Magic is Nas's fifteenth studio album, released on December 24, 2021, not in 2023. It was entirely produced by Hit-Boy, marking their third consecutive collaboration after 'King's Disease II' and the EP 'Nasir'. The album was a Christmas surprise for fans, with only 10 songs and a duration of 29 minutes.
The record was secretly recorded during the 'King's Disease II' sessions and finished quickly. Hit-Boy stated that the album captured the essence of 90s Nas, with a raw, unadorned sound. The cover, designed by Nas himself, shows a blurry image of the rapper wearing a hat, evoking the style of mixtape covers.
Magic received critical acclaim for its cohesion and the chemistry between Nas and Hit-Boy. It reached number 1 on the Billboard Rap Albums chart and was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rap Album in 2023. Songs like 'Wave Gods' and 'The Truth' were highlighted for their lyricism and minimalist production.