Nas - Not Going Back Ft. Kelis May 2026

Rather than a big pop hook, Kelis provides soulful, hypnotic background vocals and harmonies that echo the song's primary mantra: "I won't go back again."

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 Nas - Not Going Back ft. Kelis

The couple's highly publicized marriage ended in a messy divorce in 2009. Rather than a big pop hook, Kelis provides

The production relies on smooth, jazzy undertones contrasting with hard-hitting drums, giving it a classic mid-2000s East Coast aesthetic. 💔 The Hindsight Perspective The song features his then-wife, Kelis

Years later, severe allegations and public disputes over spousal support completely shattered the "us against the world" image painted in this track. 📝 The Verdict

Nas explicitly lists things he is leaving behind, including fake friends, bad record label deals, and the dangerous realities of his old neighborhood.

The song features his then-wife, Kelis. The intro features a chaotic, cinematic skit of the couple arguing in a car before speeding off together, establishing a highly protective, unified front against the outside world. 🎤 Performance & Production