Hate Me Now (found original version of Nas ft. Puff Daddy music video; 1999)
In early 1999, a music video directed by Hype Williams was produced for Nas' single "Hate Me Now", featuring Puff Daddy. The video gained controversy for its depiction of the two rappers being crucified, among other things.
Before the video aired, Puff Daddy, being a devout Catholic, spoke to his priest and decided that he wanted his crucifixion scene cut from the video. However, when it aired on Total Request Live on April 15th, 1999, the original cut was accidentally shown. Within minutes, Puff Daddy had burst into the office of Steve Stoute (Nas' manager) with several bodyguards and struck Stoute over the head with a champagne bottle, allegedly taking the master tape afterward. This led to a lawsuit being filed against Puff Daddy by Stoute that it was later settled out of court.[1]
Two images confirming the cut's existence have been released. The first is a single still of Puff Daddy on the cross[2]. The second image was posted on Instagram[3] by the video's director Hype Williams showing both rappers in the background on crosses, with Puff Daddy on the left and Nas on the right. For many years following the ban of the original video, these stills were the only content available from it, with the full video not having surfaced online.
On November 11th, 2022, the original video was uploaded to the Patreon account of YouTube user HipHopVCR, rendering it found[4].
Gallery
A photo showing both Puff Daddy (L) and Nas (R) in the background behind the video director Hype Williams.
References
- ↑ XXL MAG article about the video. Retrieved 02 May '18
- ↑ Christian news site article containing still. Retrieved 02 May '18
- ↑ Hype Williams - Instagram. Retrieved 06 July '20
- ↑ Patreon account of HipHopVCR (video requires a $5 Patreon membership to view). Retrieved 10 Dec '22