Today in Hip-Hop: Nas Premieres Controversial Music Video for “Hate Me Now”

On this day, April 15, in hip-hop history...

1999: On April 15, 1999 New York rapper Nas premiered his controversial music video for the song, "Hate Me Now" on MTV's music video countdown show, Total Request Live.

The song "Hate Me Now" off the 1999 album I Am... is an expression of Nas taking on his media and rap critics. The video for the single was directed Hype Williams and featured Nas and Puff Daddy being crucified. This religious aspect of the visual caused major controversy.

After the video was completed, Puff had second thoughts about his crucifixion scene and requested it be edited out of the final product. But when TRL premiered the video of "Hate Me Now," it was the unedited version that made the broadcast. Within minutes of the video premiere, Combs and his bodyguards allegedly assaulted music executive Steve Stoute in his office. It is rumored that Combs and his guards hit Stoute over the head with a champagne bottle.

Take a look at he visual above for context behind this infamous moment in hip-hop history.