Photo via Instagram.com/NasNYC
On June 18, 2013, J. Cole released his second album, Born Sinner, which features a song called Let Nas Down. In the song, J. Cole recalls the time Jay-Z needed a record from him for radio play and he had been striking out for months with a good one until he came up with Work Out. He thought it was all good until his friend called him up saying Nas hate that shit. He then goes on to explain his reasoning for failing Nas in the second verse and the third verse.
Four days later, Nas responded on the same beat with Made Nas Proud saying he's not disappointed in J. Cole and shares some humble advice towards the young lyricist.
Nas raps, "At least you got Jay, but he already one of the greats // And it’s hard for the great to tell somebody how to be great // Nigga I tried and niggas threw that shit right back in my face // They took my cosign, but they ain’t let me EP their tape // And when they joint tank, that’s when they point blame // So point blank young Cole, you won’t be the same // The first album freedoms and them fourth album presses // A big difference between ‘em but I get why you said it // Radio records are needed, I just want it to bring the warnin’ // Global warmin’ to that cold world you was breathin’ // That’s some advice I never got // If I don’t sell another record, I’ll just steady rock // While you was writin’ down my rhymes I was just tryna show you // That if you say what’s on your mind, you can stand the test of time // Now I’m playin’ Born Sinner loud, so you live rock the crowd // Like wow, you made your nigga Nas proud. (Credit for lyrics goes to consequenceofsound.net)
I must say this is one of my favorite hip-hop moments. I hope these two can collaborate in the future and bring us some good music.
Congrats to J. Cole for the acceptance of his idol.