This is a good read and analysis on Nas' career. I'm inclined to agree. Rakim will forever be in the debate, but he lacks in versatility. I'm glad I caught this last night when it was THE feature article on CNN.com. Its pretty rare, unless its some type of negativity for hip hop to get "front page" treatment on a non-music site, let alone CNN. Anywho, here's the link:

http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/05/showbiz/rapper-nas-turns-40/index.html?hpt=en_c2

I think this was already posted, apologies if not the same article but I think it's the same:

http://prince.org/msg/8/391852