When inquired about a potential partnership, the ‘Illmatic’ rapper mentioned it must be “smooth in how it connects.”
Main Points:
- Nas expresses his desire to collaborate with Kendrick Lamar, but only if the energy is right.
- In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, he referred to Lamar as the “North Star” of rap.
- A partnership could showcase the progression of Hip Hop across two different lyrical periods.
It’s difficult to imagine that Nas and Kendrick Lamar — among the finest lyricists to ever take the stage — have not worked together. On Wednesday (Oct. 15), the Queensbridge rapper expressed that he would “love to collaborate with him,” but it should occur organically.
“It’s solely focused on the artist.” “When you have the opportunity to collaborate and create, it ought to feel completely effortless,” Nas explained to Complex’s Jordan Rose when questioned about a potential partnership. “That would be excellent.” I would enjoy collaborating with him, but I believe it needs to be seamless in how it links.
“Whatever I do with anyone, particularly someone like him, I prefer to take my time, so we’ll see,” Nas added. He then faced the camera with a humorous tone and directly spoke to Lamar: “[If] you could do a song with your brother, that would be great.” The Illmatic artist mentioned that the invitation extends to “all you MCs out there,” not exclusively to the Compton native.
Nas has been expressing a lot of affection for Lamar recently. Just this past Tuesday (Oct. 7), he mentioned to Rolling Stone that the “Not Like Us” rapper was the “North Star” of hip-hop. “Kendrick is one of the most brilliant talents we’ve encountered, and I’m not just referring to him as a superstar; I mean like the North Star — I believe he’s one of those,” he stated. “Among all the artists in this industry, some are not present for the purpose of art.” When we observe individuals who are not present for the art and are harming it, they are jeopardizing the future of the art. Therefore, I believe that artists such as Kendrick will voice their opinions.
2025 has been an extraordinary year for Lamar, as his “Grand National Tour” is expected to conclude in December. On Tuesday (Oct. 14), he performed “GOOD CREDIT” live at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles alongside Playboi Carti.
