"Rap Civil War going crazy"- Internet praises Nas as rapper comes out in support of Kendrick Lamar headlining the Super Bowl'25

Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, a.k.a. Nas, congratulated Kendrick Lamar for getting to headline the Super Bowl LIX halftime show next year. On Friday, September 13, 2024, the rapper gave a shout-out to Lamar in an Instagram story. He stated:

"Congratulations to my brotha @kendricklamar. Can't wait to watch the party die!!!!"

Nas referred to Lamar's latest track, Watch the Party Die. Along with the message, the rapper reposted Kenny's Super Bowl announcement.

As news of Nas's story spread, Internet users were quick to react. One commented:

"Rap civil war going crazy."

A comment reacting to the news (image via X/@PatriotJ)

Many praised the NY State of Mind hitmaker, stating he's doing the right thing by supporting the younger generation as a veteran rapper. They called him a "legend." Here are some comments seen on X (formerly Twitter):

"as an OG should do … nas doing what good mentors do.. congratulate the youngings for making you proud," one person wrote.

"Nas is the only rapper I’ve seen actually congratulate Kendrick even though he doesn’t need it," another person added.

"Now this is how a Legend moves. Not drugged up crying on sm over another artist's big moment," another person said.

Others wanted the two rappers to collaborate. They added that Kendrick Lamar earned Nas, a veteran rapper's respect.

"Someone has finally made nas proud," one person said.

"All I’m asking for is a Nas x Kendrick track," another fan commented.

"You know you made it in hip hop when the man that made "Hip Hop is Dead" is showing you love. Kendrick IS hip hop now," another netizen said.

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Nas and Kendrick Lamar have previously expressed their admiration for one another

While Kendrick Lamar and Nas have not collaborated together, the pair have previously expressed their admiration for one another.

Nas' 2022 album King Disease III featured the track First Time, which is about the joy of falling in love with a new song or artist. Referring to his first time listening to Lamar, the east-coast rapper wrote:

"Since when did rap leave me so suspended in air / Since Kendrick entered the atmosphere, ’09, I was there / On La Cienega, my n***a from L.A. said there’s a n***a from Black Hippy / I was happy to just witness history."

Per a January 2013 article by HipHopDx, Nas said in the interview that K.Dot's good kid, m.A.A.d city was one of his favorite projects of 2012. He added that the album gives one "hope."

In response, Kendrick Lamar told Fuse (January 2013) that he felt honored. The Compton-born rapper said:

"That’s amazing, just off the fact that it’s Nas. You can hear the influence (of him) on my storytelling. For somebody who’s been a lead player in this game for so many years, a veteran as far as longevity and skill, that’s an accomplishment just on words alone."

Kendrick Lamar, in his April 2014 interview with Google Play, credited Nas' debut album Illmatic (1994) as having a profound impact on him. Kenny explained that his music reflects his surroundings and tries to "elevate (one's) mind," something he picked up listening to his east-coast peer.

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Following Kendrick Lamar's halftime announcement, Lil Wayne took to his Instagram on Friday to express his disappointment and hurt. He thanked those who supported him.

He also questioned why he was overlooked, considering he is from New Orleans (where Super Bowl LIX will take place). Several rappers including Lamar's rival Drake and Nicky Minaj spoke in Weezy's support. Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar has not publicly reacted to the development.