most compilations, or soundtracks, “QB Finest” comes equipped with a heavy dose of filler material; none more grating then the Bravehearts intolerable “Oochie Wally”. While Nas is a very-active participant in a few under-developed cuts (“Real Niggas”) and a sleepy rendition of N.W.A.’s classic “Straight Outta Compton” (“Straight Outta Q.B.”) feat. Cormega, Poet, & Jungle. The Nasty side of Nas’ many personalities surfaces on the introspective solo-cut “Find Ya Wealth”. Achieving an Illmatic lyrical intensity, the tracks dusty soul sample mirrors the wisdom and pain Nas is so capable of conveying with his rhymes—” different ways to come out the hood, in cuffs or a casket, crazy, or shooting three-pointer baskets.” Yet, minus a few other crucial momentum boosters, Prodigy of Mobb Deep’s heavily-peddled, mix-tape banger “Pile Raps”, and Nature’s conversational “Fire”, there is very little else left to cling too.

While Nas cannot single-handedly shoulder the blame for “QB Finest”. It further reiterates what many have already come to terms with (Nas’ star is on the decline). But the Nas bandwagon may be overcrowded again after his forthcoming project (consisting of lost cuts) “D.O.A.” (Death Of Escobar) is unveiled. Has Nas crossed the point of no return? While that maybe debatable, a return to his roots is certainly necessary for Nas at this point, as his future as a beloved emcee depends on it.