Nas’ “One Mic” was originally supposed to feature DMX
The producer of the song also disclosed the relationship between the iconic tune and vocalist Phil Collins.
Nas’ “One Mic” is considered to be one of his best lyrical performances to date and one of the standout tracks in the rap legend’s extensive discography.
However, the song’s producer, Chucky Thompson, claims that the late Hip-Hop icon DMX, another legendary musician, almost made a cameo in “One Mic.”
However, Nas’ misgivings about performing the song live ultimately led to the cancellation of the planned collaboration.
DMX was genuinely present throughout the song’s composition and was ready to take the mike if necessary, according to Thompson, who recalled the song’s genesis in an exclusive conversation with him before his death in 2021.
Regarding the historic session, Thompson remarked, “The crazy part about it is DMX was in the studio with us at that time.”
Nas said, “I don’t think I should do that because then I would have to have him every time I perform the song,” just as he was ready to get on it. I’m just going to dump this joint and finish it. That’s all it was. Some theatrical hip-hop shit was going on. I was only there to help him color it.
DMX and Nas have collaborated on a number of songs together, including “The Grand Finale,” “Life Is What You Make It,” “Sincerity,” and most recently, “Walking In The Rain” and “Bath Salts,” which are off X’s posthumous Exodus album.
The New York natives are further connected by their well-known roles opposite one another in the iconic crime-thriller Belly, which was directed by Hype Williams in 1998.
Thompson also discussed how Nas’ lyrical feud with JAY-Z coincided with the release of “One Mic.” He believed that the record calmed the tension between the two fierce rivals.
Regarding the beginning of his collaboration with Nas, the Washington, D.C. native remarked, “Well, he sought me out.” I had sent him a handful of my tunes. I never received a response. “Why don’t you just come to the studio?” he asked. We can simply connect. He was dealing with all of that Jay-Z stuff at the moment. As all of that was going on, I thought, “This sh*t is going to be over with [soon].”
The late boardsman also disclosed Phil Collins’ involvement with “One Mic,” attributing the song’s inspiration to Collins’ timeless smash “In The Air Tonight.”
Thompson revealed, “We just started rapping about life.” “Well, what is that energy [you tap into] if it’s going to go down?” I asked. What’s that record that helps you relax when something happens? Both of us considered “In the Air Tonight” by [Phil Collins].
“I want the hooks to be calm, but I want the verses to be up!” he added. This is something Nas always does. Do you recall the introduction of those drums [in “In the Air Tonight”]?
You understand what I mean when I say that “One Mic” and “In the Air Tonight” share a similar canvas. That was it. I simply painted the canvas for him; I had no idea what the story was about. He informed me of his needs.
Critics praised “One Mic,” which was released as the third single from his fifth solo studio album Stillmatic. It did well commercially, debuting at No. 43 on the Billboard Hot 100.
