Nas’ upcoming solo album will have the worldwide industry power of Universal Music Group behind it.
The legendary MC’s Mass Appeal Records has announced a new global distribution deal with Universal ahead of his upcoming LP, which is scheduled to drop this Friday (June 15). The Kanye West-produced project will be released in collaboration with Def Jam Recordings.
“I’ve been blessed to work with two of the best brands in music,” Nas said in a press release. “Columbia Records was how I got my start and Def Jam was where I continued that journey. In my next chapter, I am proud to say that I am signing myself to myself. I look forward to releasing many projects in the very near future with Mass Appeal’s new global partnership with UMG.”
As part of the new deal, Universal has become the exclusive distributor of Mass Appeal’s physical and digital music releases as well as short-form video content.
“In the 15 months since joining forces with UMG, we have seen the Mass Appeal brand expand rapidly, experiencing our most successful year to date,” Mass Appeal CEO Peter Bittenbender added. “Much like fans across the world we are hyped that Nas is finally dropping his new album and couldn’t be more proud that it’s our first release through this new partnership.”
Since it was founded in 2014, Mass Appeal has released projects by artists such as Run The Jewels, J Dilla, Pimp C, Dave East, Fashawn and Black Milk.
“Mass Appeal is a thriving multimedia platform that speaks to an audience that is increasingly influencing culture,” Universal’s Executive Vice President Michele Anthony noted. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to expand our relationship. UMG will now provide Mass Appeal’s label with our expertise and resources to maximize the global opportunities for their exceptional roster of artists.”
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I’m here for it!! One rapper who NEVER switched his style just to fit in today’s industry! Call him washed all y’all want but he is a GREAT!! His own record label just means he’ll look for actual substance rappers instead of abc mumble “rap”!! TAKE MY MONEY!!!
They been saying Nas was washed for the last 20yrs.! HAAHAHAHAHAH! but he’s still here..
Uh, yah Nas changed his style… numerous times. He was Nasty Nas from The Bridge on Illnatic. Then he somehow became a mafioso gangster Nas Escobar who tells girls they owe him for diamonds on albums I’d care to forget. It actually took Jay Z coming for him, which nobody had done before, to snap him back to the polished Nas from It was written. Ya, Nas done changed it up several times. I’m still checking for him though.
I was kinda hoping Nas woulda kept his label completely independent, especially with his Def Jam contract expiring after this album comes out.. In this day + age who needs the majors? But I’ll take it, hopefully if nothing else, it helps keep GOOD hip-hop in the limelight, without too much compromise I hope..
Who needs majors? What happens to artists after they go independent and don’t know how to release albums?
An average independent release easily costs $20,000 – on the low end. Majors have big marketing dollars.
It is what it is both have their pros and cons.
Only people who ever talk bad about Nas are fckin Jay Z stans funny how some beef from 15 years ago that was already squashed got people still feeling a certain way
Fuck you and nasqueer jones. Nas is garbage for life
Judging defines who you are!
Nas no doubt one of best ever arguably the GOAT on any given day!
You a fan a phony a fake a pussy a stan. I’ll still whip yo ass you 36 in a karate class.
Nas Don’t let us down bruhhh
Hopefully he can get that album with Premier going, and drop Lost Tapes 2
That’s a power move. Use UMG’s resources and keep creative control as well as a majority of the income share.
It appears Good Music, Mass Appeal, and TDE are running the game at the moment.
They are running shit!!!! All of the above overrated.
This is good. The RAP GODS are smiling on this lituation.
THAT’S A MAJOR KEY, HAHAHA
Rappers taking control of their shit….great
Ye is hot but I guess I’m the only muthafucka wondering why him and DJ Premier never put that long awaited full collaboration out. I’m an old school 80s and 90s kid tho.
Preem been doing his hustle with Royce da 5’9″, very successfully. Nas ego may have prevented the collabo IMO, but at least Nas got some new music soon, look forward to it.
Worst deal ever. Broke ass Nas is only gonna get fucked even more, and all the albums on Ass Appeal will flop too. King HOV and ROC Nation is still the best label in the game. It’s the ROC!
Hate.hate.hate.nas the fucken rich.done.just hate me now.but I want stop now. Q b bitch
“I am proud to say that I am signing myself to myself. I look forward to releasing many projects in the very near future with Mass Appeal” ah yes many projects, cool, that’s all I wanted to hear. Esco, let’s Go!
Where were these labels when the Ether beef was occuring. Who remembers when all the major labels had dropped Nas during that epic and hip hop defining battle with Jay-Z. Now u signing deals with them same devils who left u for dead. Somethings not right about this deal with a known Luciferian record label.Im just sayin, Nas.
Don’t even know where to start with this nonsense. Nobody dropped him. He was still signed to Columbia and wouldn’t leave for Def Jam for another few years. Now he’s signing a distribution deal. He owns all his own stuff. He’s putting out respected artists like RTJ, Black Milk, etc. Basically, he’s crushing it and you’re a moron.