| "Ultra Black" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Single by Nas featuring Hit-Boy | ||||
| from the album King's Disease | ||||
| Released | August 14, 2020 | |||
| Genre | Conscious hip hop | |||
| Length | 3:18 | |||
| Label | Mass Appeal | |||
| Songwriter(s) | ||||
| Producer(s) |
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| Nas singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Ultra Black" on YouTube | ||||
"Ultra Black" is a song by American rapper Nas featuring Hit-Boy, the producer. It was released on August 14, 2020, as the lead single from Nas's thirteenth studio album King's Disease (2020).
In the song, Nas raps his black heritage and African-American culture over a "laid back breakbeat and jazz chords". [1] He pays homage to "all things black", [2] and promotes Black pride. [3] In an interview with NME in November 2020, Nas said that the song "represents love". [4]
The song attracted attention for lyrics that were perceived as a diss towards singer and rapper Doja Cat: "We goin' ultra Black, unapologetically Black / The opposite of Doja Cat, Michael Blackson Black". In May 2020, Doja Cat (who is of Zulu South African and American Jewish heritage) had been accused of racism and association with white supremacists, though she denied the allegations. [5]
Shortly after the song was released, Doja responded with a TikTok video in which she sarcastically says, "I'm so offended and upset by this song. Have you guys heard 'Fruit Salad' by The Wiggles?" [6] On August 24, 2020, Nas and Hit-Boy had a joint interview with radio station Power 106, in which Nas stated he meant no disrespect, and that he was only saying something that rhymed with "Ultra Black". [7] [8] In his NME interview in November, Nas commented on how the attention the song received was typical of the social media age. [4]
A music video was released on August 26, 2020. Directed by Spike Jordan, it opens with Nas rapping in his kitchen while Hit-Boy plays a beat in the living room with a baby girl on his lap. [9] [10] Nas also appears in various areas of New York City, with interspersed scenes of black families bonding. [10] [11] The visual also features cameos from designers Dapper Dan and Kerby Jean-Raymond. [11] [12]
Credits adapted from Tidal. [13]
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, known professionally as Nas, is an American rapper and entrepreneur. Rooted in East Coast hip hop, he is regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time. The son of jazz musician Olu Dara, Nas began his musical career in 1989 under the moniker "Nasty Nas", and recorded demos under the wing of fellow East Coast rapper Large Professor. Nas made his recording debut on Professor's group, Main Source's 1991 song "Live at the Barbeque".
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