Nas isnt one to shy away from controversy and last year when he revealed the name of his next album, Nigger, it caused some commotion to say the least.

Nas argued that he wanted to re-socialise the word so that it couldnt be used as a negative term in future, but many disagreed with the use of the word that has been entwined in so much negativity in the past.

Nas gave a statement to explain his choice to change the album title and to reassure fans that he hasnt compromised on the subject matter: I want my fans to know that creatively and lyrically, they can expect the same content and the same messages.

It seems that the decision to change the name of the album was logistical "Record stores are gonna have a problem in this day and time selling a record with that title," explained Nas to MTV News "It's important to me that this album gets to the fans.

The initial title received mixed reviews with some musicians, such as Alicia Keys and Jay-Z, defending Nas artistic right to use the word.

Earlier this week the track "N.I.G.G.E.R. (Slave and Master)" was released online andNas is hoping to release his now-untitled album on July 1st.

Initial reports by Shaheem Reid