Nas Praises Kendrick Lamar as a “North Star” for Hip Hop
Nas has given high praise to Kendrick Lamar, calling him one of the brightest figures in the music industry. The comments came during a Rolling Stone interview published Tuesday, where Nas discussed Lamar in relation to his own 2006 track, “Hip Hop Is Dead,” and Kendrick’s recent single, “Watch the Party Die.”
“We all as artists love this art form and have our opinions on it. Kendrick is one of the brightest stars we’ve ever seen, and I don’t only mean superstar, I mean like the North Star — I think he’s one of those,” Nas said. He emphasized that Kendrick’s commitment to the art form sets him apart in an industry where some artists prioritize fame over craft. “Out of all of the artists in this business, there’s some that’s not here for the art. When we see those people that are not here for the art damaging it, you’re hurting the future of the art. So I think artists like Kendrick are going to speak out.”
Nas also reflected on how conversations about hip hop’s state have been ongoing for years. He noted that even before he released “Hip Hop Is Dead,” artists like OutKast had already referenced similar ideas, showing that concern for the culture is a recurring theme. “It’s just been in the conversation naturally, like any sport you want to thrive. You don’t want the NBA to start slowing down. You want it to thrive. The ball players want it to thrive. We’re going to call out anytime we see it. Sometimes the rest of us won’t see it. Sometimes it’ll take Kendrick to remind us where we are lacking,” he explained.
The discussion also turned to Nas’ long-running relationship with Jay-Z. Nas spoke about fans resurfacing their historic feud following his recent success in securing a casino license in Queens, New York, while Jay-Z and Roc Nation had attempted a Times Square project. “It is just a thing that some people are going to talk about. No one has any control over things like that. I still study Rakim and Big Daddy Kane. Some rap fans just like to go off on those things from time to time. That’s it,” Nas said.
Nas’ comments highlight his respect for Kendrick Lamar’s artistry and his continued focus on the integrity of hip hop. By acknowledging both the culture’s challenges and the artists who elevate it, Nas reinforces his role as a veteran voice advocating for the art form’s future.
