Nas has been having a hell of a year, popping up on everybody’s album with verses that refuse to be subdued. The GOAT conversation around him becomes stronger, but just as Nas can be heard hustling to keep the hunger alive, he can also be heard shouting out the next generation of black artists.
True to cause, Nas was heard shouting out a select group of super elite artists that have had the industry in a chokehold for a while. The shoutout came as part of Nas’ verse on the song ‘Run It Back,’ which is a part of De La Soul’s soon-to-be-released album Cabin In The Sky.
“Since the 80s, 90s and 00s? How it was sick, how did it slip? Now it’s just Doechii, Dot, and SZA with most powerful hits. Leon Thomas, Shaboozey… only black artists on top the charts”
— Nas on De La Soul’s album dropping this Friday 👀
— Hip Hop All Day (@HipHopAllDayy) November 20, 2025
In case you’re wondering what he had to say and couldn’t catch all the lyrics in this snippet, here are the actual bars from his verse.
“Since the 80s, 90s and 00s? How it was sick, how did it slip? Now it’s just Doechii, Dot, and SZA with most powerful hits. Leon Thomas, Shaboozey… only black artists on top (of) the charts”
The moment is equal parts nostalgia, coupled with hope for hip hop’s future — a true ode to Black artists in the genre and beyond. So, are you hyped for the full album to be out?
