Nas is one of hip-hop's most revered narrative stylists. Eminem echoes his gift for evocative, detail-oriented storytelling on his powerful "Stan." J. Cole makes the debt explicit on "Let Nas Down," which is both an apology to his idol and a pledge to live up to his example. On "D'Evils," Nas' future rival JAŸ-Z strikes that balance of observation and reflection that marks Nas' best work.