Man, me and Biggie were the biggest artists in New York. When he passed, I was so messed up. My attitude was messed up about him dying. There was an East-West thing back then, and I was in war mode.

This quote by Nas reflects on his personal and professional relationship with Biggie (The Notorious B.I.G.), emphasizing their status as two of the biggest artists in New York during their time. Nas expresses the deep impact Biggie’s passing had on him, revealing how it affected his attitude and emotional state. The quote also touches on the intense East-West rivalry in the hip-hop world during that era, which influenced Nas’s mindset.

The meaning behind the quote highlights the profound grief and turmoil that can follow the loss of a close colleague and friend. Nas admits to being in "war mode," a state shaped by the ongoing conflict between East Coast and West Coast rappers, which complicated his feelings and reactions. This insight reveals the emotional and cultural tensions that were prevalent in the hip-hop community at the time.

Nas, a legendary rapper and storyteller, is known for his candid reflections on life and the music industry. His words offer a personal glimpse into the challenges artists faced amid regional conflicts and the toll that loss and rivalry can take on individuals.

In summary, the quote captures a raw moment of vulnerability from Nas, emphasizing how Biggie’s death and the broader East-West tensions shaped his emotional and professional world. It underscores the complex dynamics of grief, rivalry, and legacy in hip-hop history.