One of hip-hop’s most anticipated dream projects is finally set to materialize. Legendary rapper Nas has confirmed that his long-rumored collaborative album with iconic producer DJ Premier is finished and on the way. The project, which has been teased for over two decades, is scheduled to drop in December 2025, capping off a historic year of releases under Mass Appeal’s “Legend Has It” campaign, which celebrates New York rap royalty.
The Nas DJ Premier Album reunites the two architects of New York’s golden era, whose previous collaborations like “N.Y. State of Mind” from Illmatic are considered foundational tracks in the genre. Speaking recently about the record, Nas expressed immense excitement, noting the project includes both newly recorded material and tracks from older sessions, making it truly a “long time coming” for both artists.
This joint release follows Nas’s incredibly prolific and critically acclaimed series of albums with producer Hit-Boy (King’s Disease and Magic trilogies), which earned him his first Grammy. Now, the pivot back to the classic boom-bap sound of Premier promises a rich, sample-heavy atmosphere that will perfectly complement the Queensbridge rapper’s razor-sharp lyricism and storytelling.
The high anticipation for the Nas DJ Premier Album highlights the continued demand for foundational hip-hop. While a final title and tracklist remain under wraps, the December release is expected to be a major cultural event, serving as a nostalgic yet fresh reminder of the unparalleled chemistry between two of the genre’s greatest creators.
