Hero (Nas song)

Infobox Single
Name = Hero


Artist = Nas featuring Keri Hilson
from Album = Untitled
Released = Start date|2008|6|23
Format = CD single, music download
Recorded = 2008
Genre = Hip hop
Length = 4:01
Label = The Jones Experience/Def Jam/Columbia
Writer = Nasir Jones, Amber Rives, Keri Hilson
Producer = Polow da Don
Certification =
Chart position =
Misc = Extra chronology
Artist = Nas
Type = singles
Last single = "Be a Nigger Too"
(2007)
This single = "Hero"
(2008)
Next single = Extra chronology 2
Artist = Keri Hilson
Type = singles
Last single = "Scream"
(2007)
This single = "Hero"
(2008)
Next single = "Energy"
(2008)

"Hero" is the lead single from Nas' 2008 studio album "Untitled". [ [http://www.defjam.com/site/artist_news.php?artist_id=608&news_id=105407 Nas Is Back! - Releases First Single "Hero" From UNTITLED Album] ] [ [http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=283742187&s=143441 Hero (feat. Keri Hilson) - Single] ] The song features singer Keri Hilson and production by Polow da Don.

Background

After claiming that hip hop had died in his previous album, "Hero" contains raps about Nas' heroic status to step up and bring it back, but also contains an allusion to the controversy surrounding the album, originally titled "Nigger":

This universal apartheid
I'm hog-tied, the corporate side
Blocking y'all from going to stores and buying it
First L.A. and Doug Morris was riding with it
But "Newsweek" article startled big wigs
They said, Nas, why is he trying it?
My lawyers only see the Billboard Charts is winning
Forgetting, Nas the only true Rebel since the beginning. [ [http://www.lyricscafe.com/hits/song.php?grid=3&id=1021540 Nas - Hero Lyrics] ]

However, in the album version the lyric "Doug Morris" is censored.

Later in the same verse, he says:

So Untitled it is
I never change NOTHING!
But people remember this,
If Nas can't say it think about these talented kids
With new ideas being told of what they can and can't spit
I can't sit and watch it
So shit I'ma drop it!
Like it or not

Nas also mentions Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel in the third verse.

Music video

The music video premiered on BET on July 7, 2008. [ [http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshh5HeYM37ocOFT1WCZ Video: No Video ] ] It features the Audi R8. Keri Hilson and Ken Jenkins both make appearances in the video.

Track listing

;CD single
# "Hero" featuring Keri Hilson (Clean)
# "Hero" featuring Keri Hilson (Dirty)
# "Hero" featuring Keri Hilson (Instrumental)

Charts

References

External links

* [http://youtube.com/watch?v=DirBbksulqQ "Hero" music video]