Nas and DJ Premier have announced their long-anticipated joint album with the release of the first single “Define My Name.”
In the track, Nas pays homage to influential rappers who have inspired him, such as Rakim, Kool G, Kris, LL Cool J, Scarface, Ice Cube, and Rick Rubin. Nas reflects on the longevity of his name, suggesting it predates the arrival of Christianity in America. He underscores his enduring presence in the rap scene since the 1980s, overcoming numerous obstacles to persist in making music. Nas elaborates on the significance of his name, interpreting it as meaning “victory helper” and “protector.”
Continuing his lyrical narrative, Nas raps, “How could you hate me? I survived the ’80s. The D’s, the trauma, embalming fluid in laced weed. Inhale fumes from a stove we’ll cook up. The show’s booked up, I chose to take the world over, look up…”
Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Nas’ iconic debut album, “Illmatic,” fans can commemorate the occasion with the release of the new single “Define My Name.” This track follows Nas’ successful 2023 collaborations with Hit-Boy, including “Magic 2” and “Magic 3.”
“Define My Name” is released under Nas’ record label, Mass Appeal. In a press release, it’s announced that the rapper and DJ Premier will release a collaborative album later this year through Mass Appeal Records. DJ Premier, also known as Premo, is renowned for producing tracks on “Illmatic,” such as “N.Y. State of Mind,” “Memory Lane (Sittin’ in da Park),” and “Represent.” Additionally, he contributed to Nas’ subsequent albums, including “It Was Written,” “I Am…,” “Nastradamus,” and “Stillmatic.”
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