Nas

Nas is a rapper and lyricist from Queensbridge, New York, who emerged in the early 1990s as a defining voice in East Coast hip-hop. His debut album *Illmatic* (1994) is widely regarded as a landmark for its vivid storytelling and jazz-infused production, setting a high bar for lyrical complexity and urban realism in the genre. His relevance traces back to the 1990s hip-hop renaissance, where his intricate wordplay and narratives about life in Queensbridge established a blueprint for authenticity in rap. Fans return for his ability to combine sharp social commentary with introspective storytelling, especially evident in tracks like "N.Y. State of Mind" and "One Mic," which continue to influence both underground and mainstream hip-hop artists.

Sign Up to get access to the latest drops, exclusive products and insider updates.
By entering your email, you agree to receive customized marketing messages from us and our advertising partners. You also acknowledge that this site is protected by reCAPTCHA, and that our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Featured

Latest Stories

Split image. Left: NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani in a suit with a yellow backdrop. Right: Rapper Nas in a green jacket with sunglasses.
Music

Mayor Zohran Mamdani Sits With Nas to Discuss How NYC Must Stay Hip-Hop's Home

The mayor and the rap legend talked the past, present, and future of New York rap in a short documentary.

Alex Ocho18 hours ago
Shyne in a white shirt and blue cap smiling and pointing, with people in the background at an outdoor event.
Music

Shyne Credits Nas, Kanye West, and Nicki Minaj With Keeping His Name Alive While He Was in Prison

Shyne says his peers continued giving him his flowers throughout his years behind bars.

Mark Elibert2 days ago
N.O.R.E., in a Mets jersey and cap, speaks into a microphone at a Latin Music Week event, seated on a stage with a backdrop.
Music

N.O.R.E. Calls Carmen Bryan's Sexual Assault Allegations 'Entirely False'

The 'Drink Champs' host has denied the allegations in Carmen Bryan's sexual assault lawsuit.

Joe Price20 days ago
N.O.R.E.  in a white hoodie with red and blue stripes is speaking at a podium, holding an award. Others are in the background.
Music

N.O.R.E. Accused of Sexual Assault by Carmen Bryan, Who Says She Stopped Jay-Z From Confronting Him

Carmen Bryan alleges the assault took place at a nightclub in 1999.

Alex Ocho22 days ago
Nas, wearing a black shirt and gold chain, poses with Hit-Boy at an event. They are smiling and holding a phone.
Music

Hit-Boy Reveals He and Nas Haven't Spoken in 3 Years: 'I Don't See Us Working Again'

The producer says there are “a lot of reasons” behind the split but he doesn't want to reveal the details.

Mark Elibert36 days ago
Advertisement
RM and Nas
Music

RM Shouts Out Nas at BTS Show, Says Rapper Shaped His Teen Years

BTS's RM said Nas' music "dominated my whole teenage life."

Trey Alston60 days ago
Some of the best dressed New York rappers of all time include Fabolous, Jay-Z, ASAP Rocky, Lil Kim, and Jim Jones.
Style

The 35 Best Dressed New York Rappers of All Time

From pioneers like LL Cool J to legends like Jay-Z to newer icons like Pop Smoke and ASAP Rocky, these are the 35 best dressed New York rappers of all time.

Mike DeStefano63 days ago
Pusha T and Malice in Clipse x Carhartt WIP collection.
Style

How to Wear Carhartt, According to Your Favorite Rappers

Carhartt has been a staple of the hip-hop uniform for decades. Here's how rappers, from ASAP Rocky to Clipse, style the heritage workwear label.

Mike DeStefano66 days ago
Dame Dash in a green jacket and sunglasses; Jay-Z and Nas in tuxedos at an event.
Music

Dame Dash Says Jay-Z and Nas Reunion Is Like Godzilla and King Kong High-Fiving

The Roc-A-Fella co-founder mocked the Yankees theme and questioned the viral Beyoncé intro.

Mark Elibert78 days ago
Advertisement
A person in a New York Yankees cap and jacket stands against a dark background, with light reflecting off them dramatically.
Music

Inside Jay-Z's Yankee Stadium Takeover: Everything That Went Down

Jay-Z's three-night Yankee Stadium run brought surprise guests, iconic moments, and hours-long delays that tested fans' patience. We broke it all down plus ranked all three shows.

Jay-Z and Nas dressed in formal suits, standing together at an event. Jay-Z wears a blue tuxedo, and Nas wears sunglasses with a black suit.
Music

Nas Curated a 31-Song Jay-Z TIDAL Playlist, Then Showed Up Live at Yankee Stadium

The Queens legend hand-picked tracks spanning Hov's full catalog for TIDAL on July 9, three days before the 'Extra Innings' finale, and returned the favor Jay-Z paid him in 2021.

Mark Elibert81 days ago
Jay-Z and Nas.
Music

Jay-Z Brings Out Nas for Special Performance at Yankee Stadium

The former rivals performed a medley of "Dead Presidents," "The World Is Yours" and more 1990s classics.

Stay ahead on Exclusives

Download the Complex App