Nas Hit With Lawsuit By ‘Illmatic’ Producer Pete Rock, Allegedly Hasn’t Paid Royalties Since 1994

Nas Is Being Sued By ‘Illmatic’ Producer Pete Rock, Allegedly Hasn’t Paid Royalties Since 1994

A producer for Illmatic wants Nas to cough up the cash he owes him.

East coast hip-hop legend Nas is being sued, according to Page Six, by record producer Pete Rock for unpaid royalties on Illmatic. According to a source, the rap revolutionary hasn’t seen a cent from the monumental 1994 album.

The lawsuit, which is said to be filed this month (Jan.), is a long time coming for Pete, who’s been uncompensated for his contribution since the album debuted. He told a source:

“Nas and his people have stonewalled me since 1994; My New Year’s resolution is to be compensated for my hard work on ‘Illmatic.”

Pete and his lawyers are reportedly zeroing in on “The World Is Yours,” a popular track from the project, which he has production credits on. They’re claiming that–upon recording the album–Nas signed a contract that promised Pete a portion of proceeds from the song. It’s now worth millions, but his legal counsel is alleging that the well-respected rapper has never honored the contract.

In addition to producing “The World Is Yours,” Pete co-wrote the number and laid down some vocals for it.

The track is so loved amongst rappers that several have sampled it. Many say that it is the most sampled song in Nas‘ catalog, which transcends decades. Jay-Z, Eminem, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, and the late Mac Miller have all used the song in their own music.

Nas & Jay-Z in 2014

Illmatic was Nas‘ first studio album on Columbia Records. It has become a hip-hop staple, with critics and fans of the genre alike praising the album even twenty-something years after its release. Stepping onto the scene during the height of gritty east coast rap, Illmatic defined the golden era of hip-hop, along with an entire generation.

Do you think Nas owes Pete Rock? Leave us a comment and let us know!

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