Despite their long history and chemistry, AZ and Nas never made a collaborative album. They first teamed up on Nas’ iconic 1994 album Illmatic and later joined forces in The Firm with Foxy Brown and Nature (who replaced Cormega). However, a joint album was never planned.
“On Esso’s Bag Fuel podcast, AZ shared why a collab album with Nas never happened. They’ve made plenty of music over the years, but now they’re focused on their own goals and dreams. AZ emphasized that Nas is his own person with his own aspirations, and that’s where they stand.”
WHY DIDN’T NAS & AZ NEVER DO A ALBUM TOGETHER?
The documentary “Jewels, Gems & Treasures” (2022) shone a well-deserved spotlight on AZ, an often-overlooked rapper, with tributes from industry heavyweights like Nas and Buckwild. Nas praised AZ’s unique path, saying, “He carved his own lane, refusing to follow in anyone else’s footsteps, including mine.”
AZ launched his career on Nas’ “Life’s a Bitch” before releasing his debut album Doe or Die in 1995. He later earned a Grammy nod for “The Essence,” a collaboration with Nas on his Aziatic album. In 2020, they reunited on Nas’ King’s Disease album, with AZ joining The Firm and Dr. Dre on “Full Circle,” a nod to their brief collaboration in the ’90s.AZ’s latest album, Doe or Die II, was released in 2021, while Nas has been on a prolific streak, releasing six albums in four years, all produced by Hit-Boy. This work has earned Nas his most acclaimed reviews, including his first-ever Grammy win for Best Rap Album for King’s Disease.
Nas is up for Best Rap Album at the 66th Grammy Awards, with King’s Disease III competing against strong contenders like Drake and 21 Savage’s Her Loss, Killer Mike’s Michael, Travis Scott’s UTOPIA, and Metro Boomin’s Heroes & Villains.
