Nas

Nasir Jones, better known as Nas, is a legendary American rapper and entrepreneur often hailed as one of hip hop’s greatest lyricists. A native of New York and the son of jazz musician Olu Dara, Nas began his career in the late 1980s, initially recording under the name Nasty Nas and making his first major appearance on Main Source's track "Live at the Barbeque" in 1991. He rose to prominence with the release of his 1994 debut album Illmatic, widely recognized as one of the most influential hip hop albums ever made. Nas achieved mainstream success with his follow-up album It Was Written, featuring hits like "If I Ruled the World" with Lauryn Hill. Although subsequent albums I Am and Nastradamus faced criticism, he regained acclaim with Stillmatic and God's Son, especially during his renowned rivalry with Jay-Z. Over a career spanning more than three decades, Nas has released seventeen studio albums, ten of which have achieved gold, platinum, or multi-platinum status in the United States. Known for his sharp storytelling and social commentary, he has received numerous accolades, including his first Grammy Award for King's Disease in 2020. Nas is also a prominent figure in the business side of music, serving as associate publisher of Mass Appeal magazine and co-founding Mass Appeal Records. Beyond music, he remains an influential voice and example in hip hop culture.