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Hip-hop legends Nas and DJ Premier are officially turning anticipation into reality. The iconic duo has unveiled the full tracklist for their long-awaited collaborative album, Light-Years, instantly igniting excitement across the culture.
The announcement arrived via social media on Monday, December 8, giving fans their first proper glimpse into the project, which is set to drop this Friday, December 12, through Mass Appeal Records. For many, this album represents more than just a release — it’s the culmination of decades of history, respect, and unfinished business.
A Tracklist Rooted in Hip-Hop History
Clocking in at 15 tracks, Light-Years doesn’t just revisit the past — it expands on it. The album includes sequels to some of the most revered songs in Nas and DJ Premier’s shared catalog, reinforcing why they remain one of hip-hop’s greatest rapper-producer pairings.
One of the most talked-about records is “N.Y. State of Mind Pt. 3,” the latest chapter in a legendary series that began on Illmatic and later evolved on I Am…. Staying true to its gritty New York roots, the track promises the raw storytelling fans expect.
Another standout is “3rd Childhood,” a sequel to “2nd Childhood” from Stillmatic, a fan-favorite known for its reflective narrative and sharp social commentary.
A Familiar Voice Returns
Keeping the feature list focused and meaningful, the album includes just one guest appearance — longtime collaborator AZ — on the track “My Story Your Story.” The appearance is a full-circle moment, given AZ’s unforgettable debut on “Life’s a Bitch” and his later role alongside Nas in The Firm, which also included Foxy Brown, Nature, and formerly Cormega.
Interestingly, the previously released single “Define My Name” — once believed to be the album’s lead track — doesn’t appear on the final tracklist. Still, it remains a worthy warm-up as fans prepare for the full project.
Songs Decades in the Making
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Nas revealed that Light-Years includes material originally recorded nearly 20 years ago, back when the idea of a joint album was first discussed.
“At least two of those ideas made it onto this album,” he shared. “We couldn’t finish them back then, but this year we finally brought those recordings together.”
For Nas, the project carries deep personal meaning. “I can’t wait for people to finally hear it,” he said. “For me and him, this has been a long time coming.”
The Grand Finale of a Legendary Series
Light-Years also serves as the seventh and final chapter in Mass Appeal Records’ Legend Has It… series — a year-long celebration spotlighting New York hip-hop royalty. The run began with Slick Rick’s Victory, followed by releases from Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Mobb Deep, the late Big L, and De La Soul.
Reflecting on the series, Nas described it as a revival of hip-hop’s raw spirit. “It feels like 1995 all over again,” he said. “That urgency, that energy — it’s about celebrating life, legacy, and the standards that pushed us to aim higher.”
With Light-Years, Nas & DJ Premier Push Their Historic Legacy Forward on ‘Light-Years’, delivering not just an album, but a reminder of hip-hop’s enduring soul and timeless excellence.
