Nas, whose record "I Am" is still riding high on the "Billboard" album chart, owes a considerable part of his current success to his producer, DJ Premier.

The rapper hooked up with Premier seven years ago when he was planning his first album, "Illmatic." Three albums later, Nas says their hit-making chemistry is still there.

[article id="1442912"]"I called Premier, he was with it, and ever since [then], you know, it's just been like his chemistry,"[/article] Nas told MTV News. [article id="1442912"]"The way he puts it down, the way he puts his whole vibe... he's a genius at work."[/article]

The rapper added, [article id="1442912"]"He brings the best out of me, so I'm always going to want to work with Premier." [RealVideo][/article]

DJ Premier and his group Gang Starr (which also features acclaimed MC Guru) have a greatest hits album on the way. Titled "Full Clip: A Decade Of Gang Starr," the collection is due in stores at the

end of June.