Prime Picks: “Define My Name” by Nas & DJ Premier
On the day of the 30th anniversary of Illmatic.
“Premier album still gon’ happen” - DJ Premier on “Define My Name”
In 2007, during an interview with Scratch magazine, Nas and DJ Premier first hinted at a potential full-length collaboration, sparking excitement among fans. Despite the passing years and repeated assurances from the legendary producer that the project would eventually see the light of day, it remained elusive.
The origins of their partnership trace back to when DJ Premier, captivated by Nas’s track “Halftime,” decided to contribute to the rapper’s critically acclaimed debut album, Illmatic. This album featured a lineup of notable producers, including Large Professor, Q-Tip, and Pete Rock. The tracks they created together, such as “N.Y. State of Mind,” “Memory Lane (Sittin’ in da Park),” and “Represent,” are still celebrated as some of Nas’s finest.
Over the years, Nas and Premier continued their collaborative efforts with standout tracks like “Nas Is Like” and “N.Y. State of Mind Pt. II,” yet a complete album collaboration remained off the table. It wasn’t until 2022 that there appeared to be movement on this front when the two artists reunited for “Beat Breaks” on DJ Premier’s Hip Hop 50: Vol. 1 EP.
Adding to the anticipation, Nas subtly referenced their long-awaited project in his 2022 album King’s Disease 3, produced with Hit-Boy. In the track titled “30,” Nas raps about the potential album with Premier, rekindling hope among fans for its eventual realization: “Doesn’t matter this is sheer relief, I feel the breeze this is/Superhero material, rap star status/Premier album still might happen.”
This ongoing narrative between Nas and DJ Premier underscores their enduring influence in hip-hop and keeps alive the hope that their joint venture will someday be completed. Now, the day has finally arrived. After posting a picture together that sparked discussions, the duo released their long-awaited first single, “Define My Name,” to the album slated for release later this year.
In the song, Nas reflects on the meaning and history behind his name, which he states has existed forever and carries the meaning of “victory helper” or “protector.” He touches on the ancient origins of his name, suggesting a timeless significance. The lyrics paint a picture of Nas’s identity through various historical and personal references, indicating that his name carries weight and legacy, while Preemo provides his signature backdrop without sounding dated and helps the scratching on the hook taken from “Nas Is Like.”
He contrasts past violence over material possessions with his current status, highlighting how far he has come. Nas also nods to cultural evolution, from primitive communication to modern-day achievements. The second verse delves into Nas’s personal history and musings on his career longevity. He compares his DNA to royalty and saints, humorously addressing his relationships and life choices. Despite earlier thoughts that rapping beyond a certain age might be unseemly, he finds himself still passionate and relevant at fifty.
Nas pays homage to influential artists who shaped him while asserting his place among them. The verse concludes with a declaration of triumph over adversity in the ‘80s, including encounters with law enforcement and dangerous drug culture. The outro by DJ Premier celebrates their continued collaboration decades after their seminal album Illmatic, hinting at more creative work to come.