While speculation
regarding Nas’ stance on Jay-Z and his affiliation with Murder Inc. has run
wild on the Internet and in print magazines, Nas has stepped forward to clear
the air.
In a statement
released to AllHipHop.com, Nas responded to his Nemesis, Jay-Z and his call
for a Pay Per View battle, in which both artists would put up $1 million and
battle for the people’s respect.
"Pay-per-view
is for wrestlers and boxers, I make records," Nas said. "If Jay-Z
wants to battle, he should drop his album the same day I do and let the people
decide."
Nas can be heard
repping Murder Inc. on the remix to "The Pledge," which also features
Ashanti and Ja-Rule. While Nas working with Murder Inc. in some capacity has
never been ruled out, Nas did clarify where his recording career would be. "I’ve
always had a great relationship with Columbia and look forward to making records
with them for the rest of my career," the rapper said.
While Nas latest
album The Lost Tapes, a collection of unreleased and heavily bootlegged songs
hits stores September 3rd, he is working on his latest studio featuring all
new material. "I am finishing up my new album, God’s Son, which will be
released November 19th on Ill Will/Columbia Records."