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Nas Gives ‘Behind The Music’ Viewers ‘A Peek Inside’

‘If you don’t tell your story, somebody else will,’ he tells MTV News about why he decided to open up. By Nadeska Alexis Nas Photo: MTV News Nas has earned a reputation for being a man of few words during interviews, so it comes as a bit of a surprise that the Queens rapper agreed to film a segment of VH1’s “Behind the Music.” Just as we suspected, though, Nas was very reluctant to open up for the cameras, as he told MTV News. “It was tough. I didn’t want to do ‘Behind the Music,’ ” Nas admits, reflecting on his decision to go through with the taping. “I didn’t. But at some point, if you don’t tell your story, somebody else will. So I gave them a little peek inside. It can’t hurt, just a little peek inside.” In a preview clip from the episode, Nas talks about growing up in the Queensbridge Housing Projects and watching his parents separate at a young age, in addition to talking about his storied hip-hop career. “You can never forget where you come from, no matter how far you go,” he says. “In the neighborhood where I’m from, people are killed for nothing. You can’t just ignore it. That’s the beauty of rap music, because we’re going to give you the side that no one wants to talk about.” Before sitting down for the interview, Nas said he didn’t know what he would reveal. “I didn’t know what I would give them. I just sat down and talked,” he said. “I knew that I just needed to say enough. And as I’m talking, I realize, ‘Damn, there’s a lot of life here.’ I’m just giving it to them how I feel, but I’m realizing how much more there is.” For someone known to be tight-lipped, Nas is opening up quite a bit this year. Whatever tales are left untold in his “Behind the Music” episode, fans will find in his upcoming autobiography, which is being penned with help from writer Tour

Lil Wayne More Than Answers Mac Miller’s ‘Question’

‘I wanted to make sure I got Wayne on something that was heartfelt,’ Mac tells MTV News of Macadelic standout. By Rob Markman Mac Miller Photo: MTV News Mac Miller hasn’t been around very long, but his ever-growing catalog has a lot of noteworthy tunes. The gold-selling “Donald Trump” is a crowd-pleaser at shows, as is his jump-up-and-down party-starter “Knock, Knock.” But Mac’s recent Lil Wayne collaboration “The Question” already ranks right up there for him. “This is one of my favorite records that I’ve ever done,” Mac told MTV News of the Macadelic standout. Miller surprised fans when he released Macadelic last week. It wasn’t the quality of songs that stood out — Mac’s fans have come to expect the best from the Pittsburgh MC — instead it was Macadelic ‘s features that stood out to many. With a guest list that includes Kendrick Lamar, Sir Michael Rocks, Casey Veggies, Juicy J and Cam’ron, it was Weezy’s multiplatinum name that made folks do a double-take. Getting Weezy on your mixtape is a no-brainer for any MC with enough clout to pull it off, but Miller didn’t want to get the Young Money boss on just any old track. To him, “The Question” was special. “This song is a real meaningful song to me, man, and I wanted to make sure I got Wayne on something that was heartfelt,” he said. “I got him on a record that I was saying something and not just talkin’ sh–, so this record right here really kinda deals with a question that I’ve been goin’ through in my own head.” “Sometimes I wonder who the f— I am,” Mac spits to start the record off. The 20-year old MC then goes on to ponder his place in the world over a slow-rolling track produced by Wally West and ID Labs. “I feel like in a lot of people’s lives, at a certain point, you kind of just look in the mirror and try and think about who I am as a person and what am I supposed to do here, what am I doin’ with my time,” he explained. Often, Mac is criticized for releasing strictly party records, but on “The Question” he adds some depth to his catalog. Weezy, however, took a different approach, opening his rhyme while sitting in his Bentley, thinking about the plethora of women he has at his disposal. From there, Tunechi goes on about his machine gun, which he claims to treat like an infant, and, of course, his smoke. It’s classic Weezy. “Wayne came in and just killed the verse on the song,” Mac exclaimed. “It was perfect to hear him like that.” What do you think of Mac Miller and Lil Wayne’s “The Question”? Tell us in the comments! Related Artists Mac Miller Lil Wayne

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Lil Wayne More Than Answers Mac Miller’s ‘Question’

Nas To Make His First-Ever Appearance On ‘RapFix Live’

Atlanta MC Killer Mike will also stop by on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET on MTV.com By Rob Markman Nas Photo: Daniel Boczarski/ Getty Images Last week Odd Future dropped by for a crazy episode of “RapFix Live,” but this week, things are about to get real nasty. Nasty Nas will stop by MTV on Wednesday to chop it up with Sway, taking a trip down memory lane and looking toward the future and his upcoming album Life is Good. Wednesday will mark the first time the rap legend has sat on the “RapFix Live” couch. It’s been 18 years since Nas dropped his iconic debut Illmatic, and the Queensbridge MC proved that he is just as vicious as ever when he dropped his latest single, “The Don,” earlier this month. Backed by a reggae-tinged beat (co-produced by the late Heavy D), “The Don” finds Nas delivering lyrics with the tenacity of hungry teen who is looking for his first break. It’s a vibe that Esco successful captured on his 2011 single “Nasty” as well. If “The Don” and “Nasty” are any indication, Nas’ 10th LP, Life is Good, is already shaping up to be one of the most-anticipated rap albums of the year. We’re sure he will have plenty to say about his upcoming release as well as his career in retrospect. Atlanta MC Killer Mike will also be stopping by the “RapFix” set this week. Killa Kill made his rap debut on OutKast’s unforgettable 2000 album Stankonia and has since carved out a unique lane for his brand of street-laced, politically charged raps. Last year, Mike partnered with T.I.’s Grand Hustle label and dropped PL3DGE, the third album of his I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind series. Next up, Mike is partnering with former Company Flow MC/producer El-P to release their collaborative R.A.P. Music LP. The album’s first single, “Big Beast,” features Bun B, T.I. and Atlanta newcomer Trouble. Catch Nas and Killer Mike on “RapFix Live” Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET on MTV.com, and be sure to join the Twitter conversation using the hashtags #RapFixLive. Send your questions for the artists to @MTVRapFiX! Related Artists Nas Killer Mike

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Nas To Make His First-Ever Appearance On ‘RapFix Live’

Game Didn’t ‘Hold Back Anything’ On ‘Behind the Music’

‘My life is an open book,’ rapper says about tonight’s VH1 special. By Rob Markman, with reporting by Felicia ‘The Poetess’ Morris Game Photo: MTV News Whether through his music or interviews, Game is an open book. The Compton, California, rapper has been candid about his gang affiliations, his tumultuous family life and his beef with rival rappers like 50 Cent. Tonight (March 22) at 9 p.m. ET, Game will once again open up on a new episode of VH1’s critically acclaimed show “Behind the Music.” “I think it’s real big, and I’m so appreciative for VH1 just reaching out to us and sort of just championing my career and appreciating me,” Game told MTV News this morning. Game is a big fan of the show, which has famously profiled musicians like Bon Jovi, Mary J. Blige and Game’s mentor Dr. Dre. “I’ve seen a lot of episodes that were about figures that I thought to be bigger than life. I didn’t think I was halfway there, just 30, and still trying to find my way through hip-hop,” he said. When the show airs, the “Hate It or Love It” rapper will watch on television like so many of his fans. “I haven’t seen any edits or anything. I’m just gonna sit on the couch and watch it with the fam,” he said. “They are so thorough in their interviews and the people they talk to. They went back from the early stages of my life, even earlier from before I was born. They talked to my mom, my parents, my grandmother, so I think there are a lot of things that will be uncovered [that] people will appreciate knowing.” Nas will also be a subject of a “Behind the Music” episode this season, and when thinking about himself in relation to the Queensbridge MC, Game imagines that he is much more open than his friend and frequent collaborator. “I didn’t hold back none. You know me; I don’t hold back anything,” he said. “I can see Nas being a little bit guarded. … You know, Nas is a bit of a thinker. Me, I’m just a little more wild and reckless, so, you know, my life is an open book.” Don’t miss Game’s “Behind the Music” tonight at 9 p.m. ET on VH1. Related Artists The Game

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Game Didn’t ‘Hold Back Anything’ On ‘Behind the Music’

Nas: “I’ll Pay To Bring Abducted Concert Promoter Home Safely!”

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Nas is seriously worried about a concert promoter abducted in Angola. The Queensbridge rapper has said he will cut a nice sized check to bring the promoter back to the United States safely. TMZ first broke the story of concert promoter, Patrick Allocco , claiming to have been abducted by a local Angolan “concert impressario” because he was enraged after Nas failed to appear at a much hyped New Year’s Eve show. Nas did agree to perform, but backed out of the deal when travel plans couldn’t be ironed out in a timely manner. Allocco was eventually freed from his captives with the assistance of the U.S. Embassy , but he hasn’t returned to the States yet. He’s holed up in an Angolan hotel until monies can be paid to the “concert impressario.” The bill is said to be 315 thousand dollars. Is Nas responsible for the man’s abduction? Would you pay a $315,000 ransom for someone you barely knew? RELATED POSTS: Nas Promo Video For Illmatic Nas Owes $6.5 Million In Taxes Judge Reduces Nas’ Spousal & Child Support Payments

Nas: “I’ll Pay To Bring Abducted Concert Promoter Home Safely!”

Nas Put Amy Winehouse Song ‘In Perspective’ For Producer

‘He put that energy back into [the song], because she repped for him,’ Salaam Remi tells MTV News of ‘Like Smoke.’ By Rob Markman Nas Photo: Getty Images The late Amy Winehouse and Nas had a mutual bond that few knew about. Not only do Amy and Nas share the same September 14 birthday, but according to producer Salaam Remi, they have a number of collaborations that were left on the cutting-room floor. The recently released “Like Smoke” is the first time fans got to hear them in tandem. “Amy sang on records that we never put out with Nas,” the multiplatinum hitmaker told MTV News last month in New York’s Jungle Studios. “As far as them now getting on the same record, that was a conversation in play for the last couple of years but that just didn’t happen yet, and when I listened to that song, I was like, you know what? This makes sense, to actually make that happen as far as things that she wants to do that didn’t happen yet.” “Like Smoke” will appear on Amy’s December 6 posthumous album, Lioness: Hidden Treasures, and features Nas dropping a pair of brand-new verses in between Winehouse’s bluesy vocal. Though Amy wasn’t around to hear the rhymes Nas dropped just a couple of weeks ago, Salaam is confident that based off her admiration for the Queensbridge rapper, she would approve. Amy famously sang about Nas on “Me and Mr. Jones” from her breakout Back to Black album, and the two became acquainted through their mutual friend Salaam. “He just put it in perspective for me,” Remi said of Nas’ mind-set before writing his portion of “Like Smoke.” “I never wanted you to be my man, I just need your company,” Amy starts out singing to an unknown lover. Nas on the other hand speaks directly of his fallen friend when he spits, “I be out in London, Camden, hunting for the answers/ Why did God take away the homey,” he questions. “As far as myself, I feel like I’m repping her musically because that’s what I know of her more than anyone else,” he said. “And then as far as where [Nas is] at, he put that energy back into [the song], because she repped for him. I mean, who writes songs for people, unless you really respect them?” What do you think of “Like Smoke”? Let us know in the comments! Related Photos Amy Winehouse: A Life In Photos Related Artists Nas Amy Winehouse

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Nas Put Amy Winehouse Song ‘In Perspective’ For Producer

Full Theatrical Trailer For The Avengers Officially Released!

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It’s HERE! After five days of intense waiting, the official trailer for Marvel’s superhero team up “The Avengers” arrives! Make the jump to check out the official trailer! NOW!! Broadcasting platform : YouTube Source : Comic Book Therapy Discovery Date : 11/10/2011 15:32 Number of articles : 2

Full Theatrical Trailer For The Avengers Officially Released!

Nas: "Nasty" (Video)

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Nearly four months later, Nas is here with the visuals for Life is Good ‘s lead single, ” Nasty .” Like the song itself, the video is a throwback-of-sorts to the Queensbridge MC’s younger days. You get an eye and an earful of the passion, energy, and hunger heard back when he was called a promising new rapper calling himself Nasty Nas. You also get some great footage of his former stopping grounds… Broadcasting platform : Vimeo Source : prefixmag Discovery Date : 11/10/2011 21:01 Number of articles : 2

Nas: "Nasty" (Video)

Nas Goes Back To The Projects For ‘Nasty’ Video

MC strips his lavish lifestyle and revisits his native Queensbridge in the clip. By Rob Markman Nas Photo: C Flanigan/ Getty Images Who says you can’t go back home? On his 1999 single “Hate Me Now,” Nas claimed he was the first rapper to bring a platinum plaque back to the projects, and for his latest video, for “Nasty,” God’s Son stripped his lavish lifestyle down and went back to his native Queensbridge, New York. Directed by Gold Watch, “Nasty” premiered online Tuesday (October 11). The clip starts with Nas, smoking a cigar in the backseat of a Rolls Royce, flanked by two bodacious beauties who fawn over the legendary rap star. Draped in diamond-encrusted jewelry and other high-priced accessories, Nas is driven through the dark New York City streets until the day turns to night. Once the sun rises, Esco hops out of the Rolls in the Long Island City section of Queens, saluting the kids standing on the corner with hearty handshakes. One lucky youngster is gifted with the rings from Nas’ fingers, right before he passes a wad of cash to a man seated in a wheelchair. The entire ‘hood lines up to greet their prodigal rap son as he returns to his old stomping grounds. The visual is particularly fitting, seeing as how for this first single from his upcoming 10th studio album, Nas returned to the raw hip-hop sound that initially earned him his place in the genre. Nasty Nas continues to walk down the rough and rugged streets, peeling off his suit jacket and just about any signifier of his accumulated wealth. Things begin to make sense as Nas enters 40-16 Vernon Boulevard, his old project building. The rapper, now dressed in a single Jesus piece and black sleeveless tee, marches up the stairs because of a broken elevator. Nas then walks into an apartment full of people before walking into a bedroom recording studio, where he begins to lay down vocals for the very song he’s shooting a video for. There’s no place like home. Share your “Nasty” reviews in the comments! Related Artists Nas

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Nas Goes Back To The Projects For ‘Nasty’ Video

Nas Wants ‘Nasty’ To Bring ‘Realness’ Back To The Game

‘That’s why ‘Nasty’ is out there, it’s an M-80,’ Nas says of first single off upcoming album. By Rob Markman, with reporting by Gil Kaufman Nas Photo: C Flanigan/ Getty Images Few would argue that Nas lit a spark with “Nasty,” the first single off of his upcoming 10th solo album, but let the Queensbridge MC tell it and the old-school inspired hip-hop track actually packs a bigger boom. “You know ‘Nasty’ is what I would like the game to be right now in a lot of ways; back to the realness,” Nasir told MTV News before performing with Damian Marley at Austin City Limits last weekend. “That’s why ‘Nasty’ is out there, it’s an M-80. I lit an M-80.” The song’s video was shot in Nas’ native Queensbridge housing projects back in August, but its release has been delayed. Not to worry, says God’s Son, it is on its way soon. “Yeah, the ‘Nasty’ video is coming. I can’t wait ’til it hits, it’s perfect timing,” he said of the clip, which is directed by Decon. “It got pushed back ’cause — I mean, I guess I got busy, but we shot it, so it’s coming out for the people.” Though Esco wouldn’t give out any details surrounding his upcoming album, he did insist that it was coming out this year. Back in June, in an interview with DJ Envy on MTV2’s Sucker Free, the Illmatic One said that the album would be called Life Is Good, but later backtracked. “A lot of people around me didn’t understand where I was coming from. They kinda thought I was saying, ‘Let’s pop bottles, we’re rich, everything’s good.’ That’s not where I was coming from,” Nas cleared up in a June interview with MTV News. “So, there’s another title that came, that kind of fits a little better, and you might hear about that. There might be a change coming real soon.” Regardless of the name, Nas has a good feeling about “Nasty” and the trend that it will set in hip-hop. “So ‘Nasty’ is one of the songs to come and bring the sh– back to the real sh–,” he said. Related Artists Nas Damian Marley

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Nas Wants ‘Nasty’ To Bring ‘Realness’ Back To The Game