We have to be honest in these assessments. Jay-Z and Bleek literally lived in the same building and Bleek came up as Jay’s homie on some little brother steeze. You can’t compare Bleek and Jay’s relationship to Nas and AZ. AZ is FROM brooklyn and met Nas when they were 19/20 on some rap shyt. They’re not, nor have ever been all that close as friends, they are collaborators and associates. But you didn’t see AZ backing Nas up or riding for him when he went to war with Jay and all of Roc-A-Fella (including Dipset) you never hear AZ riding for Nas when Jim Jones sends stupid shots. You didn’t see AZ say a word when almost the entire Hip Hop world took 21 Savage to task for saying Nas wasn’t relevant. AZ isn’t, nor has he ever been a ride or die for Nas like Bleek is for Jay. And thats ok, because they don’t have that kind of relationship. Nas’s Bleek is Jungle, who has and will put in work on Nas behalf and held him down through thick & thin. Nashawn also rides for Nas 100% as does Wiz. If you put either one of them in front of a mic and ask “Nas or so and so” I have no doubt they’d pick Nas 10 times out of 10. MC Serch also rides for Nas and told the world the truth that Jay lied about Serch owning Nas publishing and that Nas actually owns 50% of Dead President’s due to the sample. Yara Shahidi, Nas cousin, will take him over any and everybody.
Nas doesn’t seem to be the type of person to demand blind loyalty from people. You either show it through your words and actions or you don’t. Nas doesn’t come off like he needs yes men whereas Jay DOES come off like he wants constant praise and validation. That means that the praise and compliments Nas does get come from genuine love and appreciation for his talents. When Scarface says his top 5 is Nas, Nas, Nas, Nas and Nas thats REAL. When Alicia Keys was asked in an interview back in the day to choose between Jay-Z and Biggie and she said “Nas” THAT was real. When Swizz Beatz rapped that he was chillin in a Beamer, listening to Ether THATS real. When Cam’ron says that Nas is his favorite rapper and the only reason he went so hard at him was because Nas had the power to end careers THATS real. When Cormega says Nas is the true king of Queensbridge THATS real. When Ghostface says Nas is the greatest of all time THATS real. When KRS One says Nas is the greatest of all time THATS real. When 50 Cent says Nas is the greatest of all time and quotes his lyrics at the drop of a dime THATS real.
Jay’s own protege, the biggest artist he’s ever been affiliated with, says Nas is the GOAT
Thats REAL
was bout to throw a fit when i saw Represent and 2nd Childhood and 7 and 6 til i saw the top 5
autobiography I'm reading