Nas Previews New Video, Busta Rhymes Associate Found Dead, Bun B Tops Charts In “The Roundup”

Nas previewed the video to his much-discussed track "Be A Nigger Too" last night for media members at the Tribeca Grand Hotel in New York. The Rik Cordero-directed clip featured stark visuals and cameos from actors such as The Wire's Andre Royo and Chris Partlow, John Cho (Harold and Kumar), activist and playwright Danny Hoch, among others. The video, Cordero explained, was inspired by the Spike Lee movie The 25th Hour. "Nas offends no one, but offending all," Cordero said of the video idea. The clip featured a montage of multi-hued Americans as Nas spits the chorus, calling out all walks of life and equally claiming them all: "Yall my niggers, too." The rapper explained his album would still be untitled but the cover imagery would convey the message title that was originally intended. See the cover. [NahRight]

A former bodyguard of Busta Rhymes who worked for the rapper eight years ago was found dead in the back of his pickup truck, according to a report. Jermaine Williams, 35, apparently was shot multiple times and police discovered his body when they saw blood dripping in the backseat that was presumed to be abandoned in Ozone Park, Queens. Another bodyguard of Busta Rhymes was murdered in 2006 on the set of his "Touch It" video; the rapper refused to cooperate with police but offered to help the family of Israel Ramirez, which drew Busta large amounts of criticism. [AHH]

Bun B's latest album, II Trill, debuted at number one on Billboard's Hip-Hop/R&B chart with sales of 97, 957 units, making the UGK star the biggest urban indie act this year.

Ryan Leslie took to the stage at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Manhattan at the Tanqueray Style Session on Wednesday night. Kidz in the Hall, Sean John Model Miguel Perdomo, and DJ Steve Aoki were all in attendance. The R&B singer's self-titled debut album is due June 17. ---XXL staff