Nas
Biography of Nas
Full Name and Common Aliases
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, widely known by his stage name Nas, is a prominent figure in the world of hip-hop. Often referred to as "Nasty Nas" or "Escobar," he has carved out a legacy as one of the most influential and skilled lyricists in the genre.
Birth and Death Dates
Nas was born on September 14, 1973. As of the latest updates, he is alive and continues to contribute to the music industry and various entrepreneurial ventures.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nas is an American rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He is also recognized for his work as an actor and record producer. His contributions to hip-hop have earned him a place among the most respected artists in the music industry.
Early Life and Background
Nas was born in the Brooklyn borough of New York City but was raised in the Queensbridge Houses, the largest public housing project in North America, located in the Queens borough. His father, Olu Dara, is a jazz and blues musician, which exposed Nas to music from an early age. His mother, Fannie Ann Jones, worked for the United States Postal Service. Growing up in Queensbridge, Nas was surrounded by the vibrant yet challenging environment of urban life, which heavily influenced his music.
Nas dropped out of school after the eighth grade, choosing instead to educate himself. He immersed himself in the rich culture of hip-hop that was burgeoning in New York City during the 1980s. His early exposure to music and the street life of Queensbridge laid the foundation for his future career as a storyteller and lyricist.
Major Accomplishments
Nas's debut album, Illmatic, released in 1994, is often hailed as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. The album's intricate lyricism and vivid portrayal of life in Queensbridge set a new standard for the genre. Despite its modest commercial success at the time, "Illmatic" has since been recognized as a masterpiece, influencing countless artists and earning a place in the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry.
Throughout his career, Nas has released numerous critically acclaimed albums, including It Was Written, Stillmatic, and God's Son. He has been nominated for and won several awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album for his 2020 release, King's Disease.
Notable Works or Actions
Nas's discography is a testament to his versatility and depth as an artist. Beyond "Illmatic," albums like Life Is Good and Nasir showcase his ability to evolve with the times while maintaining his core identity. His collaboration with Damian Marley on the album Distant Relatives highlights his interest in exploring themes of African heritage and unity.
In addition to his music, Nas has ventured into acting, appearing in films such as Belly and Black Nativity. He is also a successful entrepreneur, investing in various ventures, including the streaming service Mass Appeal and the tech startup Ring, which was acquired by Amazon.
Impact and Legacy
Nas's impact on hip-hop is profound. He is often cited as a major influence by both contemporaries and newer generations of artists. His storytelling ability, complex rhyme schemes, and social commentary have set a benchmark for lyrical excellence. Nas's work has transcended music, influencing culture and sparking conversations about social issues, identity, and the human experience.
His legacy is not only preserved through his music but also through his contributions to the community. Nas has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including initiatives to support education and combat poverty.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Nas is widely quoted and remembered for his profound and insightful lyrics that capture the essence of urban life and the human condition. His ability to weave intricate narratives with poetic finesse has made his words resonate with audiences worldwide. Quotes from his songs often reflect themes of struggle, resilience, and hope, making them timeless and universally relevant.
Nas's influence extends beyond music, as he is seen as a cultural icon who has used his platform to address important social issues. His quotes are frequently used to inspire and provoke thought, solidifying his status as a voice of a generation and a beacon of artistic integrity.
Quotes by Nas
Nas's insights on:
I want to sound like an instrument. I want my voice and my words to marry the beat. I go with the rhythm of it and the words start to come to my mind and those words could be based on things that's been on my mind for the past year, the past month, the past week, whatever; I write it.
My first record - it was 1991. I was 16 years old. My first album came out when I was 20. So, I've been here that long and I still have the passion to do it.
I want to hear the artist. I want to hear them give me something that I can relate to, other than the fact that everything's about bragging.
I want you to know who I am: what the streets taste like, feel like, smell like. What the cops talk like, walk like, think like. What crackheads do - I wanted you to smell it, feel it. It was important to me that I told the story that way because I thought that it wouldn't be told if I didn't tell it.
If I made an album just to sell you a story about how I'm the man, it really doesn't show any human side to me. It's good to talk about what's real and what's relevant.