In an interview with Nas on Monday, Vibe Magazine learned a few details about the upcoming Distant Relatives collaboration with Damian Marley, as well as the rapper’s future plans. He explained how the studio sessions elicited inherent memories of past cultures within him.
“I can’t explain what it is, something else takes over when we in the studio,” he told Vibe. “When I hear [Damian Marley] mention Shaka Zulu, Incan warriors, I can see them rising up from the dead. I feel like we’re speaking to our ancestors with our music.”
Nas is familiar with writing music for those who came before him. On 2004’s Street’s Diciplehe wrote a track as a tribute to Hip Hop pioneer Rakim. The song, titled “Unauthorized Biography of Rakim,” was received ambiguously by Rakim himself, who said he felt “funny” about the track, as Nas never offered him a phone call nor did he reach out.
“It’s just love and respect,” Nas explained, nearly six years later. “How could I [disrespect him]? Somebody makes a song about you, it’s gonna freak you out, no matter what. If someone makes one about me? I raise an eyebrow for a second but then since I’ve done it, I understand. It’s love, real shit. I wanna do one about KRS[-One] and Kool G Rap.”
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Nas assured that the track was meant to honor someone he looks up to and also commented on Drake and J. Cole who have been compared to himself and Jay-Z. “I think its great that these brothers aim to be [like myself and Jay-Z]. They’re great. Jay Electronica’s a monster, [too]. They’re gonna open doors for more real niggas to get in the game. I love that shit. It’s too early for me to know, [though]. Those dudes are so creative, who knows what they’re about to do. I’m just gonna sit back and enjoy the show.”
In the interview, Nas also talked about his situation with Kelis, and the relationship between him and his first son, Knight.
