Nas Fans Launch Petition for ‘Lost Tapes 2′ Release

In October, Nas penned an angry letter to record execs at Def Jam for holding up the release of his 'Lost Tapes 2' LP. In the letter he confirmed that the project had been completed for months but was being held back by the label. Fans of the Queens rapper have now picked up where he left off, launching an online petition for the release of the long-awaited album.

"We the fans of Nasir Jones, have been waiting for the follow-up to the 2002 classic 'Lost Tapes," the petition begins. "This was a record of compiled tracks that did not make Nas albums, but put together for the sake of the fans. Since its release almost a decade ago, it has received critical acclaim and quickly became a fan favorite."

Writers of the petition, at WeNeedLostTapes2.com, made reference to Lupe Fiasco who has been facing a similar situation with the long-delayed release of his 'Lasers' album. Lupe fans began an online petition and promised a protest in front of Atlantic Records' New York City offices, which led the record label to finally submit a released date for 'Lasers.' "Like the Lupe Fiasco fans, we understand how important it is to support the artists that still strive to bring creativity and artistic integrity back to the forefront of hip-hop," the petition continues. "Nas is a hip-hop legend whose career has lasted nearly 20 years and deserves to be treated as such."

Nas originally announced plans to release the sequel to his 'Lost Tapes' compilation album back in June. In his letter to Def Jam two months ago, he mentioned that his fans would quickly stand up in his defense if necessary -- "I could go on twitter or hot 97 tomorrow and get 100,000 protesters @ your building..." he wrote –- and apparently he was correct.

So far the petition has amassed almost 3,000 signatures. Add your name to the list by going here.