In a groundbreaking announcement, Mass Appeal Records has revealed its ambitious 2025 project, the ‘Legend Has It…’ series. This initiative celebrates hip-hop’s rich legacy by bringing together iconic artists for a collection of seven albums set to redefine the genre’s landscape.
Nas & DJ Premier: A Long-Awaited Collaboration
After nearly two decades of anticipation, Nas and DJ Premier are set to release their collaborative album in 2025. The duo reignited excitement with the release of their single “Define My Name” on April 19, 2024, commemorating the 30th anniversary of Nas’ seminal debut, Illmatic. This track not only showcased their enduring chemistry but also served as a prelude to their forthcoming project.
DJ Premier shared insights into their creative process, stating, “When Nas says, ‘Hey, man, I want you to be a part of something,’ obviously you don’t really want to say no.” He further elaborated on their collaboration, highlighting the organic nature of their work and the mutual respect that fuels their partnership.
Mobb Deep: Honoring a Legacy
The legendary duo Mobb Deep is poised to make a significant return with a new album under the ‘Legend Has It…’ series. This project holds profound significance as it marks the first release since the passing of Prodigy in 2017. The album promises to feature unreleased verses from Prodigy, meticulously curated to honor his legacy.
Producer Alchemist, who is deeply involved in the project alongside Havoc, expressed the emotional weight of the endeavor: “It feels great just to hear his voice again. We missed it. It’s a void not hearing his voice anymore.”
De La Soul: A Triumphant Return
De La Soul, pioneers of alternative hip-hop, are set to release a new album as part of the ‘Legend Has It…’ series. This project marks their first major release since the tragic passing of member Trugoy the Dove in 2023. While details remain under wraps, fans can anticipate a blend of classic De La Soul innovation with contemporary influences, promising a fresh yet familiar sound.
Big L: Posthumous Tribute
Mass Appeal is also honoring the legacy of Big L with the release of Harlem’s Finest: Rise of the Forgotten King. This posthumous album, slated for summer 2025, comprises unreleased remastered tracks and rare freestyles, offering fans a glimpse into the late rapper’s enduring talent. The project aims to present the best versions of his songs, ensuring proper credit and production quality.
Mass Appeal’s Vision: Celebrating Hip-Hop’s Rich Tapestry
The ‘Legend Has It…’ series is a testament to Mass Appeal’s commitment to preserving and celebrating hip-hop’s diverse history. By bringing together legendary artists and producers, the label aims to create a multifaceted homage to the genre’s evolution. This initiative follows the success of the ‘Hip Hop 50’ series, which featured a series of EPs produced by industry titans like DJ Premier, Swizz Beatz, and Hit-Boy.
Fans React
The announcement has sparked widespread excitement across social media platforms. Fans have taken to Twitter and Instagram to express their anticipation:
“Nas and DJ Premier finally dropping an album? 2025 is already the best year for hip-hop!”
“Mobb Deep’s new project is going to be legendary. Can’t wait to hear Prodigy’s unreleased verses.”
“De La Soul back with new music? This is the comeback we’ve all been waiting for!”
With the ‘Legend Has It…’ series, Mass Appeal is orchestrating a historic celebration of hip-hop’s past, present, and future. By uniting legendary artists for a series of groundbreaking albums, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for the genre. Fans worldwide eagerly await the release of these projects, ready to experience the next chapter in hip-hop’s illustrious narrative.
