stands out as one of the most mature, protective, and introspective tracks on Hip Hop Is Dead . It may not have the mainstream punch of the album's bigger singles, but it serves as a fascinating, bittersweet time capsule of two hip-hop powerhouses at the height of their romance. Not Going Back
While the song was originally recorded as a celebration of their union and joint success, listening to it today offers a heavy dose of irony: Nas - Not Going Back ft. Kelis
Nas explicitly lists things he is leaving behind, including fake friends, bad record label deals, and the dangerous realities of his old neighborhood. stands out as one of the most mature,