The legendary New York hip-hop duo announced their debut collaborative album: This is what we know so far
Last updated: 10th August 2025
We’ve been hearing about this album for so long that it almost feels like it will never happen. However, there’s good news: Nas (Nasir Jones) and DJ Premier (real name Christopher Edward Martin) have confirmed that their collaborative project is indeed happening.
A full confirmation was made via social media on 23 April 2024. The two heavyweights released a video detailing their plans for an album.
The project was alluded to some years ago, and more recently on the rapper’s 2022 album King’s Disease III, where he rapped: “Doesn’t matter this is sheer relief, I feel the breeze this is/ Superhero material, rap star status/ Premier album still might happen.”
READ MORE: Ghostface Killah Releases “Scar Tissue” Feat Nas
The lyricist celebrated the 30th anniversary of his first album Illmatic, in which he toured the US and Europe to celebrate this milestone. So in light of this and an expected announcement, here’s what we know so far about the album including features, tracklist and title.
Recent Updates
A listener on X (formerly Twitter) publicly endorsed two DJ Premier produced songs, which he supplied to Rome Streetz and Griselda.
The beat maker replied saying, “of course I am!!! Make sure your ears are tuned…” The post was made on December 15th, which means it’s still happening.
Later on, Preemo made another statement on January 2nd 2025, hyping up fans that the album may come sooner than later: “I’m not gonna yap about what’s comin out. I’m gonna deliver and show y’all that I’ve been quietly workin’ overtime to bring the promised product in many variations past and present. Believe me or doubt me I must show and prove.”
READ MORE: ‘The Coldest Profession’: Roc Marciano & DJ Premier Fulfill Promising Ideas
On the 17th April 2025, Mass Appeal Records announced that seven new albums are set to drop. “The 7 albums of Legend Has It… are coming. Which legend’s return has you the most excited?” These albums will include projects by Mobb Deep and De La Soul, as well as Nas and DJ Premier.
Who Is Featured on The Album?
Aside from DJ Premier and Nas, no other features have been confirmed yet. However, I wouldn’t expect many, given the number of songs on the confirmed tracklist. However, considering that it is the 30th anniversary of his entry in music, one can speculate that AZ may make an appearance, as he did on both his debut and sequel Stillmatic.
Release Date and Details
Despite the announcement, the album remains untitled (at least, that’s what we’ve been told) and is expected to feature nine tracks. Originally planned as an EP, it has evolved into a full-length project, which is understandable given the work ethic of both artists.
Although it was scheduled for late 2024, the end of the year is almost upon us, which means a large programme of holiday records is expected. Unless it’s a last-minute surprise release, as Nas is known for, it’s likely we’ll get it next year.
It will be distributed through Nas’ record label, Mass Appeal, and was recorded at the prestigious Kaufman Astoria Studios in New York, known for its creative facilities for both music and film.
Considering prior releases, we can expect vinyl, cassettes, and CDs to go on sale, as well as t-shirts, sweaters, jackets, and even postcards and air fresheners.
What It Sounds Like
So far, we’ve heard the lead single Define My Name, which dropped earlier this year in April. The song is a nod to the 1999 track Nas Is Like, and although it’s sonically different from its predecessor, it features the familiar cyclical sample structure Premier is known for. Escobar reflects on his long-standing career and the fact he continues to produce “hard” music at the age of fifty-one.
This means we can expect the distinctive synergy both artists bring when they collaborate. Think of classic tracks like Come and Get Me, N.Y. State of Mind, and I Gave You Power.
This could also mean we will hear Nasir Jones’ vocal excerpts and ad-libs in a nostalgic throw back for fans of the iconic duo. Expect quintessential boom-bap beats, paired with a lyrically driven narrative that hip-hop fans will enjoy.
Complete Tracklist of Every Nas and DJ Premier Collaboration
It’s a chemistry that few can boast about, and it’s undeniably distinct to the ears of genre aficionados everywhere. Nas even references this on Beat Breaks from his recent 2023 album: “Rocking with Preem is nothing short of amazing,” later adding, “Check the vibe, old school styles been augmented/You heard everything ’til Nas vocal cords hit it/”…”/Premo beats are water, let your thoughts dissolve in it.”
The tracklist below would make an incredible album in itself, offering plenty for purists to savour, thanks to their historic partnership:
- N.Y. State of Mind (Illmatic, 1994)
- Memory Lane (Sittin’ in Da Park) (Illmatic, 1994)
- Represent (Illmatic, 1994)
- Nas Is Like (I Am…, 1999)
- N.Y. State of Mind (I Am…, 1999)
- Come Get Me (Nastradamus, 1999)
- Second Childhood (Stillmatic, 2001)
- Regeneration (collaboration for a documentary project, 2012)
- Beat Breaks (Hip-Hop 50, Vol 1)
- Define My Name (single, 2023)
Reaction
So far, fans have reacted positively to news of the album, strengthened by the lead single’s release. Some have mirrored the excitement, with one saying, “We’re definitely eating this year,” and “Define My Name was just a warm up record. I know they are going to get in the Lab and really cook.”
The rapper’s contemporaries responded enthusiastically to the news, with fellow label mate, Ghostface Killah excitedly expressing, “LETS GOOOOOO KING,” while his recent two time trilogy collaborator, Hitboy said “hard.”
Industry and fan buzz is brewing and it appears it will only increase. Given the surprises Nas has dropped over the past few years (six albums between 2020-2023), we should prepare for more when the album finally releases.
How Did the Legendary Rapper and Producer First Meet?
The two met when Nas began planning for his debut album Illmatic. Preemo was one of the most sought after producers at the time, and the rapper wanted to assemble the best in the game for his debut. Naturally, the beatsmith was approached.
Jones had already impressed on his verse for Main Source’s song Live at the Barbeque, along with the group’s legendary member, rapper and producer Large Professor. His verse got the hip-hop world excited, making the decision easy for Martin. The project went on to become one of the most important in music history, let alone the genre’s.
More to come…
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