New York rapper Nas created a stir at the Grammy awards this year, as he and his entourage walked the red carpet wearing t-shirts brightly stamped with the so-call "n-word." The word - a racial epithet often reduced to a series of asterisks, was the title of the Queensbridge native's forthcoming 9th studio album. This week, however, reports have surfaced that Nas' album will instead be released untitled.
"It's important to me that this album gets to the fans," Nas told AllHipHop in a statement. “It's been a long time coming. I want my fans to know that creatively and lyrically, they can expect the same content and the same messages. It's that important. The streets have been waiting for this for a long time. The people will always know what the real title of this album is and what to call it."
Early in the year, reports surfaced that some retailers would be hesitant to stock the album with such a controversial name. Island Def Jam reps then quickly denied rumors that they Nas would be dropped from the label unless he changed the album’s title. In fact, label CEO Antonio “L.A.“ Reid stated his support of the rapper and his title choice.
Former rap rival, Jay-Z, also spoke out in measure support, saying “I know he's very intelligent and there a reason behind what he's doing…he's not just doing it for the sake of being provocative….of course we're going to support his art…I believe it's coming from a great place. I just think it's misguided.”
Nas’ untitled album is due in stores July 1.
