Photo by MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty Images
Nas new album, King’s Disease II, is stacked with features from artists young and old, but one major standout is Eminem. Despite being considered two legends in the game, Em and Nas have never officially rapped together on a track until the release of “EPMD 2” today. The song also features New York hip-hop duo EPMD, and pays tribute to the group’s legacy over production from executive producer Hit-Boy.
Both EPMD and Eminem being their verses by calling back to one of the group’s early albums, as Genius contributor Beugeair explains in an annotation:
Meanwhile, Em pays tribute to some of the rap legends lost in the past few years:
R.I.P. out to DMX, Stezo, E and Nipsey
Ecstasy and Prince Markie Dee, MF DOOM, I hit 50 via text
Told him that I love him ‘cause I don’t even know when I'ma see him next
Tomorrow could be your death
Although Nas and Eminem have never rapped together on an officially released song before, they do have a history of collaboration. Back in 2002, Eminem co-produced Nas' song “The Cross” alongside Jeff Bass. Late last year, a sample of Nas' voice appeared on Em’s song “Book of Rhymes” thanks to DJ Premier. And the two rappers do appear together on the song “Topless,” an unreleased Dr. Dre track meant for the mythical unrealized album Detox. With “EPMD 2,” fans finally get to hear them on wax together.
Editor’s Note: Nas is an investor in Genius.
Read all the lyrics to Nas' “EPMD 2” featuring Eminem and EPMD on Genius now.
