Professional ratings
Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic
Blender
Entertainment Weekly	B
Los Angeles Times
NME	8/10
Pitchfork Media	8.6/10
Q
Rolling Stone
Spin	6/10
Stylus Magazine	B+

God's Son is the sixth studio album by American rapper Nas, released December 13, 2002 on his Columbia-imprint Ill Will Records. Production for the album took place during 2001 to 2002 and was handled by several hip hop producers, including Salaam Remi, Chucky Thompson, Ron Browz, Eminem, and The Alchemist. Partly inspired by Nas's feud with Jay-Z and the death of his mother in early 2002, God's Son covers lyrical themes such as religion, violence, and his own emotional experiences. It has been recognized by music writers as a personal work by Nas.

The album debuted at number 18 on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 156,000 copies in its first week. It ultimately peaked at number 12 on the chart and produced three singles that achieved Billboard chart success. Upon its release, God's Son received critical acclaim, with critics praising Nas' lyricism and viewing it as a progression from his previous work. On January 14, 2003, the album was certified Platinum in sales by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), following sales in excess of one million copies.

Nas's debut album, Illmatic (1994), received much acclaim, but his next few releases were considered to have a more commercial feel, which received criticism. Fellow New York rapper Jay-Z dissed Nas on "Takeover" from his 2001 album, The Blueprint. Nas responded with "Ether," a response to Jay-Z's "Takeover," elevating a heated feud. "Ether" was released on 2001's Stillmatic, an acclaimed album that signaled Nas' return to "hip hop prominence." Jay-Z later challenged Nas to a pay-per-view rap battle, but Nas rejected, and said: "Pay-per-view is for wrestlers and boxers. I make records. If Jay-Z wants to battle, he should drop his album the same day I do and let the people decide" referring to God's Son and Jay-Z's The Blueprint 2 release.

...
Wikipedia