Ultra Black

In the song, Nas raps his black heritage and African-American culture over a "laid back breakbeat and jazz chords".[1] He pays homage to "all things black",[2] and promotes Black pride.[3] In an interview with NME 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 rapper Doja Cat: "We goin' ultra Black, unapologetically Black / The opposite of Doja Cat, Michael Blackson Black". In May 2020, Doja Cat had been accused of racism and association with white supremacists, though she denied the allegations.[5]

Shortly after the song was released, Doja responded with a TikTok video in which she sarcastically says, "I'm so offended and upset by this song. Have you guys heard 'Fruit Salad' by The Wiggles?"[6] On August 24, 2020, Nas and Hit-Boy had a joint interview with radio station Power 106, in which Nas stated he meant no disrespect, and that he was only saying something that rhymed with "Ultra Black".[7][8] In his NME 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 of New York City, with interspersed scenes of black families bonding.[10][11] The visual also features cameos from designers Dapper Dan and Kerby Jean-Raymond.[11][12]

Credits adapted from Tidal.[13]