Nas Buries Hip Hop... 'The N'

Nasir "Nas" Jones has been a powerful name in Hip-Hop since he dropped his highly touted classic Illmatic in the early 90's. He's made numerous critically acclaimed records, won infamous battles and is seen as one of today's most prominant figures in rap. So, why is he claiming that Hip-Hop is dead? According to a new MTV report, the emcee's new album will boldly be titled Hip-Hop Is Dead...The N. "I didn't name it that. Fans named it that; rappers named it that," he said of the album title. He's right. It's certainly not the first time people have declared Hip-Hop to be dead or at least a culture that is ready for a new life. "It's been the talk for years, so here's an album that brings ... not even the rebirth, it's just an album with that thing that everybody is talking about. I got a street look coming real soon, and more soon after. Summertime is definitely going to be Nas time," he promised.Furthermore, Nas says the album should come in September. Recently, Nas joined The Roots on-stage at one of the biggest New York shows of the year where Talib Kweli, Common, Mos Def and more came out to rock. ?uest Love of the Roots spoke to MTV awhile back about his expectations for the evening with Nas on the mic."It's weird, we've pretty much shared the stage at one point or another with every hip-hop luminary with the exception of Nas...I know he's been to two or three Roots shows, but he's been as a spectator in the audience. Nothing's gonna make me happier [than performing with him]. As a DJ, when I play 'Made You Look,' it goes into absolute chaos. With him onstage with us, it will be crazy," he said of the performance awhile back. It finally went down late last week at Radio City Music Hall.