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.

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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 Price16 minutes 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 Ocho2 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 Elibert16 days ago
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 Alston40 days ago
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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 Elibert58 days ago
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 Elibert61 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.

Lupe Fiasco in a black shirt and cap with glasses, Nas in a white suit with sunglasses, both smiling.
Music

Lupe Fiasco Says Nas ‘Wouldnt Rank High’ on List of Greatest Pure Lyricists

Lupe Fiasco explained why Nas wouldn't rank highly on his personal list of pure lyricists, while clarifying that the comments weren't meant to diminish the rap legend's legacy.

Mark Elibert69 days ago
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Abstract illustration of Nas' face with geometric patterns and dots overlaying it, set against a textured orange background of Queensbridge housing projects in New York City. This was the cover of It Was Written.
Music

The Making of Nas' 'It Was Written'

Thirty years ago, Nas released 'It Was Written', his classic follow up to 'Illmatic.' Here is the story of how he avoided the sophomore slump.

Insanul Ahmed71 days ago
Cardi B and Doechii
Music

2026 BET Awards Performances: Cardi B, Doechii, Nas, Queen Latifah, and More

Druski hosted the ceremony live from Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

tara mahadevan75 days ago
Vinyl record of "The Firm: The Album" featuring Nas Escobar, Foxy Brown, AZ, and Nature on the cover.
Music

The Firm's 'The Album' Vinyl - Complex Exclusive: How to Buy

The 1997 Mafioso rap classic from Nas, Foxy Brown, AZ, and Nature is available now on Complex.

Complex Staff77 days ago
Four album covers on a red brick background: Jay-Z's "The Blueprint 3," 50 Cent's "Get Rich or Die Tryin'," The Diplomats' "Diplomatic Immunity," and Cardi B's "Invasion of Privacy." The albums feature some of the greatest New York City rap songs of all time.
Music

The 100 Best New York City Rap Songs

The New York Knicks have restored the feeling. So here's the 100 best New York City rap songs of all time, with classics from Nas, Biggie, Jay-Z, Wu-Tang, Mobb Deep, Cardi B, Pop Smoke, and more.

Insanul Ahmed81 days ago

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