HIP HOP IS DEAD (EXPTitle and all, Nas's eighth solo album clearly intends to spark controversy. But what gives Nasir Jones the right to declare that HIP HOP IS DEAD? For one Nas's 5 mic debut album ILLMATIC represents the best of a by gone era. Since then he's tried to find his place in the ever evolving genre, flirting with the mainstream to mixed results, all the while mired in beef with former allies and childhood friends as well industry rivals. The fact that HIP