Nas
Queensbridge poet whose debut Illmatic is often called the greatest hip-hop album ever made.
Key albums
IllmaticIt Was WrittenStillmaticGod's SonKing's Disease
Key tracks
N.Y. State of MindThe World Is YoursIf I Ruled the World (Imagine That)One MicEther
Who is Nas?
Nas (Nasir Jones) is a rapper from the Queensbridge projects in Queens, New York.
Known for
His debut Illmatic (1994), with "N.Y. State of Mind" and "The World Is Yours". It Was Written (1996) was a commercial success, and "Ether" from Stillmatic (2001) is one of the most famous diss tracks ever, in his feud with Jay-Z. In 2021 King's Disease won him his first Grammy.
Style
Vivid, detailed storytelling that makes you feel like you're standing on a Queensbridge street corner, delivered with a calm, conversational flow and endless rhyme skill.
Impact
Nas set the standard for lyricism in hip-hop. Illmatic is still the album every MC is measured against.
Influences
- Rakim
- Kool G Rap
