Nas covers XXL magazine’s November issue and was treated to an impromptu interview by Odd Future’s frontman, Tyler the Creator. Nas, who just released the video for “Nasty“, is the father of a 17-year old girl and a 2-year old, both of whom lives with their respective mothers. The 38-year old has suffered public battles with the mothers over child support, custody and more and he tells Tyler that not having his kids around is the only thing that takes away from his happiness.

Nonetheless, Nasir Jones admits to being in a very happy place in a life, revealing that he almost named his upcoming album, Life Is Good and celebrating 20 years in hip-hop.

Tyler, an admirer of the veteran emcee, gushed to Nas about his favorite album by him and his desire to be as relevant and respected as he, Jay-Z, Eminem and Snoop Dogg are now.

Check out the deets below…

Tyler: “Are you, like—this question might catch you off guard, but I ask myself this—like, when you wake up, like, are you happy,” Tyler asked. “Like, are you satisfied how everything turned out?”

“Dawg, I was naming my album Life Is Good because of how happy I am about how happy things have turned out,” Nas answered. “Sometimes I may wake up and wish my kids were living with me. That’s the only thing, you know what I mean? Our loved ones that are not around no more, like my mom. That’s the only thing. But other than that, everything is great, even when I’m alone. Even when there’s no one around.” - Nas

Tyler: “You, Em, Jay, Snoop, like, you guys all started when you was exactly my age,” Tyler said. “The fact that you guys are still here makes me just always think, like, Fuck, could I?”

“Oh, you definitely can,” Nas replied. “Someone like you is, you’re interesting, for a lot of reasons. So someone like you, you can’t wait to see what’s next.” - Nas

The issue hits newsstands on October 25.

What do you think?