Nas

Who Is Nas?

Nas, born Nasir Jones, is an influential figure in hip-hop, making a monumental impact in the early 1990s with his debut album Illmatic, which is widely hailed as one of the greatest rap albums in history. While he has not replicated the same level of acclaim in subsequent albums, Nas has enjoyed a prolific career, selling over 25 million records worldwide. His journey through the music industry includes a high-profile rivalry with fellow rapper Jay Z and a marriage to, and subsequent divorce from, R&B singer Kelis.

Early Life and Career

Nas was born on September 14, 1973, in Queens, New York, to jazz musician Olu Dara. Raised in the Queensbridge Houses, the largest public housing project in the United States, Nas began channeling his experiences into storytelling at an early age. Despite his talent for writing, he dropped out of school in the eighth grade and found himself immersed in street life, which would later inspire his raw, poetic rap lyrics.

Nas’ first mentor, Willy “Ill Will” Graham, played a pivotal role in his early career, introducing him to hip-hop records and DJing as Nas developed his lyrical craft. In 1991, under the moniker “Nasty Nas,” he made his first breakthrough with a powerful guest verse on the track “Live at the Barbecue” by Main Source. This debut demonstrated his unique ability to combine vivid street narratives with intricate lyricism. The song’s producer, Large Professor, recognized Nas’ talent and continued to collaborate with him on early demos, helping to shape the sound of his future work.

In 1992, Nas contributed the track “Halftime” to the soundtrack of the film Zebrahead, which became his debut single and later appeared on Illmatic. His performance on these early tracks caught the attention of industry insiders, leading to a record deal with Columbia Records. A&R executive Faith Newman was instrumental in signing Nas, recalling how his talent left a profound impression on her: “I lost it… I said, ‘You don’t ever have to let me sign anything else while I’m here, but you’ve gotta let me sign this kid.’” This pivotal moment set Nas on the path to becoming one of hip-hop’s most enduring and respected artists.

Illmatic and It Was Written: Nas’ Rise to Hip-Hop Greatness

Nas made his mark on the hip-hop world with the release of Illmatic in April 1994, an album that debuted at No. 12 on the Billboard pop chart and No. 2 on the R&B chart. With production from East Coast legends like DJ Premier, Large Professor, Q-Tip, Pete Rock, and LES, the album showcased Nas’ lyrical mastery and vivid storytelling, capturing the essence of inner-city New York. Its multi-syllabic wordplay, alongside its top-tier beats, earned Illmatic critical acclaim, including a rare 5-mic rating from The Source magazine.

The success of Illmatic set the stage for Nas’ follow-up, It Was Written, released in 1996. The album debuted at No. 1 on both the pop and R&B charts and featured collaborations with prominent artists such as Dr. Dre, Lauryn Hill, and Foxy Brown. Tracks like “Street Dreams,” “Head Over Heels,” and “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” helped the album achieve double-platinum status. Nas’ growing presence on MTV further expanded his fanbase. He also joined the short-lived supergroup The Firm, collaborating with Dr. Dre, Foxy Brown, Nature, and AZ to release The Firm: The Album in 1997, which received mixed reviews.

Nastradamus, Feuds, and Nas Escobar

Nas continued to explore new creative directions with his 1999 releases. He introduced the alter ego Nas Escobar, leaning into grittier, crime-rhyme-influenced narratives. His album I Am… reached No. 1 on both the pop and R&B charts, fueled by the singles “Nas Is Like” and “Hate Me Now,” featuring Sean “Puffy” Combs. Later that year, he released Nastradamus, which peaked at No. 7 on the pop chart and No. 2 on the R&B chart.

As Nas’ career soared, so did the tensions in the New York rap scene. Following the death of Biggie Smalls in 1997, Nas and Jay-Z vied for the title of New York’s top MC. This rivalry came to a head in 2001 when Nas released Stillmatic, an album that directly addressed the feud with Jay-Z, particularly on the track “Ether.” Jay-Z’s “Takeover” and Nas’ “Ether” became defining moments in the battle. Nas later reflected on the rivalry, saying, “It wasn’t just about being the top guy in rap; it felt like we were leaders of nations.” The feud eventually simmered down, though Nas would later clash with 50 Cent and G-Unit. Despite these conflicts, none escalated to the deadly levels seen in the East Coast/West Coast beef that claimed the lives of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls.

Keeping Hip-Hop Alive: Hip Hop Is Dead and Beyond

Nas continued to cement his legacy with albums like God’s Son (2002), which is regarded as one of his finest works. The Salaam Remi-produced single “Made You Look” became a massive hit, maintaining its place as a club anthem. Subsequent releases, including the double album Street Disciple (2004) and Hip Hop Is Dead (2006), reinforced Nas’ stature as one of hip-hop’s elite. Hip Hop Is Dead, Nas’ first release on Def Jam Records, was notable for his collaboration with former rival Jay-Z on the track “Black Republican.”

In 2008, Nas sparked controversy with his album Untitled, which was initially going to be titled Nigger. Due to public backlash, the title was changed. During this period, Nas also experienced personal turmoil. He married R&B singer Kelis in 2005, but the couple divorced in 2010. He addressed the breakup on his 2010 album Distant Relatives, a collaboration with Damian Marley, and again on Life Is Good (2012), where the cover featured Nas holding his ex-wife’s wedding dress. Life Is Good garnered Nas a Grammy nomination in 2013, but despite multiple nominations over the years, he has never won the award.

Nas has since kept a relatively low profile in the music industry, though rumors continue to circulate about a possible collaboration album with DJ Premier. Outside of music, Nas has pursued various business ventures, including restaurants and a sneaker store. He has two children: a son, Knight, with Kelis, and a daughter, Destiny, from a previous relationship.

Nas’ ability to evolve both lyrically and personally has solidified his place as one of hip-hop’s most enduring figures. His contributions continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.