Lorde Breaks Silence as Nas Assembles Hip-Hop's Greatest for Epic Series
Mia Reynolds, 4/17/2025Lorde returns after a four-year hiatus with her new single "What Was That," promising a fresh yet intimate sound. Simultaneously, Mass Appeal unveils "Legend Has It," a groundbreaking hip-hop series featuring legends like Nas, DJ Premier, and Ghostface Killah, reshaping the genre's narrative.
The music world buzzed with electric anticipation this week as two groundbreaking announcements sent shockwaves through the industry. Lorde, the enigmatic pop visionary from New Zealand, broke her four-year silence with news that left fans breathless — while across town, Mass Appeal quietly dropped a bombshell that's set to reshape hip-hop's landscape through 2025.
"What Was That" marks Lorde's return to the spotlight, and honestly? The timing couldn't feel more perfect. Her new single's artwork speaks volumes — there she stands, face glistening with water droplets, twin braids framing that signature intense gaze. It's classic Lorde, yet somehow different. More seasoned. More knowing.
The track itself? A Washington Square Park TikTok preview hints at something special brewing. Those synth-heavy soundscapes that first captured our hearts are back, but there's something raw and intimate in her words: "Since I was 17, I gave you everything / Now we wake from a dream, well baby, what was that?" The lyrics cut deep, especially coming from someone who's spent half her life navigating the choppy waters of fame.
Meanwhile, Mass Appeal just casually dropped what might be the most ambitious hip-hop project since... well, maybe ever. Their "Legend Has It" series reads like a dream lineup card: Nas & DJ Premier (finally!), Ghostface Killah, Mobb Deep, Raekwon The Chef, Big L, De La Soul, plus some mystery guest they're keeping under wraps. Talk about stacking the deck.
There's something bittersweet about seeing De La Soul and Mobb Deep on that roster. The absence of Trugoy The Dove and Prodigy still stings — yet their legacy lives on through these upcoming releases. It's a reminder that hip-hop isn't just about the music; it's about the stories, the history, the culture that keeps evolving.
That Nas and DJ Premier collab? Been waiting since '06 for this one. Back then, Nas told Scratch magazine they were cooking something up, but good things take time. After Nas's ridiculous 2023 run (three albums? seriously?), this feels like the perfect next chapter.
Looking ahead to 2025, these announcements feel like more than just new music dropping. They're about artists finding fresh ways to tell their stories — whether it's Lorde emerging from her creative cocoon or hip-hop's architects building new monuments to the culture. Something special's brewing, and the anticipation? Well, that's half the fun.