Nas Drops New LP In September, Declares Hip-Hop Dead
Last night (5/18) Nas graced the stage at New York's Radio City Music Hall, capping off his short set by announcing plans to release his next album this September.
"I'm working hard for y'all, I got an album coming out in September," Nas told the crowd.
The Queens-bred MC, who recently signed to Def Jam, was a guest performer for new labelmates The Roots, during the first night of their two day performance at Radio City. Last night's show also featured Common, Talib Kweli and Big Daddy Kane. Comedian Dave Chappelle briefly graced the stage as well. The Roots second show is scheduled for tonight (5/19) with Erykah Badu, Mos Def, J.Davey and African singer Angelique Kidjo also performing.
Nas' September release, titled Hip-Hop is Dead, will be the first of two albums jointly marketed by Def Jam and Nas' previous label, Columbia. Nas and Def Jam president Jay-Z announced they'd deaded their beef at Jay-Z's "I Declare War" concert last October and in January the two furthered their relationship when Nas joined the Def Jam roster. With their partnership solidified Jay-Z has even raised the possibility that he might make a guest appearance on the new Nas release.
Hip Hop is Dead will be Nas' follow-up to 2004's Streets Disciple which sold some 694,000 copies according to Nielsen Soundscan. Billboard.com has also reported that Black Eyed Peas member will.i.am is also scheduled to record with Nas for the new project.
In related news, The Roots are also preparing their new Def Jam debut Game Theory, which is scheduled to be released late Summer 2006. Their first single "Don't Feel Right" dropped earlier this month.