Nas recently hailed Kendrick Lamar as the ‘North Star’ of Hip-Hop, highlighting the Compton rapper's dedication to the culture and his role in preserving the essence of the genre.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Nas said:
> “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 was asked about the similarities between his 2006 track “Hip Hop Is Dead” and Lamar's 2024 song “Watch the Party Die.” Both songs reflect on the state of the genre, but Nas emphasized that Kendrick stands out for his authenticity and purpose.
> “Out of all 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.”
These comments underscore the mutual admiration between the two lyrical heavyweights. Although they have never shared a track together, their respect for each other is consistent.
Nas had previously celebrated Kendrick's surprise 2024 album “GNX” on Instagram, in which he wrote:
> “Always inspired by my brother KL. Keeping the essence of this s### alive and at the forefront. Salute King!”
Kendrick's “GNX” album, released in November 2024, opens with “wacced out murals,” a track that addresses criticism of his selection as Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show headliner in New Orleans-the hometown of Lil Wayne.
In the verse, Lamar reflects on the opposition and makes it clear that Nas was the only one who congratulated him.
This mutual respect between Nas and Kendrick highlights the power of authenticity and dedication to culture within the Hip-Hop community.
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