Queensbridge, New York rapper Nas has confirmed that he has changed the title of his forthcoming controversial album from N***er.
Contrary to reports that the album will be titled Nas, the rapper told AllHipHop.com that the album will simply be untitled.
“It’s important to me that this album gets to the fans,” Nas told AllHipHop.com in a statement. “It’s been a long time coming. I want my fans to know that creatively and lyrically, they can expect the same content and the same messages. It’s that important. The streets have been waiting for this for a long time. The people will always know what the real title of this album is and what to call it.”
Nas’ will release another single from the upcoming untitled release, which will be his 9th studio album.
In January, a representative for Island Def Jam denied allegations that they were planning to drop Nas unless he changed the album’s title, after reports surfaced that retailers were hesitant to stock their shelves with the album.
The rapper also had the support of a number of his peers, including Island Def Jam CEO Antonio “L.A.“ Reid, LL Cool, Alicia Keys and Jay-Z, although his former nemesis told MTV News that he felt that Nas’ album title was “misguided.”
“I know he’s very intelligent and there a reason behind what he’s doing…he’s not just doing it for the sake of being provocative….of course we’re going to support his art…I believe it’s coming from a great place. I just think it’s misguided.”
In February, Nas and his wife Kelis caused a mild controversy, when they donned clothing emblazoned with the word “n***er” on their front and backs to the Grammy Awards.
Nas’ untitled album is due in stores July 1 on Island Def Jam.
