Nas has had one hell of a year, with his verses popping up on everyone’s albums. The conversation around him about “GOAT” intensified, but just as Nas could be heard trying to stay hungry, he could also be heard shouting out the next generation of black artists.
Indeed, Nas is heard shouting out a select group of super-elite artists who have been suppressing the entire industry for some time. The shoutout is part of Nas’ verse on the song “Run It Back,” which is part of De La Soul’s upcoming album Cabin In The Sky.
“From the ’80s, ’90s, ’00s? How sick was it, how did it go down? Now it’s just Doechii, Dot and SZA who are the most influential. Leon Thomas, Shaboozey… only black artists are at the top of the charts.”
— Nas on De La Soul’s album, which drops this Friday 👀
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— Hip Hop All Dayy (@HipHopAllDayy) November 20, 2025
If you’re wondering what he’s going to say and can’t understand all the lyrics in this clip, here are the actual bars from his verse.
“From the 80’s, 90’s and 00’s? How sick was it, how did it go down? Now only Doechii, Dot and SZA are the most influential. Leon Thomas, Shaboozey…only black artists top the charts”
It’s a moment filled with both nostalgia and hope for the future of hip-hop—a true ode to black artists within and outside the genre. So, are you excited for the full album release?
