The culture seems to continue to thrive in the cryptocurrency world. 

According to Complex, Hip-Hop icon Nas just teamed up with Royal, a blockchain-powered platform that allows fans the opportunity to invest in their favorite artists’ music. Together, they will sell extended versions of nonfungible tokens (NFTs) called limited digital assets, which include streaming royalty rights to two of Nas’ tracks. 

The Royal Blockchain Experience

Nas, whose real name is Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, will be the first artist to sell his royalty rights through Royal. The limited digital assets include streaming royalty rights to two of his tracks, “Ultra Black” and “Rare.”

“Having Nas be the first artist to sell royalty rights through Royal is an incredible affirmation of our mission,” said Royal CEO, co-founder, and renowned electronic artist Justin “3LAU” Blau in an official statement. “It’s proof that artists across genres feel strongly about democratizing ownership of their music, and that they want to be connected to their listeners on a deeper level.”

The Partnership

Fifty percent of streaming rights for each of the Nas tracks will be available for sale thanks to the partnership between Nas and Royalty. The move gives fans first dibs on ownership rights to an artist’s song.

“Since Royal’s launch, we’ve received overwhelming feedback from artists across genres, who feel strongly about connecting with their fans in new ways,” 3LAU continued. “Having Nas involved first as an investor and now as the first artist to drop on Royal is enormous validation of our mission to redefine music ownership, and this partnership is just the beginning.”

For Nas, it’s another opportunity to connect further with fans.

“I am always looking for new and unique ways to connect with the people,” said the 48-year-old rapper regarding the news. “So I am excited to partner with Royal on their new endeavor in order for the world to connect with my music in a new way.” 

The collection will officially be up for grabs on Jan. 11.