Nas is demanding more respect for music’s forgotten trailblazers, accusing the industry of profiting from their contributions while leaving many without proper compensation.
The Queens rapper, 53, took his grievances directly to X, sharing a lengthy open letter about what he believes needs to change.
“The music game forgets or doesn’t compensate the foundation,” he wrote.
His message reached back to early American blues and Robert Johnson, the influential Mississippi musician whose legacy outlived him even as the location of his grave remains disputed. Nas also warned of an industry seemingly consumed with producing whatever audiences want to hear next.
https://t.co/AjiYi52zy1
— Nasir Jones (@Nas) October 15, 2026
“We can’t keep creating music for the sake of a ‘trend’,” he declared. “We have to remember the purpose and our contribution and how many things we created,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, Nas revealed he’s spent the past year creating his own music.
He offered no release details but signed the letter “Nasir Jones” followed by “BLAK MUSIC 2026.”
“No knowledge of self is certain death! It’s time to address it,” Nas concluded.
Y’all agree with Nas?