If Nas released an album with these same beats, there'd be a separate thread on why he didn't call up Premo, Large Professor, and Pete Rock to restore the feeling.
In all honesty, the production on this album takes a back seat to the lyrics and content. On their own, there isn't much particularly crazy. It works because it allows Jay to do something that he hasn't done consistently since American Gangster which is showcasing the witty, thoughtful, introspective Jay vs. The insecure, trendy, business as usual Jay.