Complex: Okay. How do you think being in an economic recession will affect the next generation of rappers? Will there be the same focus on material wealth?

Nas: In the Great Depression in the ’30s, the numbers racking in the black community helped the Italian mafia survive and they thought it was just pennies. The penny business in Chicago, Ed Jones, cats like that, created a huge enterprise that paved the way for street guys to maintain, to open up clubs and pay Duke Ellington so he can buy outfits and cars and fly all over the world.

Complex: Right

Nas: They made it happen in the ’30s. They made it happen in the ’40s. And it was worse times than now. That’s the recipe of a hustler, hard times. There will be fewer artists able to get their glow on and shit. That’s how it’ll be I think. And overall, the ice got out of control. There are so many people wearing fake necklaces, fake watches. And watch brands that are really just all about hood flashing. It’s hard for me when I want to wear a classy watch with diamonds on it. We need a break from the diamonds now, maybe. Because everyone is taking it to the next level. Too much of anything is going to get played out anyway. You may not even need to have all those materialistic things in a year.

Complex: Kanye says that you are the greatest rapper of all time. How does it make you feel when people call Lil’ Wayne the best rapper alive?

Nas: Oh man, good. I only feel weird when you’re saying that about me. I think Kanye West saved rap. I think Lil’ Wayne is showing there is a future for all kinds of artists to continue doing this. You know, I love it.

Complex: Who in the game still excites you?

Nas: Kanye, OutKast, Eminem.¹

1. complex blog - Nas: “I Think Kanye West Saved Rap” [↩]