Nas

Nas performing in 2022

Background information
Birth name	Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones
Also known as
Born	Birth date -1st March 1966 Brooklyn, New York City, U.S.
Origin
Died
Genres	Hip hop
Occupation(s)	Rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur
Instrument(s)

Nas (born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones; September 14, 1973) is an 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 has released numerous critically acclaimed albums and has been a prominent figure in the music industry since the early 1990s.

Early Life

Nas was born in Brooklyn, New York City, and raised in the Queensbridge Houses in Long Island City, Queens. His father, Olu Dara, is a jazz and blues musician, and his mother, Fannie Ann Jones, was a Postal Service worker. Nas developed an interest in hip hop music at an early age and began writing rhymes as a teenager.

Career

Nas's career began in earnest with the release of his debut album, Illmatic, in 1994. The album was met with universal acclaim and is often cited as one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time. Illmatic featured production from some of the most respected producers in the industry, including DJ Premier, Large Professor, and Pete Rock.

Subsequent Albums

Following the success of Illmatic, Nas released It Was Written in 1996, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and included the hit single "If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)" featuring Lauryn Hill. Over the years, Nas has released several other successful albums, including I Am..., Nastradamus, Stillmatic, and God's Son.

Collaborations and Feuds

Nas has collaborated with numerous artists throughout his career, including Jay-Z, Kanye West, Damian Marley, and The Notorious B.I.G.. He is also known for his highly publicized feud with Jay-Z, which was eventually resolved, leading to collaborations between the two artists.

Business Ventures

In addition to his music career, Nas is an entrepreneur with investments in various business ventures. He is a co-founder of Mass Appeal Records and has invested in technology startups, including Ring and Lyft.

Personal Life

Nas has been married once, to singer Kelis, with whom he has a son. He also has a daughter from a previous relationship. Nas is known for his philanthropic efforts and involvement in various social causes.

Legacy

Nas's influence on hip hop is profound, with many artists citing him as an inspiration. His storytelling ability, lyrical prowess, and social commentary have earned him a place among the greatest rappers of all time.

Also see

• Illmatic
• Jay-Z
• Queensbridge Houses
• Hip hop music
• Mass Appeal Records

File:Nas - Interview - YO! MTV Raps - MTV Music.webm

Nas performing live

Nas in concert