# Nas

> American rapper (born 1973)

**Wikidata**: [Q194220](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q194220)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nas)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nas

## Summary

Nas is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer, and entrepreneur born in 1973. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in hip-hop, particularly in the East Coast hip-hop scene, known for his lyrical prowess, storytelling, and contributions to genres like conscious hip-hop, jazz rap, and political hip-hop. His debut album *Illmatic* (1994) is often cited as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time, and his career spans over three decades with a significant impact on music, culture, and business.

## Biography

- **Born**: September 14, 1973, in Brooklyn, New York City, United States
- **Nationality**: American
- **Education**: Not explicitly detailed in the source material
- **Known for**: Pioneering East Coast hip-hop, particularly through his debut album *Illmatic* (1994), and his contributions to conscious hip-hop, jazz rap, and political hip-hop. He is also recognized for his entrepreneurial ventures, including record labels and business investments.
- **Employer(s)**: Def Jam Recordings, Columbia Records, The Orchard, Sony Music
- **Field(s)**: Hip-hop music, East Coast hip-hop, conscious hip-hop, jazz rap, political hip-hop, record production, entrepreneurship

## Contributions

Nas has made significant contributions to hip-hop and the broader music industry through his albums, collaborations, and entrepreneurial ventures. His debut album, *Illmatic* (1994), is considered a landmark in hip-hop, praised for its lyrical depth, storytelling, and production. The album features collaborations with producers like DJ Premier, Pete Rock, and Q-Tip, and it has been widely acclaimed as one of the greatest hip-hop albums ever made.

Beyond *Illmatic*, Nas has released numerous influential albums, including *It Was Written* (1996), *Stillmatic* (2001), and *Life Is Good* (2012). His work often explores themes of urban life, social justice, and personal introspection, contributing to the development of conscious hip-hop and political hip-hop.

Nas has also been involved in entrepreneurial ventures, including founding his own record label, Ill Will Records, and investing in businesses like the music distribution company The Orchard. His collaborations with major record labels like Def Jam Recordings, Columbia Records, and Sony Music have further cemented his influence in the music industry.

## FAQs

**What is Nas's real name?**
Nas's real name is Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones.

**What is Nas's most famous album?**
Nas's most famous album is *Illmatic* (1994), which is widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time.

**What record labels has Nas been associated with?**
Nas has been associated with several record labels, including Def Jam Recordings, Columbia Records, The Orchard, and Sony Music. He has also founded his own label, Ill Will Records.

**What genres of music is Nas known for?**
Nas is known for his contributions to East Coast hip-hop, conscious hip-hop, jazz rap, and political hip-hop. His work often explores themes of urban life, social justice, and personal introspection.

**What is Nas's role in the music industry beyond rapping?**
Beyond rapping, Nas has been involved in record production, entrepreneurship, and business investments. He has founded his own record label and invested in companies like The Orchard, a music distribution company.

**What is Nas's connection to other influential hip-hop artists?**
Nas has collaborated with and been influenced by several influential hip-hop artists, including Rakim, The Notorious B.I.G., and Run-DMC. He has also been part of hip-hop supergroups like The Firm.

**What is Nas's impact on hip-hop culture?**
Nas's impact on hip-hop culture is profound, particularly through his lyrical prowess, storytelling, and contributions to conscious hip-hop. His work has influenced generations of rappers and has been celebrated for its depth and social commentary.

## Why They Matter

Nas matters as a foundational figure in hip-hop, whose work has redefined the genre's lyrical and cultural impact. His debut album *Illmatic* (1994) is considered a milestone in hip-hop history, and his influence extends beyond music into entrepreneurship, business, and popular culture. His ability to blend personal storytelling with social commentary has made him a unique voice in hip-hop, and his impact on the genre remains unparalleled.

Nas's contributions to conscious hip-hop and political hip-hop have also been significant, as his work often explores themes of urban life, social justice, and personal introspection. His entrepreneurial ventures, including founding his own record label and investing in businesses like The Orchard, have further cemented his influence in the music industry and beyond.

## Notable For

- Releasing *Illmatic* (1994), one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time
- Pioneering East Coast hip-hop and contributing to conscious hip-hop, jazz rap, and political hip-hop
- Founding his own record label, Ill Will Records
- Collaborating with major record labels like Def Jam Recordings, Columbia Records, and Sony Music
- Investing in businesses like The Orchard, a music distribution company
- Influencing generations of rappers with his lyrical prowess and storytelling
- Being part of hip-hop supergroups like The Firm
- Exploring themes of urban life, social justice, and personal introspection in his music

## Body

### Early Life and Career Beginnings

Nas was born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones on September 14, 1973, in Brooklyn, New York City. He grew up in the Queensbridge Houses, a public housing project in Queens, which would later become a significant influence on his music. Nas began rapping in the late 1980s and early 1990s, initially gaining recognition for his lyrical skill and storytelling ability.

### Rise to Fame

Nas's breakthrough came with the release of his debut album, *Illmatic* (1994). The album was critically acclaimed for its lyrical depth, production, and storytelling, and it is often cited as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. *Illmatic* features collaborations with producers like DJ Premier, Pete Rock, and Q-Tip, and it has had a lasting impact on the hip-hop genre.

### Musical Contributions

Beyond *Illmatic*, Nas has released numerous influential albums, including *It Was Written* (1996), *Stillmatic* (2001), and *Life Is Good* (2012). His work often explores themes of urban life, social justice, and personal introspection, contributing to the development of conscious hip-hop and political hip-hop. Nas's collaborations with other artists and producers have further cemented his influence in the music industry.

### Entrepreneurial Ventures

Nas has been involved in several entrepreneurial ventures, including founding his own record label, Ill Will Records. He has also invested in businesses like The Orchard, a music distribution company, and has been associated with major record labels like Def Jam Recordings, Columbia Records, and Sony Music. These ventures have allowed Nas to expand his influence beyond music into business and entrepreneurship.

### Influence and Legacy

Nas's impact on hip-hop culture is profound, particularly through his lyrical prowess, storytelling, and contributions to conscious hip-hop. His work has influenced generations of rappers and has been celebrated for its depth and social commentary. Nas's entrepreneurial ventures and business investments have further cemented his influence in the music industry and beyond.

### Collaborations and Affiliations

Nas has collaborated with and been influenced by several influential hip-hop artists, including Rakim, The Notorious B.I.G., and Run-DMC. He has also been part of hip-hop supergroups like The Firm, which was formed in 1996. These collaborations and affiliations have contributed to Nas's lasting impact on the hip-hop genre.

### Awards and Recognition

Nas has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including Grammy nominations and critical acclaim for his albums. His work has been celebrated for its lyrical depth, storytelling, and social commentary, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time.

### Personal Life and Public Persona

Nas's personal life and public persona have also been significant aspects of his career. He has been known for his introspective lyrics and his ability to blend personal storytelling with social commentary. Nas's public persona has been shaped by his music, his entrepreneurial ventures, and his influence on hip-hop culture.

### Continued Influence

Nas's influence on hip-hop and popular culture continues to be felt today. His work has inspired generations of rappers and has contributed to the development of conscious hip-hop and political hip-hop. Nas's entrepreneurial ventures and business investments have further cemented his influence in the music industry and beyond.

## References

1. AllMusic
2. Integrated Authority File
3. datos.bne.es
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. MusicBrainz
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. BnF authorities
8. [Source](https://www.nasirjones.com/)
9. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. Montreux Jazz Festival Database
12. CONOR.SI
13. BBC Things
14. [Source](http://iswcnet.cisac.org/)
15. [Source](https://hedendaagsesieraden.nl/2023/08/14/jacob-co/)
16. [Nas - MusicBrainz](https://musicbrainz.org/artist/cfbc0924-0035-4d6c-8197-f024653af823#sidebar)
17. [Nas Albums, Songs - Discography - Album of The Year](https://www.albumoftheyear.org/artist/241-nas/)
18. YouTube API
19. [Source](https://www.musik-sammler.de/artist/nas-feat-afrob)
20. The Movie Database