Nas Comments on the Unexpected Revival of His Old Rivalry with Jay-Z Over NYC Casino Bids

When rapper Nas collaborated with Resorts World on a bid to bring an expanded casino to Queens, the hip-hop community buzzed with excitement. This move set the stage for an inadvertent clash with Jay-Z, whose Roc Nation was part of a bid to establish a casino in Times Square—a proposal ultimately rejected by the Community Advisory Committee (CAC).

The approval of the Resorts World bid not only advances a $5.5 billion project but also reignites a storied rivalry, at least among fans. The CAC’s unanimous decision favors Nas’s partnership, positioning the Queens project just a step away from full state approval.

In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Nas discussed how the iconic Jay-Z versus Nas narrative resurfaced amidst these new business ventures. “It is just a thing that some people are going to talk about,” he explained, underscoring that the discussions are beyond his control and rooted in the fans’ enduring fascination with their musical saga.

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. even chimed in humorously on the casino bid’s approval, emphasizing that Queens continues to thrive, playfully nudging Jay-Z and the Brooklyn camp about this latest development.

The project at Resorts World NYC is ambitious, aiming to transform the Southeast Queens area significantly. Slated to open by July 2026, the development plans include a massive 350,000 square feet venue, making it one of the largest in the U.S.

The addition of a 7,000-person capacity entertainment venue and a sports complex spearheaded by NBA champion Kenny “The Jet” Smith further highlight the scale of the initiative, which anticipates creating approximately 24,000 new jobs and generating substantial revenue in its first year.

Despite their past, both Nas and Jay-Z have long since moved past their intense rivalry which had its peak moments with tracks like “Takeover” by Jay-Z and “Ether” by Nas. Today, their competition is less about lyrical prowess and more about substantial business moves that impact their communities.