Nas taking heat because of new album title

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Veteran rapper Nas will release his new album, Hip Hop Is Dead...The N, next Tuesday, December 19th. The first single from the project is the title track, "Hip Hop Is Dead." The rapper has come under fire from some of his peers who disagree with his assessment that hip hop is dead.

Recently, Nas shared that he was pleased with the feedback because ultimately his goal was to get people talking about the subject and the state of hip hop. The rapper explained that it's all part of growing up. He said: "I mean it's all about us paying attention, you know what I'm sayin'? We got to be responsible, you know what I mean? We can't be. You know we getting too old to be running around here acting like we still retarded and crazy. You know it's fun when we're teenagers."

The rapper added: "But at some point you got to grab a hold of your destiny and know what's right for you. Stop being a follower. We got to be leaders."

Hip Hop Is Dead...The N features guest appearances by The Game, Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, and Kanye West with production by Dr. Dre, Will.I.Am, Kanye West, Salaam Remi, and L.E.S.