MC Serch executive produced two of Nas‘ most revered albums—Illmatic (1994) and It Was Written (1996). Last month, the 3rd Bass legend announced he was selling his shares of both projects, which evidently caught Nas’ attention. As part of Nas and Hit-Boy’s latest collaboration, King’s Disease III, the Grammy Award-winning MC acknowledges Serch’s intentions. But it’s not a diss. Instead, Nas revels in the fact his catalog is still fruitful over two decades later.
“Peace to MC Serch/How much the catalog worth?” he raps. “I made it so many can have a piece of what I earn/Push it to the max, now it’s maximum returns.”
Speaking to AllHipHop, MC Serch—who celebrated 11 years of sobriety on November 11—was clearly grateful Nas mentioned him, but he extended his gratitude to Eminem, who mentioned 3rd Bass and several other groups Serch has worked with over the years during his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction speech—from Nas and KMD to MF DOOM, OC and Non-Phixion.
“It was more than just Nas’ comment about me on his album—it has been one of the best weeks of my life,” Serch told AllHipHop. “Having Eminem mention every group I was ever involved in, executive produced, discovered and recorded with in his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame speech to celebrating 11 years of recovery to Nas honoring our relationship, it has been the best week or at least one of the best weeks of my professional career.
“I am flattered that Nas recognizes and sees. I am glad Nas sees that I was someone who had integrity and character and that I was able to show him by my actions in deeds that whatever I receive from my share of my portion of the catalog, I earned it. Thank you Nas for allowing me to be a small part of your history.”
MC Serch and his companies Serchlite Publishing and Serchlite Music (now 4MC MultiMedia) have retained the executive producer rights to Illmatic and It Was Written for nearly three decades. The sale is being represented by Richard Blackstone, Roger Miller, and Stephen S. Sidman.