"I'm Done": Nas Says He Doesn't Want to Celebrate 'Illmatic' Anymore

Photo Credit: Vickey Ford of Sneakshot Photography

In an interview with Haute Living, Nas discusses Lost Tapes 2 and reveals his plans for the third and fourth installments of the series.

Six months have passed since Illmatic's 25th anniversary and Nas doesn't see any reason for celebration. In an interview with Haute Living's Laura Schreffler, the Queens MC reflected on the legacy of the album widely known as a hip-hop classic.

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"I'm tired of celebrating it," he told Schreffler. "I'm grateful, but it has started to take on a life of its own." I did the 20th anniversary with the National Symphony Orchestra five years ago and the next thing you know, five years go by and it's a calendar that I didn't ask for showing me how fast time moves."

In the profile, Nas discussed the release of TheLost Tapes 2, his creative approach, and plans for future releases. Additionally, he admitted his disdain for the near-constant celebration of his debut.

"To celebrate one album when I've made over 10," he continued, "all the things I’ve worked on—and I’ve been working for so long—to celebrate one album over all else is corny to me. I don’t want to celebrate another Illmatic anything. I’m done. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for appreciating that record, but it’s over.”

The Lost Tapes 2 is available for streaming now. According to the profile, Nas is planning two more chapters of the Lost Tapes series. He hopes to release them at a quicker pace than the second chapter. “[They will come out] quicker than 17 years, that’s for sure,” he promises. “Because they need to come out.”

SOURCE: Haute Living