Nas Shock The World By Using 'U' Word For Album Title

Nas

Yes, the world was shaken yesterday by the news that hip hop type Nas had decided to call his upcoming new album 'Untitled'. Yes, that's right, 'Untitled'. It's the children I worry about. Why doesn't anyone ever think about the children?

But it's true, despite insisting just a week or so ago that his new album would still be called 'Nigger', despite outrage at the suggestion in some circles, Nas finally conceded this week that he was going to have to change the long player's name or, more to the point, just not name it at all. The news follows reports earlier in the year that Nas' label, Universal's Island Def Jam, had insisted he choose a different name, mainly out of fears that high street retailers would refuse to stock an album called 'Nigger', especially give the renewed vigour with which the US civil rights movement have been calling for an end to racist and sexist language in hip hop in the last year.

Whether the move to leave the album untitled will placate those who objected to the use of the 'N' word in the album title remains to be seen. They may not welcome suggestions by Nas that by leaving the album untitled he can placate concerned record sellers, but at the same time fans will still be able to refer to it as 'Nigger', even if that's not written on the packaging. In a statement on the matter the rapper told reporters: "It's important to me that this album gets to the fans. It's been a long time coming. I want my fans to know that creatively and lyrically, they can expect the same content and the same messages. It's that important. The streets have been waiting for this for a long time. The people will always know what the real title of this album is and what to call it".

The untitled album - but hey, you know what it's really called, right? - will hit US record stores on 1 Jul.