NAS opens up about Jay-Z, Jim Jones, the death of hip-hop, and why other rappers aren't on his level.

By Toshitaka Kondo; Photographs by Mike Schreiber

Nas has always been a marked man, but after making peace with Jay-Z and signing with Def Jam, the target is bigger than ever. While critics wonder if the enigmatic 33-year-old MC will ever make another Illmatic, Nasi is focused on being a good husband to Kelis, a caring father to his daughter, Destiny, and the savior of rap with Hip-Hop Is Dead... The N. Nas' eighth album finds him collaborating with The Game, Snoop Dogg, will.i.am, Dr. Dre, Kanye West, Just Blaze, and most notably, Jigga. Age and family may have mellowed QB's finest, but Nas never hesitates to speak his mind.

How closely did you work with Jay-Z on this album?

Nas: We started out fucking with it heavy, and got the electricity flowing in the studio. Then niggas just went off and did their own things.

Do you feel like you've built a genuine friendship with him?

Nas: Nah, I don't think niggas is here to be friends or buddies. And that goes for everybody-we're related through music.

You once talked about Jimmy Iovine wanting to sign you. Did you ever consider going over to Interscope?

Nas: It was definitely a thought. Also, Atlantic Records wanted me to be their president. But artists are fucking crazy and they'd want to blame me for shit, and I can't deal with that right now.

You know if you had taken that Atlantic job, you would've been Jim Jones' boss.

Nas: I'm still his boss [laughs]. I am above him. Who's not above Jim Jones? I don't know any of his records and I'm not even being funny. Like, I know he's got a record called "Ballin'." I hope it sells some records, but I swear to you I've never heard it. Home // CELEBRITIES // THE SHOTCALLER // Nas