"Yo, you guys got that 'Nigger' CD?"

Word on the streets, or blogs, is that Def Jam will drop Nas if he doesn't change the title of his album, tentatively titled "Nigger". It doesn't really look like that title will come to fruition. Can you imagine if it does?

Your Local FYE
"Yeah, I'm Looking for a CD."-Average run-of-the-mill white suburban hip-hop head
"What's it called?" Middle-age white sales associate
"Nigger."

Or imagine if he's black.

Or imagine if Al Sharpton is in the store as well.

Or imagine if they have to do a price check over the intercom system:
"Larry, can I get a price check on 'Nigger'? I repeat, price check on 'Nigger'.

Oh, the hilarity.

I can just picture all the whiteboys getting their asses kicked over this album, 'cause you know lots of people ( I shouldn't single out white folks) are gonna use this as a license to use the word freely (like I'm doing so, but hey it's serving a purpose).

Who knows what's gonna happen!

Whether you like the title or not you gotta applaud Nas for his balls. Nas is catching alotta hell for this...but fuck it. The truth of the matter is that this word is always gonna create a hot debate between people, of all colors. It's always gonna spur discussion. Does Nas have the right to spark such a discussion? Yes and no. This issue is bigger than Nas, it's bigger than hip-hop. But, as a black hip-hop artist Nas does have the right to address any issues within his community that he feels he needs to address. Plus, I'm pretty sure he just wants to piss off people.

Is he giving his albums controversial titles just for the shock value and attention? Maybe. Nas as always been at the front of the pack when it comes to lyricism and conceptuality in hip-hop so in my book he could name his album whatever he feels. He's earned that respect.

Plus, he made Illmatic.

But, if you think it's just a publicity stunt to garner more attention then you might be wrong. There will reportedly be a song entitled "The Fear", which is short for (get this) 'The Fear of the Black Man's Dick'! And, if you're feeling a little excluded from all the broo-ha-ha because of your race then look no further than the soon to be smash hit "You're a Nigger Too"!

I'm not kidding. Those are actual song titles.

Oh, and I almost forgot the icing on the cake:

It's coming out in February.

Black History Month.

Please, don't shelve this Def Jam. If 'Homeboys in Outerspace' can be on t.v and "Soul Plane" was released then you guys can drop this album.