21 Savage doesn’t believe Queens MC Nas is “relevant” amongst today’s Hip-Hop artists, he declared in a Clubhouse room entitled, “Is Nas the Greatest Rapper or What?”
The UK-born rapper, 30, asserted that the Illmatic icon, 49, is no longer at the forefront of Hip-Hop, but has sustained a massive fanbase over the span of his almost 30-year career that may give the impression of current relevancy.
“What y’all saying, relevant though?” said 21 Savage. “I don’t feel like he’s relevant. I just feel like he got fans.”
After a bit of pushback from those in the room, the “A Lot” rapper doubled-down, adding,
“He’s not relevant, he just has a loyal ass fan base. He just has a loyal fan base and he still make good-ass music.”
After facing backlash for his controversial comments, 21 denied that he was taking a shot at Nas. “I would never disrespect nas or any legend who paved the way for me y’all be tryna take stuff and run with it,” he tweeted.
Nas, who released his album King’s Disease III on Friday, appeared to break his silence. On Tuesday, he posted a photo of himself while seemingly laughing off 21’s assessment. In his caption, he included the crying laughing face emoji and the word “LOVE.”
Fans applauded Nas in the comments. “A King’s response!” wrote one, while another added, “Relevant.”