Nas says Hip Hop needs more songs like "Nasty"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

The last time fans had heard anything new from Nas, aside from his work with Damian Marley, was in 2008. The final single released from Untitled was "Make the World Go Round." Patiently, fans waited on more Nas music.

Nas wanted to return last year with a second edition of his compilation, The Lost Tapes. However, due to issues with his label, Def Jam, things were put on hold. After holding out for so long, Nas began recording his next album.

Currently in the studio, Nas announced his latest solo album would be called Life is Good. Earlier this year, the first single off the album leaked. The single, "Nasty," has become a critical success.

After being out for months, now the radio is beginning to pick "Nasty" up. During a recent discussion with MTV News, Nas said he would like more songs like "Nasty" to be out. A video was shot for the song a little over a month ago. While the video has been completed, it has been delayed with no set release date. The video may be delayed, but Nas said it will be coming soon and the fans will love.

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Nas speaks on Foxy Brown, Amy Winehouse, Lil' Kim, Nicki Minaj, and feud with Cormega

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

With so many new voices and faces in the game, it is easy to forget about Nas. The last time he released a new album was three years ago. Despite achieving critical acclaim on his project with Damian Marley, the album did not receive much play.

While Nas may have been overlooked by some, he is well aware of what has gone on. Recently, Nasty Nas was very interactive on his Twitter account. Taking questions from his fans, Nas spoke on everything going on in his life. Ranging from serious topics, to off the wall, Nas talked.

Early in her career, Foxy Brown worked closely with Nas, but over the years, they have separated. During the height of his feud with Jay-Z, Nas called Jay out over his relationship with Foxy Brown. Despite all of this, Nas and Foxy Brown have maintained a strong relationship and Nas said she is his little sister.

On the topic of female rappers, Nas was asked to deliver his opinion about Lil' Kim and Nicki Minaj. For nearly a year, the two femcees went head-to-head. Nas said comparing the two rappers makes little to no sense. When speaking of Lil' Kim, Nas said she has some "legendary shit." Nicki Minaj, on the other hand, is the new queen of the world, in Nas' book. Trying his best to stay out of their situation, Nas was able to praise both of them, without taking away from the other.

Before her death, Amy Winehouse said she admired Nas. When asked of the people she would have loved to perform with, Nas was at the top of her list. At the time, Nas said he liked her brand of music and would love to record with her. Sadly, this did not happen, as Winehouse passed away last month. Remembering her, Nas was asked about Amy Winehouse. The Queens rapper said he was saddened by her death and also referred to her as his little sister.

Following the project with The Firm, Nas talked about his past feud with Cormega. Despite things getting bad between the two, Nas said their issues are in the past. Moving forward, Nas said he no longer has issues with Cormega. Nas also discussed the music he listens to, admitting he is a big Waka Flocka Flame fan and briefly speaking on his failed marriage with Kelis.

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Nas and Damian Marley - "Nah Mean"

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Nas and Damian Marley announce International Tour Dates

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

The long-awaited album from Nas and Damian Marley came earlier this year. Unlike most hyped-up albums, it actually lived up to the expecations. While the album did not sell as well as many media outlets expected, it was a critical success. Nas and Damian Marley proved two talented people could come together and leave egos aside.

Since they were able to deal with each other long enough to put together an entire album, they have more plans. A cult following was created after the success of the album. Nas and Damian Marley already had fans from all across the world. Now, as a duo, they plan to travel the world and meet these people.

Beginning in February, Nas and Damian Marley will team up for the Distant Relatives tour.

02/09 – Kona Bowl (Kailua-Kona, HI)

02/12 – Centennial Park (Sydney, Australia)
02/13 – Flemington Racecourse – The Nursery (Flemington, Austrailia)
02/16 – TSB Bank Area (Wellington, New Zealand)
02/17 – Logan Campbell Centre (Auckland, New Zealand)
02/19 – Parkland Showgrounds (Gold Coast, Australia)
02/20 – Claremont Showground (Claremont, Australia)
02/23 – MP Hall (Osaka, Japan)
02/24 – Zepp (Tokyo, Japan)
02/25 – Bay Hall (Yokohama, Japan)
02/26 – Kakaako Beach Park Amphitheater (Honolulu, HI)
02/27 – Maui Arts and Cultural Center (Maui, HI)

Nas

03/22 – Circus Nightclub (Helsinki, Finland)
03/23 – Samfunnet (Bodo, Norway)
03/24 – Verkstedet (Tromso, Norway)
03/25 – Samfundet (Trondheim, Norway)
03/26 – USF Verftet (Bergen, Norway)
03/27 – Folken (Stavanger, Norway)
03/29 – Sentrum Scene (Oslo, Norway)

Distant Relatives

03/13 – Wembley Arena (London, UK)
04/01 – Glasgow O2 Academy (Glasgow, UK)
04/02 – Manchester Apollo (Manchester, UK)
04/04 – Ancienne Belgique (Brussels, Belgium)
04/05 – Zenith (Paris, France)
04/07 – Caprices Festival (Crans Montana, Switzerland)
04/08 – Komplex (Zurich, Switzerland)
04/09 – Palasharp (Milan, Italy)
04/11 – Paradiso (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
04/14 – Atlantico Pavilion (Lisbon, Portugal)

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Raekwon still open to Nas collaboration

The relationship between Nas and Raekwon has been on shaky ground for the past few months. Last year, Raekwon was preparing for the release of Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, Pt. II and he lined up guest appearances. Among the guest named for the album was Nas. But, when the album was released, Nas was nowhere to be found on it.

Following the release of the album, Raekwon said he had planned for a collaboration with Nas. For unknown reasons, Nas stood him up on the album. Rae said their collaboration could have been legendary. Nas spoke on the album and said it, along with Jay-Z's instant classic, The Blueprint 3, were his favorite albums on the year.

Obviously disappointed, Raekwon said Nas should have let him know he did not want to be on the album. After hearing about his disappointment on various websites, Nas opened up on the situation. He said he did not intentionally leave Raekwon hanging. Instead, Nas was so swamped working with Damian Marley on their Distant Relatives project and the situation with Kelis. With everything going on, he decided to simply take a break.

Before being abandoned by Nas, Raekwon considered the Queens rapper to be one of his best friends in the game. Even though Nas left no warning about not recording for the album, Raekwon did not let it bother their personal relationship. However, their professional relationship took quite a hit. But, with Nas explaining himself, Raekwon easily forgave him on a professional level. Now, working on his next album, Shaolin vs. Wu Tang, Raekwon is open to having Nas featured on the album. Nas admitted he missed out on a golden opportunity on the last Raekwon album and promised to show up if he had a second chance.

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Nas cannot catch a Break

The past few months have been tough on Nas. His seemingly happy marriage to Kelis fell apart and he owes her a lot of money in back child support. Because two years have passed since he last released an album, Nas is trying to rebuild his buzz. It is in him to return to the game, but he needs some money because Kelis has plans of milking him dry.

Before he returns with a solo album, Nas wants to come through with his promise of an album with Damian Marley. The duo have talked about a collaboration album for three years. However, it was not until last year that they became serious about recording togehter. As the year went on, more and more tracks came.

Now, with the album around the corner, Nas and Damian Marley are hitting the road. Right when they are getting things underway, there are police officers that are prepared to protest their show. It is not just Nas and Damian Marley that are being protested. Instead, the Palm Beach police are protesting the entire Spring Fest taking place.

Despite not going at Nas directly, this has the potential to be a major blow for the rapper who has been on a steady decline since "Ether."

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