Nas takes home the Grammy for Best Rap Album for his 2020 album “King’s Disease” at the 2021 Grammy Awards. Although he has had 14 Grammy nominations, his first being in 1996 for “If I Ruled The World (Imagine That),” this is his very first time winning a Grammy Award.
According to HuffPost, “The album beat out “Black Habits” by D Smoke, “A Written Testimony” by Jay Electronica, “Alfredo” by Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist, and “The Allegory” by Royce da 5′9.”
Nas’ win is well deserved and long overdue. Since 1994 he has been a staple in the hip-hop game, creating legendary albums like the “Illmatic,” “Stillmatic” and “Godson.” Even though Nas may have not been recognized by The Recording Academy until this year, for the last 20+ years Nas has been iconized and adulated within hip-hop culture.
Furthermore, Nas winning a Grammy for “King’s Disease” is also a win for the culture—Black culture.
“King’s Disease,” released Aug.21, was headlined by the lead single “Ultra Black,” an unapologetic celebration of Black culture in America,” according to Huffpost.
Hit-Boy —the executive producer of “King’s Disease”—is also partaking in this wonderful achievement. Although Hit-Boy has earned a few Grammys from producing for Jay-Z and Kanye West, working with Nas has motivated him to “put more work in.”
“I’m 3 in. I really won a Grammy wit Nipsey Hussle, Nas, Jay-Z and Kanye west. I’m motivated to put more work in,” Hit-Boy said in a tweet.
Hit-Boy also went viral after posting an Instagram video of himself getting emotional after rapper Big Sean tells him that he has won a Grammy for Best Rap Album.
“Bittersweet moment for me. I’m dedicating this years Grammy for best rap album to Reggie Warren from the legendary R&B group troop who sadly passed away today. I love my brothers Nas and Big Sean. We got more work to do 🏆 KINGS DISEASE!!!,” Hit-boy said in the video caption.
Nas has yet to post anything about his Grammy win on social media.