Nas and DJ Premier’s Joint Album is Now a Reality
Nas and DJ Premier, two of the most iconic figures in the rap industry, have been collaborating for over 30 years. Premier was the producer behind three tracks on Nas’ groundbreaking debut album Illmatic in 1994, and they have worked on many projects together since then. There were even rumors that Biggie Smalls dissed Nas over a Premier beat on his track “Kick In The Door” in 1997. Despite teasing a full-length collaboration for years, the project never materialized until now.
Last year, on the 30th anniversary of Illmatic, Nas once again hinted at a full-length collaboration and released the single “Define My Name.” Mass Appeal, Nas’ record label, also announced a new series called Legend Has It…, featuring albums from legendary rappers, some of which are posthumous releases. Light-Years, the anticipated Nas/Preemo album, is the final installment in this series and has finally been released to the world.
The album has been met with positive reviews. Hearing Nas’ distinct voice over Premier’s signature beats is always a treat. Although some critics suggest that the collaboration might have been more impactful if it had happened earlier in their careers, the synergy between the two artists is undeniable. Some even joke about Nas’ repeated self-reference as “cryptocurrency Scarface,” a line that has been used by the rapper for several years now. Additionally, the track “NY State Of Mind Pt. 3” samples Billy Joel’s “New York State Of Mind” along with their original collaboration “NY State Of Mind,” which some find a bit too on the nose. However, the album’s only guest feature is AZ, who was also the sole guest on Illmatic, a nostalgic touch appreciated by many fans of Nas’ early work.
Light-Years is available for streaming on Mass Appeal now. In addition to this project, DJ Premier recently collaborated with Roc Marciano on the album Armani Section, released earlier this year. Fans of Nas and DJ Premier are rejoicing at the opportunity to hear these two legends team up once again for an album that has been a long time coming.