Nas has taken a relatively hands-off approach with Dave East. The Harlem-born MC – who came of age around Nas’ native Queensbridge – is the first artist Esco has put his cosign on in years. Nas has been the hidden hand throughout most of East’s career, with few photos of the two and few features outside of 2015’s “Forbes List.” The closest thing we’ve gotten to a collaboration recently is his narration on “The Hated,” a track that harkens to New York’s gritty golden era of sinister horns and stories of the underworld.
Here’s the video: