Cormega stepped into the middle of the Nas versus Jim Jones debate with a measured take on legacy and evolution, calling Nas a “generational talent” and praising Jones as a “generational hustler.”
The Queensbridge rapper, who’s known Nas since childhood, addressed the ongoing back-and-forth that reignited after Jones claimed on the “Joe and Jada” podcast that he had more hits than Nas and was more relevant to younger listeners.
Jones also said his son couldn’t name a Nas song, unlike his own music.
Cormega, who was once name-dropped in the classic Illmatic track “One Love” while serving time, offered a grounded perspective.
“Jim has the right to be proud,” he said. “Nas has the right to be proud.” He added that some of Jones’s remarks were fueled by provocation and ego but ultimately credited Nas for staying silent. “Nas response is the best response. He said nothing.”
Despite Nas’s lack of reply, the debate escalated after Jones doubled down in interviews.
A resurfaced 2005 clip of Nas mocking Jones added fuel to the fire, where Nas dismissed him as not worth a lyrical rebuttal. Cormega, who once feuded with Nas after being replaced in The Firm by Nature, said both men have succeeded in their own ways.
“Nas is the gold standard of lyricism,” he said. “Jim Jones has a fashion style. Nas has a fashion style.” He also acknowledged Jones’s growth over the years, noting, “Jim Jones is one of the most improved rappers in NY rap, especially considering he wasn’t rapping when I met him many years ago.”
He emphasized that both artists have provided their children with stability and opportunity despite coming from poor environments.
“None of their children are needing and they are still here to see another day,” he added. “They are both blessed.”
Cormega closed his statement with a nod to Hip-Hop unity, saying, “I’ve seen how comments and or words can be taken out of context and cause chaos so as a man. A masculine man with knowledge of self and street credibility I have the obligation to build and guide rather than watch others crash out. ‘It Ain’t Hard To Tell’ I’d rather see you ‘Balling.'”