Currently taking place in Austin, Texas, SXSW is an annual source for exciting announcements, premieres, new music and more, among the countless performances taking place across the city. This week, one of the most exciting debuts has come from hip-hop legend Nas, who has unveiled a long-dormant collaboration with the late, great J Dilla.
Titled The Sickness, the track was previewed at a “Live at the BBQ” showcase held by Mass Appeal, Nas’ label, last Thursday. Although Nas initially announced that the track will be released as part of the hugely anticipated J Dilla release, The Diary, Pitchfork now confirm that the track won’t feature on the album, but will be released separately on April 15, which is Record Store Day, and the same day as The Diary. It will also be released to those who pre-order the Dilla album.
The previously unheard collaboration was first recorded by J Dilla in 2001, using a Madlib beat. Considering Nas added his verse this year, titling it a collaboration feels a little questionable, but hey, we’ll roll with it for now.
This isn’t the first time that the two appear on a track together – back in 2014, Nas released The Season, produced by J Dilla.
Click here to see the full list of Record Store Day exclusive releases and more.
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