Nas & DJ Premier Are Finally Dropping Their Collab Album This December
Nas & DJ Premier Collaborative Album
Release Date: December 2025
Artists: Nas x DJ Premier
Label: Mass Appeal
First Single: “Define My Name” (April 2024) Wikipedia+2iHeart+2
Why This Album Is One of Hip Hop’s Most Anticipated Projects
For fans of golden-era hip hop, the announcement that Nas and DJ Premier are teaming up for a full album marks a major moment. Though the pair have collaborated on tracks over the years, this will be their first full-length joint effort. Wikipedia+2iHeart+2
The collaboration was first hinted way back in a 2006 interview in Scratch magazine, and since then the project has become almost legendary in its elusiveness. Wikipedia+2iHeart+2
In April 2024, they dropped the single “Define My Name”, produced by Premo, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Illmatic. That track served as the official first taste of what their joint album might sound like. Wikipedia+2iHeart+2
According to insiders, the album will feature tracks spanning their work from the early 2000s through more recent sessions — a true retrospective and forward motion at once. iHeart+2Wikipedia+2
What We Know So Far
Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s confirmed and what’s still under wraps:
| Item | Status / Detail |
|---|---|
| Release window | December 2025 (exact date TBD) (iHeart) |
| Producer | Entirely produced by DJ Premier (as expected) (iHeart) |
| First single | “Define My Name” — released April 19, 2024 (Wikipedia) |
| Label / Series | Part of Mass Appeal’s Legend Has It series for 2025 (iHeart) |
| Scope | Tracks from different eras; mixing old and new sessions (iHeart) |
Why This Album Matters (To Us and To Hip Hop)
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Iconic pairing
Nas and Premier are legends in their own right. Nas’ lyricism and Premier’s production have already defined moments in rap history. Bringing them together for a full project feels like a summoning of classic New York energy.
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Bridging eras
With music that spans decades of collaboration, this album could tie together the evolution of their styles — from underground to modern sounds.
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Cultural resonance
In an age where rap keeps changing, there’s deep hunger for authenticity, real story-telling, and no-frills lyricism. A Premo-produced Nas project has credibility baked in.
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Fan expectation
The fandom has waited years — some have been skeptical. As one Reddit user put it: “My hope is for a solid 10 songs with that top notch DJ Premier production … I’ve wanted this album for a long time. Reddit
That kind of anticipation builds pressure, but also sets the stage for something memorable.
What Could Be In Store: Predictions & Wish List
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Classic boom-bap with modern touches: Expect raw drums, scratching, but also subtly updated sounds.
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Guest features: Possibly collaborators from the Mass Appeal Legend Has It roster (De La Soul, Ghostface, etc.) iHeart+1
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Interludes or narratives: Maybe archival samples, spoken word snippets—the kind of texture that adds depth.
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Strong singles: Beyond “Define My Name,” more pre-release singles to build hype.
- Cohesion & flow: Because the sessions span years, the sequencing and mixing will be crucial in making the album feel like a singular statement.
How To Stay Updated
- Follow Mass Appeal channels — they’re the label releasing the project via their Legend Has It series. iHeart+2RATINGS GAME MUSIC+2
- Keep an eye on Nas and DJ Premier’s social media — hints often drop there first. Instagram+2X (formerly Twitter)+2
- Watch for new singles and press teases between now and December — this project is too big to stay quiet.
- Bookmark OMFNG for exclusive features, breakdowns, and possibly first listens.
Final Thoughts
The countdown has begun. When December hits, we’ll finally hear what Nas and DJ Premier have created together. Whatever the result, this album is already an event—one that bridges eras, pays homage, and hopefully delivers on the hype. Stay locked on OMFNG.com for updates, track breakdowns, and first-listen reviews when it drops.
Dilla & Premier & Pete Rock & Prince Paul & RZA Tee – Legendary Hip-Hop Producers Tribute Shirt