Miley Cyrus? Nas "Just Recently" Heard of "23" Twerker, but "God Bless Her, Whoever She Is!"

Exclusive: Rapper admits he doesn't know the "Wrecking Ball" singer but sends her "much love"

Maybe Miley Cyrus isn't a household name after all.

Though she's been in show business since childhood, the 20-year-old "Wrecking Ball" singer only recently caught the attention of hip-hop heavyweight Nas.

During his star-studded 40th birthday party in New York City on Thursday, Sept. 12, the rapper explained why he was just starting to notice the provocative pop star.

"I just recently heard of her," he told E! News exclusively at the lavish bash, hosted by Hennessy V.S. "I don't know her, but God bless her, whoever she is. Much love to you!"

Cyrus has spent the last week promoting her forthcoming album, Bangerz, in Europe.

While Nas doesn't make an appearance on the disc, the singer recruited several other musicians—including Britney Spears, Nelly and Big Sean—to collaborate on the 13-track CD.

Nas, meanwhile, is hard at work on a follow-up to 2012's Life Is Good. The 13-time Grammy nominee wouldn't share many details about the album, telling E! News, "I might not even announce the date it's gonna drop till the day before it happens," he explained. "This comes from the street. This is about life. So do what you want to do. Do it your way."

Sounds like something Cyrus would say.

—Reporting by Jennifer Cooper