Music

Nas Addresses His Doja Cat Controversy: ‘People Do It All The Time’

Getty Image ‘I don’t really know the world that these stars live in anymore,’ he admits. …

In a new interview with NME, Nas addresses the controversy that followed him name-checking Doja Cat on his comeback single, “Ultra Black.” He previously spoke on the line itself, claiming that he didn’t feel it was a diss during an interview with Power 106, but during this new interview, he talks about being caught off-guard by the controversy and how out-of-touch he feels with modern social media.

“Well, I’ve been away, so, of course, I mention someone’s name that’s popular and people are gonna talk about it,” he replies. “I hear people do it all the time but no one makes a big deal of it. Maybe it’s because I don’t put out records a lot, so they’re like, ‘Whoa!’ I don’t really know the world that these stars live in anymore. I’m rapping the same way I did when I was on the block, but now there’s a new world and what I say can take off with social media and I can’t do anything about it.”

“Ultra Black” drew a backlash from fans due to its line referencing Doja Cat’s recent chat room scandal. “We going ultra-Black, the opposite of Doja Cat,” he rhymes. Fans interpreted this as a derogatory comment toward the “Say So” singer, who had just been accused of participating in a white supremacist chat room at the same time as an old track of hers titled “Dindu” — a slur against Black people — resurfaced online. Doja apologized for the song but also defended her chat friends from accusations of racism.

Doja Cat herself responded to Nas’ line a couple of times since. Initially, she sarcastically told fans during a live stream “I am so offended and upset about this song” before noting that her anticipated single “N****s Ain’t Sh*t” is an unintentional acronym for “Nas.” Ultimately, she said that she will never beef with Nas — however, I propose as a counterpoint: “N****s Ain’t Sh*t” remix, featuring Nas. Think about it, guys.

Check out Nas’ full NME interview here.

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Album Review

R3b3l I explores self-discovery through sound on “A Different Frequency” album

In a music scene often ruled by lyrics, R3b3l I proves that you can tell a powerful story without a single lyric. “A Different Frequency” is a twelve-track instrumental hip-hop and rap-inspired album inviting you into a deeply personal journey of growth, self-discovery, and purpose, speaking its message purely through mood, rhythm, and expression.

“Dance Before the Throne” opens the album, immediately establishing the tone of reflection and reverence. From here, “Elevate” and “The Wave” continue, adding momentum and a sense of movement and change. Each piece is a chapter in a larger story, allowing you to interpret the music with your own experience.

Songs like “I AM Power,” “Level Up,” and “Awaken” seem to be a big part of the progression of the album. The energy is one of empowerment and inner evolution. “The Jazzy Hop” is a nice change of pace in style, with a smooth, groove-flavored taste that shows R3b3l I’s versatility. Meanwhile, “Carousel,” “Raindrops,” and “Heartbeat” are moments of introspection that balance uplifting themes with emotional depth and openness.

The project wraps up on an emotional high with “Ancestors,” a heartfelt tribute to the forebears and the invisible forces that still influence us on our journeys. It’s a fitting way to close out an album about connection, growth, and purpose. “A Different Frequency” is more than a collection of tracks with carefully constructed instrumentals and thoughtful sequencing, and it’s a rewarding journey for those who want immersive instrumental hip-hop with heart, imagination, and substance.

Connect with R3b3l I on | Spotify | TikTok |

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Artist Spotlight

“Signalling Signatures” finds Mr Pigeons exploring dreams, truth, and hidden meanings

While the first look at an upcoming project usually sets the expectations, Mr Pigeons does something more ambitious with “Signalling Signatures.” With this release, the hip-hop artist opens up a portal into “Shining Arras,” inviting you into a world where dreams, symbols, and hidden meanings collide.

“Signalling Signatures” is an exploration of the thin veil between reality and imagination, based on themes of altered consciousness and shifting perspectives. The song is a mix of mythology, film, and spiritual symbolism and encourages you to look beyond the ordinary and find the messages in everyday life. Mr Pigeons delivers with purpose and swagger, blending introspection with crisp storytelling. He also renders the abstract ideas of the song accessible.

The thing about “Signalling Signatures” that is so compelling is its sheer audacity to challenge you. There are no easy answers in this song, only a quest for truth, perception, and uncertainty. A good opening chapter to “Shining Arras,” and it manages to build up suspense as well as showing Mr Pigeons’ artistic vision. “Signalling Signatures” is a good introduction to what could be an interesting new creative phase for the artist.

Connect with Mr Pigeons on | Website | Spotify | X | FB | TikTok | IG |