| "Ultra Black" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single byNas featuringHit-Boy | ||||
| from the albumKing's Disease | ||||
| Released | August 14, 2020 | |||
| Genre | Conscious hip hop | |||
| Length | 3:18 | |||
| Label | Mass Appeal | |||
| Songwriter(s) | ||||
| Producer(s) |
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| Nas singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Ultra Black" onYouTube | ||||
"Ultra Black" is a song by American rapperNas featuringHit-Boy, the producer. It was released on August 14, 2020, as the lead single from Nas's thirteenth studio albumKing's Disease (2020).
In the song, Nas raps his black heritage and African-American culture over a "laid backbreakbeat andjazz chords".[1] He pays homage to "all things black",[2] and promotesBlack pride.[3] In an interview withNME in November 2020, Nas said that the song "represents love".[4]
The song attracted attention for lyrics that were perceived as a diss towards singer and rapperDoja Cat: "We goin' ultra Black, unapologetically Black / The opposite of Doja Cat,Michael Blackson Black". In May 2020, Doja Cat (who is of Zulu South African and American Jewish heritage) had been accused of racism and association withwhite supremacists, though she denied the allegations.[5]
Shortly after the song was released, Doja responded with aTikTok video in which she sarcastically says, "I'm so offended and upset by this song. Have you guys heard 'Fruit Salad' byThe Wiggles?"[6] On August 24, 2020, Nas and Hit-Boy had a joint interview with radio stationPower 106, in which Nas stated he meant no disrespect, and that he was only saying something that rhymed with "Ultra Black".[7][8] In hisNME interview in November, Nas commented on how the attention the song received was typical of the social media age.[4]
A music video was released on August 26, 2020. Directed by Spike Jordan, it opens with Nas rapping in his kitchen while Hit-Boy plays a beat in the living room with a baby girl on his lap.[9][10] Nas also appears in various areas ofNew York City, with interspersed scenes of black families bonding.[10][11] The visual also features cameos from designersDapper Dan andKerby Jean-Raymond.[11][12]
Credits adapted fromTidal.[13]