Nas

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Nas

Nas, born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones on September 14, 1973, is an influential American rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential rappers in the history of hip hop. Nas first gained international acclaim with his debut album, "Illmatic," released in 1994, which is often cited as one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time.

Early Life

Nas was born in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, but he grew up in the Queensbridge Houses, a public housing project in the Long Island City neighborhood of Queens. His father, Olu Dara, is a jazz and blues musician, and his mother, Fannie Ann Jones, worked for the United States Postal Service. Nas has a brother, Jabari Fret, who is also known as "Jungle."

Nas developed an interest in hip hop music at an early age, and he began writing rhymes and playing the trumpet. He dropped out of school in the eighth grade, but he continued to educate himself through reading and studying various subjects.

Career

Illmatic

Nas's debut album, "Illmatic," was released on April 19, 1994, by Columbia Records. The album was produced by a team of renowned producers, including DJ Premier, Large Professor, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, and L.E.S. "Illmatic" received universal acclaim from music critics and is often regarded as a landmark album in hip hop history. The album's production, lyricism, and storytelling were praised for their innovation and depth.

Subsequent Albums

Following the success of "Illmatic," Nas released several other albums, including "It Was Written" (1996), "I Am..." (1999), and "Nastradamus" (1999). Each of these albums showcased Nas's lyrical prowess and ability to adapt to the changing landscape of hip hop.

In 2001, Nas released "Stillmatic," which was seen as a return to form and included the hit single "One Mic." The album addressed various social and political issues and reestablished Nas as a leading figure in hip hop.

Later Career

Nas continued to release successful albums throughout the 2000s and 2010s, including "God's Son" (2002), "Street's Disciple" (2004), "Hip Hop Is Dead" (2006), and "Life Is Good" (2012). His work often explores themes of identity, social justice, and the African American experience.

In 2020, Nas released "King's Disease," which won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, marking his first Grammy win.

Influence and Legacy

Nas is widely regarded as one of the greatest lyricists in hip hop history. His storytelling ability, complex rhyme schemes, and social commentary have influenced countless artists in the genre. Nas's work has been praised for its authenticity and depth, and he is often cited as a major influence by contemporary rappers.

Personal Life

Nas has been involved in various business ventures, including a record label, a sneaker store, and a restaurant. He is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the areas of education and social justice.

Nas has a daughter, Destiny, from a previous relationship, and he was married to singer Kelis from 2005 to 2010. The couple has a son, Knight.

Also see

• Illmatic
• Hip hop music
• Queensbridge Houses
• DJ Premier
• Pete Rock