Though his 'Untitled' LP didn't win Best Rap Album, Nas has a new release in the works, which should receive some nominations next time around. According to a recent interview, Nasir has been recording with platinum-selling reggae artist Damian "Junior Gong" Marley, for the past month.

Nas has had some high-profile collaboration rumors (remember that Scratch Magazine cover with DJ Premier?) in the past, but the rapper's manager, Anthony Saleh, promises the album will likely see release in the spring. "We're going to Miami this week to finish it up and we're aiming to tour for the album this summer," Saleh said.

Though the collaboration is as-yet untitled, and there is no word as to which label will release it, a portion of the proceeds will go towards building schools in Africa.

"We tryin' to build some schools in Africa with this one, and trying to build empowerment," Nas said. "We're tryin' to show love and stuff with this album. So, the record's ... all about really the 'hood and Africa also as well. That's coming out real soon."

More From TheBoombox