Nas Drops Controversial Album Name

Rapper Nas has renamed his upcoming album due to concern over how record stores could sell his new release, saying, "It's important to me that this album gets to the fans."Originally called 'Nigger', Nas has faced a storm of controversy since announcing the name, however, in a statement released Monday (May 19), the musician explains why the album will now remain untitled."It's been a long time coming," he said.  "I want my fans to know that creatively and lyrically, they can expect the same content and the same messages.  It's that important.  The streets have been waiting for this for a long time.  The people will always know what the real title of this album is and what to call it." The rapper told MTV last week that, "Record stores are gonna have a problem in this day and time selling a record with that title... Everybody is trying to stop the title. It's just people being scared of what's real. Somebody is trying to open up dialogue for people to talk. People that's high up [who aren't] really understanding what I'm doing, are scared."MTV reports that the new album is set to be released on July 1.Photo courtesy of Def Jam.