Tag: Nas

Fat Joe reveals 3 rappers who inspire him when making an album

Fat Joe has revealed the three rappers he looks to for inspiration when embarking on a new album.

During an Instagram Live session with Michael Rainey Jr. on Wednesday (October 2, 2024), legendary rapper Fat Joe revealed the three rappers he looks to for inspiration when working on a new album. In addition, he reveals his upcoming project’s title and release month.

“Whenever I make an album, I always put up a poster of Nas, a poster of JAY-Z and one of Eminem. And I be like, ‘Yo, I gotta be as good as them or even better. In my own mind. I could be delusional, but I do that. I shoot for the stars.” said Fat Joe.

Back in July, a reporter for TMZ caught up with the Terror Squad boss in Los Angeles to talk about his peers such as Nas, DJ Premiere, LL Cool J, Common and Pete Rock all releasing new projects in 2024. “Breaking news: Fat Joe be dropping an album in August, too, so put me in that list of pioneers and legends and icons,” he shared. While that release date is now pushed back, it appears as if the new project is finally coming. Check out the clip below.

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Stephen A. Smith explains why he choses Eminem over Nas

During a recent episode of the Connect The Dots podcast, the sports television personality, sports radio host, and sports journalist, Stephen A. Smith was tasked to choose the the better rapper between Eminem and Nas. According to Smith, Slim Shady has the edge over Esco because how he can relate to him more and how much more consistent his greatness is.

“I think Eminem is one of the greatest ever. I also think Nas is one of the greatest ever. Nas’ lyrics are off the chain, but it requires more street knowledge and just more of a comprehension of the verbiage to really dissect, whereas with Eminem…he gives it to you simple and plain. I’m going to have to say as much as I love Nas, and I do love Nas, I have to give the edge to Eminem.”

Smith added that Nas’s “best of” catalog is better than Eminem’s, saying: “Now the best of Nas is better than the best of Eminem, but Eminem’s there’s more consistency to his greatness as opposed to Nas is what I’m trying to say which is why I have to give the edge.”

This debate is more than just a comparison between two iconic artists; it’s a reflection on what criteria define greatness in hip-hop. Eminem’s appeal to a wide demographic, combined with his consistent output, challenges the traditional metrics of lyrical complexity and street credibility that artists like Nas embody. Smith’s perspective opens up a broader discussion about how we evaluate an artist’s contribution to their genre and what it means to be “the greatest.” Ultimately, both rappers have left an indelible mark on hip-hop, but the question of who reigns supreme is subjective and depends on the criteria one values most.

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Big Daddy Kane answers question from Eminem

The legendary emcee, Big Daddy Kane and Noah Callahan-Bever sat down together in Brooklyn, NY in celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. The two discussed Kane’s iconic career, getting the only sample ever cleared by Prince, hitting the studio with Rick James in the ’80s, being left of the Batman soundtrack, and the many challenges he’s faced in his career and how he’s continued to persevere. He also asked questions from Eminem, Nas and Pusha T.

Interviewer: First question comes from Mr. Marshall Mathers, Eminem, who is curious — because you were doing it so early in your career when most rappers weren’t, how did you know or how did you learn how to do multi-syllable flow, like when you said: making sure every lyrics is done fine and make one line bright as sunshine?

Big Daddy Kane: Em asked me that question before. Yeah, he has asked me that before. I don’t know, I guess it’s the type of thing when you’re running out of rhymes, you figure out the ways to match words together to keep the rhyme going on. What I think Eminem originally asked me about was ‘Rap Prime Minister, some say sinisterNon-stopping the groove, until when it’s the…” He points out, Sinister, Minister, okay, but now what else rhymes with that? So, I just put ‘Non-stopping the groove’ until ‘when it’s the’, say fast enough ‘when it’s the’ and it rhymes with Sinister. I just run out words and you create your own, you know. In all honesty, when I did that, I never paid attention to that I was pushing the entire genre until Eminem mentioned it to me a couple of years ago, I never paid attention to it.

Back in 2021, Big Daddy Kane confirmed that he interviewed Eminem for his upcoming Netflix documentary, titled “Paragraphs I Manifest.” The release date of the docu-series is still unknown… You can watch the new interview below:

Busta Rhymes names Top 5 Greatest Rappers Ever, includes Eminem

Last month, Busta Rhymes returned with a new studio album, Blockbusta. The LP arrived as his eleventh project overall and the first full-length collection of music since 2020’s Extinction Level Event 2.

To promote the album, the East Flatbush, New York-born hip-hop legend has done an interview on Amazon Music’s +44 Podcast with Sideman and Zeze Millz where he revealed his list of top five greatest rappers of all time.

“Greatest rapper ever? I don’t think I have one. I could say five. Rakim. Some might disagree with me but Nas. I would say Eminem. I’m starting to feel like there some new guys that are starting to go into that list to me. I’m almost there with J. Cole but I’m still torn between him and Kendrick. I’m talking about only bars! If Kendrick was to get active in the same way that Cole is being active, it would be a way different conversation but again, I’m torn between Cole and Kendrick, but it would be one of them two.” said Busta Rhymes.

Then he continued: “I still didn’t put none of them two in the fourth place. I was just saying that it was gonna be a new guy cause they are really starting to really earn their right to passage and to be in the top 5 greatest of all time to me. I would definitely say JAY-Z. I’m Biggie bias. I’m Biggie bias because I think what he has done between two albums everybody obviously had an opportunity to work way longer than him and they still can’t top what he has done in two albums. I think that’s my list.”

Later, Busta continues speaking about touring with 50 Cent, his new album Blockbusta, working with Little Simz, R.A and Giggs, growing up in the United Kingdom and more. You can watch the interview below:

Erick Sermon says he’d go harder if he knew Eminem was on Nas’ “EPMD 2” track

EPMD’s Erick Sermon has recently visited Math Hoffa on his My Expert Opinion where he talked about how Nas’ “EPMD 2” with Eminem came about.

“Nas had called for the permission to use EPMD name, that happened, and then Hit-Boy was like ‘yo, you wanna jump on the record?’ I’m like ‘hell yeah, I jump on the song.'” said Erick Sermon.

Then he continued: “I really didn’t even know about what to do [write] so I was trying to go on what Nas was talking about. It was Covid. So, the s–t was going on so I was trying to being political with that cause I probably would have came different. Especially knowing that Eminem was coming up behind me.”

“So, you know, MCing, I don’t give a f–k if I can’t get him. I’m not gonna do that. If I know that Em is right there [Em is reckless]. And then, Nas said, ‘oh yeah, Eric, I put Em on the record.’ I was like ‘HUH?!’ We had 16 [bars] but he cut it because Em was going long. So, he only gave us 8. But it was cool. I respect that he called it EPMD. That was cool.”

“I would have kept saying metaphors, I would have kept going. Causse, I’m here, I wrote the whole thing so I would have went cause I’m not afraid.” Erick Sermon added.

You can watch the interview below:

Nas shouts out Eminem on a new song from “Magic 3” album

To celebrate his 50th birthday, iconic hip-hop artist Nas releases his 17th studio album, Magic 3.

Arriving just under eight weeks after Nas’ previous album, Magic 2, Magic 3 is the final volume in an album-trilogy collaboration between the New York legend and producer Hit-Boy. The duo first teamed up for 2020’s King’s Disease, and have since collaborated on four additional albums, including the first two entries in the Magic series. The first Magic record dropped in 2021.

Spanning 15 tracks, the new Magic 3 is lush with elements indicative of the duo’s partnership, as well as highlights, like the track “Never Die,” which features Lil Wayne.

In the outro of the 15th track of the album, titled “1-800-Nas&Hit”, Nas thanked few people who contributed to his six album run, including Eminem:

“Shout out Big Des and Knight
It’s all about the next generation
That’s what we here for, the next generation
Of course to Jung, the crew, the family
Big Lef, Modo, Jav Kevinsky
My geysers, Che, what up?
All my peeps, yeah
Haz, I said, Haz, yeah, let’s hear it back
Hazimoto
Too many to name
Em, The Company
Exit, what up?
Mass Appeal
Annie, everybody, thank you
Peace.”

You can listen to the song below:

J. Cole says Eminem & Tupac are the North Stars that he was always following

J. Cole has talked openly about the Hip Hop icons who motivated him to strive for excellence and establish himself as a prominent figure in rap.

Cole has recently sat down with Kevin Hart for the latest episode of Hart to Heart podcast on Peacock, where he paid homage to some of the game’s legends that paved the way like Eminem and 2Pac.

“I got a whole list of people who are the reason why I’m here — They don’t even know it but they are north stars that I was following. Obviously, Pac. Jay, Nas, Eminem, André 3000, Lil Wayne. And these are obviously the big bullets.” Cole said.

Then he continued: “I had Royce Da 5’9″ moments. I had Canibus moments. I had Boom Boom moments. But like in terms of the people that fueled my ambition. That showed me what was really possible. Like the first names I named, those are the highest ones. So those were the people where I was like, ‘Yo, I’m tryna get up there.’ In terms of skill, in terms of success, all of that they fueled it.”

You can watch the video below:

New Song: Nas – “Office Hours” ft. 50 Cent

Legendary Nas is back with his latest project, titled Magic 2 — the sequel to his 2021 release, Magic.

The 11-track album clocks in at 30 minutes and is executive produced by Hit-Boy and Nas himself, with 50 Cent and 21 Savage appearing on the tracks “Office Hours” and “One Mic, One Gun,” respectively.

Magic 2 picks up where 2022’s King’s Disease — its direct predecessor — left off, and hears Nas and Hit-Boy’s partnership at an elevated level. The rapper’s recent three-year run is a testament to his legacy and power, and Crown Heights, New York-born rapper has proven that he is one of the few that have aged like fine wine.

You can stream the new collaboration below:

50 Cent is featured on Nas’ new album dropping this Friday

Yesterday, Nas continued to tease fans with something in the works and has seemingly confirmed the plans for Magic 2 album with a Houdini trailer he posted on Instagram.

The hip-hop icon posted a black-and-white clip of Harry Houdini performing his straight jacket escape while hanging upside down to Instagram Monday (July 17, 2023) further fueling rumors of Magic 2 being on the way.

“Houdini,” Hit-Boy wrote in the comments section — who was the primary producer of 2021’s Magic project. Fans piled on about another Nas and Hit-Boy project on the horizon: “PLEASE CALL THE ALBUM STILLMAGIC.” Another commented: “Magic easily one of Nas best albums EVER! I’m ready for this!!!!!!!”

50 Cent has just confirmed that Nas new album is actually titled Magic 2 and he will be featured on the project. “Y’all ain’t heard me in a minute, Nas felt like it was time so it’s done. Check us out Friday 7.21 MAGIC 2 (Office Hours) QGTM.” wrote Fiddy on Instagram while sharing the official cover art of the album.

Check out Fif’s post below:

Azizz claims NAS ghostwrote for Eminem, says Shady entirely copied his style

Az Izz, the member of Outsidaz hip-hop collective, which was formed in 1991 after underground rapper Young Zee met D.U. and Pacewon at a New Year’s Eve party, has recently hit twitter to lash out on Eminem, who was the member of the group in the past, alongside Bizarre of D12.

In his Twitter rant, the Newark, New Jersey-born rapper claims Eminem copied his styles and used to use NAS as the ghostwriter. He also called out Eminem for being ‘the most ungrateful rapper’ ever.

“To Da Stans, Dr. Dre wasn’t around during the struggle. When a mofo is as fake as this clown you can’t take your foot off his neck. The Most Ungrateful Rapper To Ever Touch A Mic ⁦- Eminem! How you shoutout 100 MCs who did nothing for you in your Hall Of Fame speech but not Me and Slang?!” says Aziz

Then he continues: “If they invented the streaming service and they signed an artist why would they not make it look like that artist is the number one selling artist out. Even though we all know ain’t nobody really listening to Eminem anymore. Hip-Hop is in Atlanta. Down south! Not up north or mid west.”

“Yo, they done blackballed n shadow banned me. I made them remove the dislike button on YouTube cause I was getting paid no matter what. Then I ended Shady Records and made The Slaughterhouse breakup cause them ni–as ain’t know they were on a plantation. Where is my flowers. GOATED.

“I’m bout to make all the Stan’s convert to Izians.”

“Aloha Fools Tune In Or Get Tuned Out. I be having these Stan’s heated when I say chit like. I Ain’t Shady But I’m The Real Slim.”

“Aloha Fools! Since I got you Stan’s attention let me try to educate some of you who weren’t born yet. This Album All Natural was my very first compilation Album. Which Ended Up Becoming The First Outsidaz Album. I produced everything on this project. So Low.”

“Aloha Fools! To my Stans aka Izians. I’m The Real Slim. This was another banger I produced n set off way b4 Em showed up.”

“Aloha Fools. To the Stans I’m gonna convert all of you to Izians. This is me on the production and R.I.P Slang going back to back. I’m trying to show y’all we were already Dopeliss before the white Boi infiltrated. They thought we were a gang so they sent Em CIA a– to divide us.”

“Aloha Fools! Aye Stan’s If you listen clearly you can tell this was when ⁦Eminem fell in love with my style. Once again I’m on the production and setting it off. Listen to my voice you can hear him mimicking me clearly. Plus he was the one who picked the beat over Gov track.”

“Now here is where it gets interesting. This Iz Slang’s verse. ⁦Eminem was no where to be found plus he def didn’t rap like this. I feel like I’m in court fighting for my freedom. Mind you I got to America in 88 by 96 97 I’m keeping up with Slang. Em’s a fraud a biter.”

“Since I took my light back I’m back Spittin like share subscribe to a real Authentic GOAT no Ghostwriters . I could’ve sold this song to Marsha he but records. I know for a fact Nas has written for Em. I know someone’s pen when I hear it.”

“This Izz A Fight To The Finish. Ima make y’all mans tell the truth. I know someone told him he could run with my style. Who was it ⁦Eminem. Tell the truth n shame the devil.”

Check out the tweet below. All the rest of the tweets can be seen on Azizz’s Twitter.

New documentary reveals 50 Cent dissed Jay-Z & Nas on original version of “Back Down”

On “Back Down” in 2003, 50 Cent dissed Ja Rule and Murder Inc., but the song’s original version allegedly also targeted JAY-Z, Nas, R. Kelly and Cam’ron.

The 20th anniversary of Get Rich or Die Tryin’ coincides with the release of a new documentary by Diverse Mentality that dissects each song from 50’s debut album.

One of the project’s producers, Sha Money XL, recalls 50 Cent ranting about other rappers on unreleased version of “Back Down” and explains how his mind works when it comes to aiming for listeners.

“That record is his traditional patterns of ‘How to Rob,’ your ‘Life’s on the Line,’ ‘Ghetto Quran. Certain names is being mentioned, certain nerves being pinched. That’s his marketing tool – Fif has a marketing tool within music. He knows how to make records that’s gonna get you to talk, listen and f–k with him.” Sha Money XL said.

Then he continued: “This is one of the ones that I don’t know anyone else that did a record to it. Like, Dre had records that other people do… Rakim or D12. This one, nah. This one was fresh. Fresh. And we went to my crib, cut that s–t. Fif had no filter.”

“Get to L.A. and played it, Dre put the filter on him, like, ‘Hold up, bro. Hold up, bro. Nah, bro. You going too far, man. And we had to re-record that s–t. I still got the version where he’s spazzing, man.” he added.

The narrator goes on to say that the original version of “Back Down” took aim at Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff, JAY-Z, R. Kelly, Nas, Cam’ron and others. At the end of the track, he also invited Dr. Dre to jump in and say “f–k you” to the competition.

Instead, Dre had 50 Cent redo the track as a filtered version only going at Ja Rule and Murder Inc.

“That s–t was blackdown, he was going black on that, blacking out, bro. Whylin’ on these muthaf–kas. The s–t he was saying, it was like, ‘Bro, you can’t say that, what you doing? Yo, come on, Nas is still the homie.’ But he wanted to take everybody, man. It was like, ‘You can’t go after the God, bro.’ Everybody’s getting it. Cam, everybody. Back the f–k down. And that s–t was well-received, man. That s–t was hard as f–k.”

You can watch the documentary below:

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Russell Westbrook ranks Nipsey Hussle over Eminem

Russell Westbrook, an NBA star player, chose Nipsey Hussle as the greatest rapper of all time over the likes of Eminem and JAY-Z.

Russ Westbrook and his wife Nina played a social media bracket game over the weekend in which they eliminated eight of the greatest rappers of all time, with his late friend Nipsey emerging as the victorious.

On his approach to proclaiming Neighborhood Nip the G.O.A.T., the former NBA MVP chose him over Slim Shady, Nas, Lil Wayne, and eventually Hov.

Californian Westbrook, who favored Dr. Dre over Biggie, Lil Wayne over 50 Cent, and Ice Cube over Redman, is sure to enrage lovers of East Coast Hip Hop.

Check out the video below:

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