Nas and DJ Premier unveil collaborative album, debuting lead single 'define my name' on Illmatic's 30th anniversary

In a monumental announcement, hip-hop icons Nas and DJ Premier have revealed their long-awaited collaborative album. The project, which remains untitled for now, marks a historic reunion between two legends who first joined forces three decades ago on Nas’s groundbreaking debut album, Illmatic.

The Illmatic legacy

Released in 1994, Illmatic is often hailed as one of the greatest rap albums of all time. Nasir Jones, then a 20-year-old rookie, delivered a lyrical masterpiece that resonated with fans and critics alike. DJ Premier, renowned for his impeccable production skills, contributed to the album by producing three unforgettable tracks:

"N.Y. State of Mind, Represent, and Memory Lane (Sittin’ In Da Park)."

“Define My Name”: A sneak peek

The album’s lead single, “Define My Name,” dropped today to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Illmatic. Nas’s introspective lyrics reflect on his journey from a young artist to a seasoned veteran:

"At twenty, I said I’d better quit by thirty / Then by thirty, I thought by forty rapping is corny / How wrong was I? / Never would have thought at fifty, new songs by Nas would be hard and live."

As Nas approaches his 51st birthday, he and DJ Premier share a renewed passion for their craft. The outro of “Define My Name” captures their excitement:

"DJ Premier: Ayy, yo, thirty years later, Illmatic was dropped / Yeah— man, what the f**k am I doing? Hahahaha."

"Nas: Ayy, yo, Preem, chill / I got the rhymes, you got the beats / Thirty years later, we back in the streets, we back in the lab."

Listen to the full song below

A journey two decades in the making

Fans have eagerly awaited this collaboration since the early 2000s when Nas first hinted at a joint album with DJ Premier. Despite the passage of time, their chemistry remains intact, and the hunger to create persists. Nas’s recent Instagram post featuring then-and-now photos with DJ Premier fueled anticipation among hip-hop enthusiasts.

While the album’s title and release date remain shrouded in mystery, one thing is clear: Nas and DJ Premier are back, and it’s “album time.” As they redefine their legacies, fans can expect a project that pays homage to their roots while pushing the boundaries of hip-hop.

Stay tuned for more updates as Nas and DJ Premier continue to define their names in the annals of rap history.