Dave East is gearing up for his most significant album to date. Survival will arrive on November 8 through Mass Appeal/Def Jam Records. To get there, East unleashes his latest collaboration with Nas, “Godfather 4.” It was Nas and his label that helped sharpen a spotlight on the East Harlem MC’s lyrical talents. The former basketball star has since extended his portfolio into acting, portraying the Method Man-inspired character on Wu-Tang: An American Saga.

The song is an homage to Francis Ford Coppola’s first two 1970s films, and his 1990 conclusion to the trilogy, based on the novel by Mario Puzo. Nas has used cinema as inspiration before, especially Casino and Scarface. This time, he presents as the Don and explains why he’s vouched so hard for Dave East. He raps about treasuring those that command over orchestral tracks in the way that he, Biggie Smalls, and JAY-Z have while still spitting intelligent rhymes. He adds that those qualities are rare. “No offense, but I was over with finding young spitters with names I remember.” Then, Dave’s name echoes in the track, indicating that the Uptown MC was an exception to Nas’ fatigue. After previous co-signs of other rappers, this one was different. East has become a focal point at Mass Appeal and among Nasir’s personal dedication. Nas continues with a stream of conscious rap.

Dave East & Nas Aren’t Just Running Together, They Overlap In Narratives… (Audio)

East enters the track, acknowledging Nas. “Yo big bro, I’m from the ice-pick era / Light-skin terror / Thought I could sell this dope until my life get better / Hieroglyphics, got ’em tatted on us / So it’s hard to miss us / Reminiscing to my uncle sniffin’ to Lionel Richie / Soul Train over breakfast / Lexus across the Tri-Boro / They not thorough,” before Nas echoes the final bars. These two men, albeit 15 years apart, can relate. He continues with another image-driven verse over DJ Green Lantern’s smooth string arrangement.

Dave East takes Nas’ picture of a private flight and finishes out the vision.

Last year, these two artists collaborated on “NYCHA.” New music from Nas is currently on the official Ambrosia For Heads playlist.