Nas and DJ Premier have revealed the tracklist for their highly anticipated joint album, Light-Years. The album will be released this Friday via Mass Appeal Records, stirring excitement among hip-hop fans worldwide.
Light-Years features 15 tracks, including sequels to some of their most iconic songs. Notably, “N.Y. State of Mind Pt. 3” continues the gritty New York narrative from the original Illmatic and I Am… albums.
Another highlight is “3rd Childhood,” a follow-up to “2nd Childhood” from Stillmatic. These tracks reinforce Nas and Premo’s legacy as one of hip-hop’s greatest rapper-producer duos. The album also includes a guest appearance by AZ on “My Story Your Story,” reflecting Nas’ deep-rooted connections in hip-hop.
AZ, known for his memorable debut on “Life’s a Bitch” and work with The Firm, is the sole feature. Interestingly, the lead single “Define My Name” is not on the tracklist but remains relevant for fans anticipating the release.
Nas recently shared with Rolling Stone that some songs on Light-Years were actually recorded nearly two decades ago. He revealed that at least two older ideas finally made it onto the album this year. Nas expressed his enthusiasm for the project, calling it “personally a long time coming” for both him and DJ Premier.
This album will close out Mass Appeal Records’ Legend Has It… series, which celebrates New York hip-hop through a year-long string of releases. The series included albums from icons like Slick Rick, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Mobb Deep, Big L, and De La Soul.
Nas described the series as a revival of the energy and urgency that marked mid-90s hip-hop. He emphasized the importance of honoring hip-hop’s legacy to inspire and elevate the culture today.
Light-Years is set to be a milestone in both artists’ careers. Its blend of past and present elements promises to extend the lasting impact of Nas and DJ Premier on hip-hop history.
Read more at: hiphopdx.com-
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