Nas praised Kendrick Lamar as Hip-Hop’s “North Star” whereas reflecting on the style’s future and the significance of artists who shield its legacy.

Nas known as Kendrick Lamar Hip-Hop’s “North Star” throughout a current interview, praising the Compton rapper’s unwavering dedication to the tradition and his function in preserving the style’s core values.

“We all as artists love this art form and have our opinions on it,” Nas advised Rolling Stone. “Kendrick is one of the brightest stars we’ve ever seen, and I don’t only mean superstar, I mean like the North Star — I think he’s one of those.”

The Queensbridge icon was requested to weigh in on the parallels between his 2006 monitor, “hip hop Is Dead,” and Lamar’s 2024 tune, “Watch the Party Die.”

Both information critique the state of the style, however Nas made it clear that Kendrick stands out for his authenticity and goal.

“Out of all the artists in this business, there’s some that’s not here for the art,” Nas added. “When we see those people that are not here for the art damaging it, you’re hurting the future of the art. So I think artists like Kendrick are going to speak out.”

The remarks underscore a long-running mutual admiration between the 2 lyrical heavyweights. While they’ve by no means shared a monitor, their respect for one another has been constant.

Kendrick Lamar Salutes Nas On “GNX” Album

Nas beforehand celebrated Lamar’s shock 2024 album GNX on Instagram, writing, “Always inspired by my brother KL. Keeping the essence of this s### alive and at the forefront. Salute King!”

Lamar’s GNX album, launched in November 2024, opened with “wacced out murals,” a monitor that addressed criticism over his choice because the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show headliner in New Orleans—Lil Wayne’s hometown.

In the verse, Lamar mirrored on the backlash and made it clear that Nas was the one one who confirmed him love.

“I used to bump ‘Tha Carter 3’, I held my Rollie chain proud. Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down,” Lamar rapped. “Got the Super Bowl and Nas the only one congratulate me, all these n##### agitated I’m just glad it’s on they faces.”

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