Nas is keeping it cool when it comes to fans reigniting his decades-long rivalry with JAY-Z — this time, over casinos instead of rap records.
The conversation started after Nas’ $5.5 billion casino bid with Resorts World NYC was officially approved by New York’s Community Advisory Committee last month, just days after JAY-Z’s $5.4 billion Times Square proposal was rejected.
Naturally, hip-hop fans couldn’t resist turning the business moves into another chapter in the Queens vs. Brooklyn rivalry — with some even calling it “the Casino War.”
Nas’ reaction: pure grace
When asked about the chatter during a new interview with Rolling Stone, the Queens legend kept it humble and mature.
“It is just a thing that some people are going to talk about,” Nas said. “No one has any control over things like that.”
He compared the dynamic to another iconic rap-era rivalry, adding:
“I still study Rakim and Big Daddy Kane. Some rap fans just like to go off on those things from time to time. That’s it.”
Queens gets the money
Nas’ victory with Resorts World NYC isn’t just symbolic — it’s a major win for Queens. The approved project is set to create over 24,000 jobs and generate more than $1 billion in revenue within its first year of operation.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. couldn’t resist celebrating the hometown triumph, joking:
“There’s a theme in Queens, and I know Nas was a part of this: Queens gets the money. Sorry, JAY-Z — we win again.”
Meanwhile, JAY-Z’s Times Square casino proposal — a partnership with Caesars Entertainment and SL Green Realty — was voted down by the same committee, leaving Brooklyn without a win this round.
Even with fans eager to revive old rivalries, Nas’ calm response proves he’s focused on building legacy over competition — staying true to his “Queensbridge hustler” roots while expanding into billion-dollar business moves.
