Hip-hop icon NAS is teaming up with reggae star DAMIAN 'JUNIOR GONG' MARLEY to release a new album.
The I Can hitmaker reveals he has been busy in the studio with Bob Marley's son to produce a disc paying tribute to their cultural roots.

The project has yet to get a release date, but Nas is aiming for this spring (09), adding: "(It's) too early to tell the title or anything like that."

The pair has been recording quietly in Los Angeles for the last several weeks.

Nas' manager, Anthony Saleh, tells Billboard the project will most likely be released in the spring. It's not clear which label will release it; Nas is signed to Def Jam, while Marley records for Universal.

"We've been recording in a studio, where people like Mick Jagger are recording. No one knew who we were," Saleh says. "We're going to Miami this week to finish it up and we're aiming to tour for the album this summer."

In addition to its regular incarnation, the album may also be released in a special edition exclusively through Best Buy or Target. A portion of the proceeds will go toward building a school in Africa, though details are still being solidified.

Nas was nominated for two Grammys at Sunday's 51st annual awards but lost in both the best rap solo performance and best rap album categories.