Nas has lent his seasoned voice and insight to the next chapter of De La Soul’s storied legacy. On their upcoming album Cabin In The Sky, released under Mass Appeal’s “Legend Has It” series, Nas appears on track 11, titled “Run It Back!!”. In a recently surfaced snippet of the verse, he takes time to not just deliver a guest appearance but to offer respect to the younger generation of hip‑hop and R&B artists who are carving out space today.
In his lines, Nas praises Kendrick Lamar, Doechii, SZA, Leon Thomas III and Shaboozey — among others — highlighting how these voices have become dominant on the charts, and underscoring how he as a veteran recognizes their impact. His special mention of Kendrick Lamar calls him “one of the brightest stars we’ve ever seen … not only superstar, I mean like the North Star.” This recognition from a figure of hip‑hop’s earlier era reflects both continuity and evolution in the genre.
The inclusion of Nas also intensifies anticipation for De La Soul’s album. It’s the group’s first major project since their 2016 album Anonymous Nobody…, and its appearance in this “Legend Has It” series places it alongside other high‑profile releases. At the same time, Nas is preparing to release his own collaborative album with DJ Premier later this year — pointing to a surge of activity from long‑standing artists and a blending of generational talent.
For fans, the moment signals respect between eras, the elevation of newer voices, and the reaffirmation that hip‑hop remains dynamic and intergenerational. With Nas giving a public nod to artists bridging genres and charts, the genre’s lineage and momentum both get celebrated.
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