Nas announces new music and critiques industry exploitation

Rapper Nas has announced he is working on new music while issuing a critique of the music industry’s treatment of its pioneers. In a social media statement, he addressed the lack of recognition and compensation for the foundational figures of the culture.

Nas stated, “The music game forgets or doesn’t compensate the foundation. Our greats have been stolen from and ripped off of.” He urged artists, creators, and executives to move away from chasing temporary trends and instead focus on their creative purpose and history. His message included a historical perspective on music, referencing the lineage from the Mississippi Delta to New York and invoking blues pioneer Robert Johnson.

The announcement concluded with the phrase “BLAK MUSIC 2026,” though it remains unclear if this refers to a specific album title, a release year, or a broader cultural initiative.