In some topsy turvy bizarro world, Nas is now a part of Def Jam’s roster of artists according to the NY Times today. Why this is news worthy you may ask, simply because of the ‘president’ of Def Jam is none other then Jay-Z himself, those who’ve listened to Rap in the last decade at least know why this is just bananas. Apparently the deal consisted of Sony Music and Def Jam splitting the bill on Nas’ next two albums (whether it sells or flops).

The long-rumored deal sets the stage for Nas to join the artist roster of Def Jam Recordings, the rap label where Jay-Z became president last year in an unusual executive shuffle.

Personally this is the first time I’ve heard of this rumor and if I had been privy to it I would’ve definitely ran outstretched toward a poster of Nas while yelling “No nigga don’t do it!* The CD’s will be as bad or worse then Street’s Disciple!” Sure it wouldn’t have helped anything, let alone prevent this from happening, and would probably have people lookin’ at me like I was that crazy homeless guy quoting scriptures on the corner — but whatever.

The agreement pays Nas about $3 million, including a recording budget, for each of the first two albums, and provides for two additional albums with Def Jam, the sources said. Sony also retains the right to release a Nas greatest hits album, they added.

I suppose he finally did something for the money (or his label did) so I’m not going to fault him for that or anything. But this whole Nas on Def Jam is a little bit odd just because of all the whack sound coming from Def Jam in the last 6 or 7 years, hopefully that ‘rumor’ of DJ Premier doing all the beats on Nas’ next CD will still be true ’cause I was looking forward to that.

I suppose we’ll just see what happens with this in the monthes to come.

* ala Dave Chappelle