DJ Premier responds to criticism of Nas collaborative album
Nas and DJ Premier released their long-awaited collaborative album last week. However, the project has faced some backlash from fans, prompting a reaction from Preemo.
Light-Years was released on Mass Appeal Records on December 12th as the final album in the label’s “Legend Has It” series for 2025.
Following its release, fans took to social media to share their thoughts on the project, with some raising some concerns about the production quality.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on December 15th, Premier responded to those who had negative views of the project.
“I just wanna say thanks 4 the love of the new Light – Years LP,” he wrote. “It’s totally dedicated to the day 1 HIP HOP purists. If you missed living the era that’s fine. Ask a veteran what it was like. We have the answers. Stay blessed everyone. Salute all DJ’s, MC’s, Writers, Breakers.”
In the replies, Preemo received a mixed response. Some fans agreed with him, while others questioned the dismissal of constructive criticism.
One person wrote, “Exactly as you said, the weight of the kick drum you chose, paired with Nas’s masterful flow, brought me right back to the rush I felt when I first stepped through the door of hip-hop. As long as the legends keep running, I’ll be right there with them for life.”
On the other hand, another fan said, “You guys are missing the whole point, there are actually a lot of errors on those beats. I’m talking about pitch arrangements and instrumental sound quality. Let’s put ‘bad beat’ aside, some sounds don’t hit on the mark.”
Someone else said, “Get out of here with that purist nonsense. Should we go back and start watching movies in Black and White again too?”
Light-Years consists of 15 tracks with features from AZ and Steve Miller Band. Premier produced the entirety of the album.