R-Mean’s Dream Collaboration with Nas Comes to Life in “Candle of the Devil”
When R-Mean, an LA-born rapper raised in Amsterdam, released a tribute track to Nas in 2017, he never thought he’d have the chance to collaborate with the rap legend himself.
Despite having worked with renowned artists like The Game, Joe Budden, Kxng Crooked, and King Los, R-Mean considered Nas one of his most significant influences.
In an unexpected turn of events, R-Mean and Nas joined forces for the Scott Storch-produced single “Candle of the Devil,” released on Friday (Apr. 7). R-Mean shared the story behind this dream collaboration on Instagram earlier this week.
R-Mean recounted how he used to fantasize about working with Nas in the studio, and one day, that dream became a reality. In 2017, he released a mixtape track titled “Letter to the King” as a tribute to Nas and Eminem, his two biggest influences. The song received positive feedback from fans and online platforms.
Years later, a friend of R-Mean played the tribute song for Nas, who was deeply touched by the track. Nas reached out to R-Mean via Facetime, expressing how the song affected him profoundly. Within just three days, R-Mean and Nas found themselves working together at Scott Storch’s studio, where they created “Candle of the Devil” on the spot.
R-Mean expressed his gratitude for not only having the opportunity to collaborate with his childhood idol but also for creating a song that both artists believe is truly special. According to R-Mean, “Candle of the Devil” is the masterpiece he always imagined he would create with Nas if given the chance.
