In a recent dialogue with Joe Budden, renowned rapper Nas shared insights about his artistic journey following the release of “Light-Years,” his collaboration with DJ Premier. The discussion delved into various creative decisions, including a notable anecdote involving Eminem, who turned down Nas’s invitation to appear on the track “Daughters.”
Nas recounted that Eminem had reached a saturation point regarding songs about his relationship with his daughter, Hailie. “Not every record I create is a competition,” Nas remarked, offering context to their exchange as covered by Hip-Hop-N-More. He emphasized the significance of how artists approach intimate themes in their music, highlighting the personal investment they make.
The rapper elaborated, “I forwarded the track ‘Daughters’ to Eminem. At that moment, he had put substantial thought into the theme of fatherhood in his work. He acknowledged my request but explained, ‘I told my daughter I’m not making any more songs specifically about daughters right now. It’s a sensitive topic considering all the music I’ve released.’” This interaction illustrates the care and consideration that prominent artists employ when handling personal subjects.
Nas also recognized Eminem’s gratitude for the outreach, noting that many artists aim for lyrical battles that set them against each other. “I found this response refreshing as it diverged from the usual competitive atmosphere,” Nas shared. This exchange promotes the idea that mutual respect and professionalism can guide artistic collaborations, even among major figures in the industry.
The track “Daughters,” featured on Nas’s tenth studio album “Life is Good” (2012), explores the intricate realities of fatherhood through raw and candid lyrics. “Took her from private school so she can find balance / To public school; they nurture teen talents too / They grow quickly; one day she’s your little princess / The next day she’s discussing boy matters – what is this?” he raps, capturing the fast-paced changes and challenges of parenting.
This conversation aligns with the recent release of “Light-Years,” which showcases Nas’ enduring collaboration with DJ Premier. The album features standout tracks such as “My Story Your Story,” featuring AZ, and presents a third installment of the classic “N.Y. State of Mind.” This project masterfully fuses timeless storytelling with modern beats, further solidifying the duo’s influential role in the hip-hop landscape. The continued partnership between Nas and DJ Premier serves as a testament to their lasting impact and creativity in the music industry.