Nas & DJ Premier Announce Joint Album OTW

Nas and DJ Premier are set to release a joint album after collaborating for over three decades. The duo recently dropped their latest single, “Define My Name,” which was released to coincide with the 30th anniversary of Nas’s debut album, Illmatic. Premier produced three tracks on the album. In the song’s final moments, Nas confirms that he and Premier are releasing a full-length collaboration, which has been in the works for years. He boldly asserts, “30 years later, we’re back in the lab; it’s album time.” Nas had previously hinted at collaborating with Premier on the song “30” by rapping, “The Premier album still might happen.”

Despite working together for years, Premier has not produced on a Nas album since 2001’s Stillmatic on the song “2nd Childhood.” However, the two have continued to work together, with Premier featuring on Nas’s 2021 project, Magic. Nas recently concluded a six-album run with Hit-Boy that began in 2020 and ended late last year. The King’s Disease and Magic Trilogies were his first projects to be handled by a singular producer.

Nas is widely acclaimed for his ability to carry an album independently, while DJ Premier is known for his classic hip-hop production style. Premier has maintained a signature sound characterized by a swinging rhythm with a robust sample loop throughout his illustrious career. Recently, he has put his touch on songs from Ab-Soul, 2 Chainz, Russ, Busta Rhymes, and Griselda. In 2022, the legendary rapper and producer reconnected for “Beat Breaks,” which saw Nas rapping over his top-tier production.

Illmatic’s tracklist and short run time of 39 minutes make the album a classic. At ten songs, there is no room for filler. Its cohesion contributed to its legendary status. Since DJ Premier produced three tracks from Nas’s debut, the two will undoubtedly deliver high-calibre material on the upcoming album. Nas’s last six studio albums with Hit-Boy have not exceeded one hour. Based on the tracklist of Illmatic and the duo’s other masterful works, one can expect a brief runtime. Fans eagerly await the release of this highly anticipated collaboration, which will surely be a hip-hop classic.

WATCH: Nas and DJ Premier Give Behind-the-Scenes Look at “Define My Name” https://t.co/W8J1ghLdDv

— The Source Magazine (@TheSource) April 26, 2024

@Nas & @REALDJPREMIERpic.twitter.com/1VyoiGe85D

— DJ Premier (@REALDJPREMIER) April 19, 2024

Yooo!!! On the 30th anniversary of #illmatic Nas and DJ Premier have announced their long-anticipated joint album with the release of the first single “Define My Name.” I can’t waaaaait!!! Hip-hop head HEAVEN!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🙌🙌#nas#djpremier#definemyname#preemo#nasir… pic.twitter.com/FvUw9Pvkxk

— Dr Configa (PhD) (@Configa) April 19, 2024