A legend lifts up the next-gen, Nas reminds the world who’s shaping the future of hip hop.
Nas is giving major love to the new wave on De La Soul’s upcoming track “Run It Back!!” He uses his verse to shine light on Doechii, Kendrick Lamar, and SZA, calling them “with most powerful hits,” and making it clear they’re not just here, they’re leading.
The song, off De La Soul’s album Cabin In The Sky (dropping Nov 21), features more than just nods; Nas also pays tribute to rising Black artists Leon Thomas and Shaboozey. He raps, “Only Black artists on top of the charts,” asserting that the genre’s future is firmly in Black hands.
This moment is bigger than a guest verse. It’s Nas passing the torch, acknowledging that hip-hop’s legacy is evolving. Doechii just had a major year, she won a Grammy and is making noise. Kendrick and SZA have been riding high on their unstoppable creative streak. This collaboration is a full-circle moment: legends and new schoolers in the same breath.
When Nas speaks, culture listens. And in “Run It Back!!,” he’s telling the world the future is here, and it’s powerful.
