Nas Regrets Putting 'Corny' Song on 1999 Album

The legendary rapper opened up about his regrets over a track from his classic album I Am...

Mar. 10, 2026 at 7:08pm

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Nas, one of the most respected rappers in hip-hop history, has revealed that he regrets putting a song called "Dr. Knockboot" on his 1999 album I Am... The rapper described the track as "corny" and said he was talked into including it on the album. Over 20 years later, Nas continues to make new business moves, including a proposal to expand a casino in Queens, while also praising the next generation of rap stars like Kendrick Lamar.

Why it matters

Nas' admission about regretting a song on one of his classic albums shows that even the greatest artists can have regrets about their creative decisions. It also highlights how Nas' legacy continues to evolve as he takes on new business ventures and champions the next wave of hip-hop talent.

The details

In a 2018 interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Nas named the song "Dr. Knockboot" as the track he regretted putting on I Am... He said he "regretted letting people talk [him] into putting it on an album," describing it as more "corny" than "cheap." Over the years, Nas has expanded his portfolio beyond music, including a proposal to expand a casino in his native Queens that was recently approved, while his former rival Jay-Z lost approval for a Times Square casino. Nas also took the opportunity to praise Kendrick Lamar as "one of the brightest stars we've ever seen" and "one of those" artists who will speak out against those "not here for the art" and "damaging it."

  • In 2018, Nas appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and discussed regretting the song "Dr. Knockboot" from his 1999 album I Am...
  • In 2025, Nas shared details about his proposal to expand a casino in Queens being approved, while Jay-Z's Times Square casino proposal was denied.
  • The interview with Rolling Stone where Nas praised Kendrick Lamar took place in 2025.

The players

Nas

One of the most respected and acclaimed rappers in the history of hip-hop, known for classic albums like I Am... and his business ventures outside of music.

Kendrick Lamar

A rising rap superstar who Nas praised as "one of the brightest stars we've ever seen" and someone who will speak out against artists "not here for the art."

Jay-Z

Nas' former rival in the rap world, who recently lost approval for a Times Square casino project, while Nas had a proposal for a Queens casino approved.

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What they’re saying

“I regret letting people talk me into putting it on an album.”

— Nas, Rapper (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert)

“Kendrick is one of the brightest stars we've ever seen, and I don't only mean superstar, I mean like the North Star—I think he's one of those.”

— Nas, Rapper (Rolling Stone)

“When we see those people that are not here for the art damaging it, you're hurting the future of the art. So I think artists like Kendrick are going to speak out.”

— Nas, Rapper (Rolling Stone)

What’s next

Nas' proposal to expand the casino in Queens is still pending approval, while his rivalry with Jay-Z over business ventures continues to be a topic of discussion among fans.

The takeaway

Even legendary artists like Nas can have regrets about their creative decisions, but they also continue to evolve and champion the next generation of talent. Nas' openness about his missteps and his praise for rising stars like Kendrick Lamar show his enduring influence and commitment to the art form of hip-hop.