NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
In the early and mid-90s, two unknown MCs staked their claim as the King of New York for Hip Hop. Although Biggie was still alive and had that title on lock, Jay Z and Nas were taking their shots at the crown.
While the two would go on to have major success in their solo careers, and then embark on one of the biggest battles in Hip Hop history, fans watched in amazement as the two would make amends but not in the way fans really wanted. Where was the Jay Z and Nas joint album?
While both have claimed the time has either passed or they just did not want to do it, deep down they both must know they let everyone down.
Despite the ill feelings between Biggie and Pac, one has to believe that somewhere down the line, the two could have worked things out and provided Hip Hop with a classic joint album. But Nas and Jay have done everything they could in their solo careers and even as a duo but give us at least 10 tracks on the same album.
They have combined to do 4 songs together. They were once a part of the same label and have even gone as far as doing shows together. So where’s the damn album? If they didn’t want to do it for each other, do it for the Hip Hop. Hell, do it for the culture. Think about what Jeezy and Gucci Mane did with their Verzes battle. A Jay and Nas album would have been historic.
Will We Ever Get A Jay Z And Nas Album
Nas had a collab milk with Damian Marley. Jay has done 2 albums with R Kelly, another with Kanye, and even one with his wife Beyonce. However, the one we’re all waiting for is their collab. Imagine how good a full album would be especially after their “Sorry, Not Sorry” collab. Time is not wasted. A Nas and Jay album now will not be as tough as it would’ve been 10 years ago but they have grown and so has their subject matter. This is grown Hip Hop now.
At this point, it could be a 6 track EP. We’ll take anything. There are moments in Hip Hop that should be locked in a time capsule and only dig up for memories or when building a new foundation. This album will fit into that category. At this point, it’s not even about whether they get along or not, this is not for them, it’s for the culture.
Most of us will leave this earth short of a Big Daddy Kane and Rakim album. We’ll die not having a Bigge and Pac album and even knowing all this, Jay and Nas have continued to ignore what’s so important. Something like this is rare and will not be matched on any level.
Nowadays, joint albums are the norm but who really cares if MC so and so does an album with MC one hit wonder?
Think back to how Irv Gotti dropped the ball on a Murder Inc. album with Jay, DMX, and Ja Rule. or how we never got the commission project with Jay Z and Biggie. These are moments that we can’t get back. X is dead, Big is gone, and so is Pac.
Nas and Jay still can get this done. It’s just a matter of them two putting their egos aside and doing what is best for Hip Hop and not their personal feelings. We need this way more than they ever will.
