Nas
Birthday:
14 September 1973, Queens, New York, USA
Birth Name:
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones
Height:
173 cm
Nas, born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones on September 14, 1973, is the son of Olu Dara, an unconventional jazz musician. At age nine he was a member of the Devastatin' Seven in the mid-1980s, the fruits of which can be heard on his 1994 debut, "Illmatic," which was released on Columbia/SME later that year. It attracted attention for its de...
Show more »
Nas, born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones on September 14, 1973, is the son of Olu Dara, an unconventional jazz musician. At age nine he was a member of the Devastatin' Seven in the mid-1980s, the fruits of which can be heard on his 1994 debut, "Illmatic," which was released on Columbia/SME later that year. It attracted attention for its depiction of ghetto life and Nas' refusal to include the misogyny and violence evident in some hip-hop. Nas's first appearance on record was on Main Source's classic "Live at the Barbecue." However, his big break came when former 3rd Bass member 'MC Serch' included his verse in "Halftime" on the soundtrack of Zebrahead (1992), which led to a management deal with Serch's management company, Serchlight Productions. Nas's follow-up albums are "It Was Written," "I Am...," "Nastradamus," "Stillmatic," "From Illmatic to Stillmatic," "The Lost Tapes Vol. 1," and "God's Son." Show less «
[on why he holds a dove in each hand on the back cover of his 2002 album "God's Son"] We deal with money, cars, smog, pollution, and drugs. ...Show more »
[on why he holds a dove in each hand on the back cover of his 2002 album "God's Son"] We deal with money, cars, smog, pollution, and drugs. But being in the sky, they can fly and look at the world without dealing with our bullshit. Matter of fact, they shit on us. I really admire them. Show less «
I want to have fun. It's a beautiful life. You learn, you win, you lose, but you get up.
I want to have fun. It's a beautiful life. You learn, you win, you lose, but you get up.
The flaws, the mistakes I make - that's the real me.
The flaws, the mistakes I make - that's the real me.
Once you make it to your point of making it, you'll appreciate the struggle.
Once you make it to your point of making it, you'll appreciate the struggle.
Working with great people makes you great; you learn a lot and it also gives you the experience and confidence to move on with your own care...Show more »
Working with great people makes you great; you learn a lot and it also gives you the experience and confidence to move on with your own career. Show less «
Hip-hop is the streets. Hip-hop is a couple of elements that it comes from back in the days... that feel of music with urgency that speaks t...Show more »
Hip-hop is the streets. Hip-hop is a couple of elements that it comes from back in the days... that feel of music with urgency that speaks to you. It speaks to your livelihood and it's not compromised. It's blunt. It's raw, straight off the street - from the beat to the voice to the words. Show less «
We're all Africans, everyone - black, white, yellow.
We're all Africans, everyone - black, white, yellow.
You can't please everybody. You'd be crazy if you're trying to. So take some time out to do some things for yourself.
You can't please everybody. You'd be crazy if you're trying to. So take some time out to do some things for yourself.
I don't want any title. I just say what I say, and hopefully somebody gets it, man. I'm not perfect, and I'm just here and trying to make a ...Show more »
I don't want any title. I just say what I say, and hopefully somebody gets it, man. I'm not perfect, and I'm just here and trying to make a dollar, and being real at the same time, you know? Show less «
I wish the music business was a much easier thing, but you know what? Nothing easy is worth anything. So it is what it is. There comes a tim...Show more »
I wish the music business was a much easier thing, but you know what? Nothing easy is worth anything. So it is what it is. There comes a time when things can work out and everybody can be happy. And that's what it's all about in the end - everybody being happy and working it out. Show less «
I just enjoy life now. I just enjoy every morning I get to wake up.
I just enjoy life now. I just enjoy every morning I get to wake up.
I don't have time for the news clippings. I got my own mission.
I don't have time for the news clippings. I got my own mission.
Divorce can be crazy. Man, if you're happy... Love is a beast, man. Hold on. Be prepared for any way it may go, and be honest.
Divorce can be crazy. Man, if you're happy... Love is a beast, man. Hold on. Be prepared for any way it may go, and be honest.
I have no tattoos that I regret - I have had some that I have had changed according to how my life was.
I have no tattoos that I regret - I have had some that I have had changed according to how my life was.
I don't get jealousy, I don't get how people hate each other - I never did.
I don't get jealousy, I don't get how people hate each other - I never did.
Some people say I'm conscious, some say I'm a gangsta rapper - it's just me doing me. I'm stomping in my own lane. I'm doing what I do.
Some people say I'm conscious, some say I'm a gangsta rapper - it's just me doing me. I'm stomping in my own lane. I'm doing what I do.
When you're a teenager, you want to meet a lot of girls - you want to get the most girls. You don't know anything about respect; you don't k...Show more »
When you're a teenager, you want to meet a lot of girls - you want to get the most girls. You don't know anything about respect; you don't know anything about being faithful and loyal to your girlfriend. Show less «
I can't control what people think. They know who I am.
I can't control what people think. They know who I am.
Every generation witnesses atrocities. People in power try to fulfill prophecy.
Every generation witnesses atrocities. People in power try to fulfill prophecy.
My earliest memories of rap music was mixed with my earliest memories of reggae music. They were big sounds around the way, heavy bass lines...Show more »
My earliest memories of rap music was mixed with my earliest memories of reggae music. They were big sounds around the way, heavy bass lines, strong messages, definitely. Show less «
Anybody can be a rapper, but not anybody can be a classical artist.
Anybody can be a rapper, but not anybody can be a classical artist.
I definitely have plans to do more collaboration albums in the future. I'm a big fan of Common. I'm a big fan of Scarface; I'm a big fan of ...Show more »
I definitely have plans to do more collaboration albums in the future. I'm a big fan of Common. I'm a big fan of Scarface; I'm a big fan of so many people, from Jeezy to... well, there are a lot of people's music that I respect. I don't know who I will collaborate with, but there's a great chance of something happening. Show less «
Whenever I received too much praise, it just didn't feel right to me - ever.
Whenever I received too much praise, it just didn't feel right to me - ever.
Marley is someone before his time, man. He's - he's almost - he's like a deity, like almost, you know what I mean? I just talk about what's ...Show more »
Marley is someone before his time, man. He's - he's almost - he's like a deity, like almost, you know what I mean? I just talk about what's going on, but of course, you know, Bob, before rappers, was already laying that kind of thing down. Show less «
No one's promised anything. You could have the biggest record on radio and sell no records.
No one's promised anything. You could have the biggest record on radio and sell no records.
I think hip-hop could help rebuild America, once hip-hoppers own hip-hop... We are our own politicians, our own government, we have somethin...Show more »
I think hip-hop could help rebuild America, once hip-hoppers own hip-hop... We are our own politicians, our own government, we have something to say. We're warriors. Soldiers. Show less «
No matter who you are, black, white, green, there's going to be things in your way, you know what I mean?
No matter who you are, black, white, green, there's going to be things in your way, you know what I mean?
I love PBS! I grew up on it. If I had to say which channels were good, I'd say, you got your PBS, your History Channel, your Discovery.
I love PBS! I grew up on it. If I had to say which channels were good, I'd say, you got your PBS, your History Channel, your Discovery.
With age comes common sense and wisdom.
With age comes common sense and wisdom.
All fatherhood is very important because single mothers shouldn't have to raise sons or daughters; they need that help.
All fatherhood is very important because single mothers shouldn't have to raise sons or daughters; they need that help.
When you have a daughter, you want to protect her from the things that I've seen out there, you know, the things that's out there that ain't...Show more »
When you have a daughter, you want to protect her from the things that I've seen out there, you know, the things that's out there that ain't good for her. It's a crazy world we live in. Show less «
Every time I get in the studio, I feel like I wanna have some fun. My fun is not doing the easy work. My fun is doing what's me.
Every time I get in the studio, I feel like I wanna have some fun. My fun is not doing the easy work. My fun is doing what's me.
I don't go out unless I'm working. My quality time is when I'm doing nothing.
I don't go out unless I'm working. My quality time is when I'm doing nothing.
I think if I heard someone else talking about their life, describing all the problems I've had, they'd look like they were through. Done. Bu...Show more »
I think if I heard someone else talking about their life, describing all the problems I've had, they'd look like they were through. Done. But there's something about me - I'm smiling. Those things are really not bad enough to put me in a slump. I'm smiling with the opportunity to wake up every morning. Show less «
Calling Michelle 'Obama Barack's baby mama?' Tell me, is that acceptable? But the Obamas aren't the only targets. Fox's pattern of race-bait...Show more »
Calling Michelle 'Obama Barack's baby mama?' Tell me, is that acceptable? But the Obamas aren't the only targets. Fox's pattern of race-baiting and fear-mongering regularly focuses on black leaders, black institutions and ordinary black people. Show less «
DJs play a big responsibility of what hip-hop is doing... At the end of the day, it's up to us to control and to own hip-hop. DJs need to ch...Show more »
DJs play a big responsibility of what hip-hop is doing... At the end of the day, it's up to us to control and to own hip-hop. DJs need to challenge us rappers. They got so much power, they need to challenge us. Show less «
N.Y. hip-hop is ok, but we gotta become brave again; we have to be brave enough and do something new - that's what New York is about... New.
N.Y. hip-hop is ok, but we gotta become brave again; we have to be brave enough and do something new - that's what New York is about... New.
Your look reflects what's happening in your mind. You gotta have some swag to you.
Your look reflects what's happening in your mind. You gotta have some swag to you.
GaGa is one of my favourites. Her voice is incredible and she's fearless and she's ahead of the game. She's ahead of the entire game, and I ...Show more »
GaGa is one of my favourites. Her voice is incredible and she's fearless and she's ahead of the game. She's ahead of the entire game, and I admire that. Show less «
I'll always love rap, no matter what's going on.
I'll always love rap, no matter what's going on.
Hip-hop is bigger than the South; hip-hop is bigger than New York.
Hip-hop is bigger than the South; hip-hop is bigger than New York.
I talk about life, and I make universal music with an American style - and that's what I do.
I talk about life, and I make universal music with an American style - and that's what I do.
Anybody I'm dating, I don't want them to talk about my music. I don't talk about my music to them.
Anybody I'm dating, I don't want them to talk about my music. I don't talk about my music to them.
I think the fact that I made enough noise in the world that I might be remembered is an amazing achievement. You can't ask for more than tha...Show more »
I think the fact that I made enough noise in the world that I might be remembered is an amazing achievement. You can't ask for more than that. Show less «
I had a pretty public divorce. They're not easy - divorces - and it took me a long time to really get through.
I had a pretty public divorce. They're not easy - divorces - and it took me a long time to really get through.
I've been called everything. Gangsta rap. I've been called conscious rap. You know, everything. Whoever feels like calling it whatever they ...Show more »
I've been called everything. Gangsta rap. I've been called conscious rap. You know, everything. Whoever feels like calling it whatever they want to call it, that's on them. Show less «
Africa has been going through so much for so many years; it's time that it stands up the way other nations are standing up.
Africa has been going through so much for so many years; it's time that it stands up the way other nations are standing up.
Let's not forget, art can sell. You ain't gotta front all the time on your records.
Let's not forget, art can sell. You ain't gotta front all the time on your records.
Hip-hop is really standoffish. It's really competitive and it's really about who's number one all the time. Sometimes it gets out of hand.
Hip-hop is really standoffish. It's really competitive and it's really about who's number one all the time. Sometimes it gets out of hand.
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 t...Show more »
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. Show less «
Hip-hop is making a lot of noise. It should get some more spotlight.
Hip-hop is making a lot of noise. It should get some more spotlight.
To me, creatively challenging myself is my version of owning the Nets.
To me, creatively challenging myself is my version of owning the Nets.
'Life Is Good' represents the most beautiful, dramatic and heavy moments in my life.
'Life Is Good' represents the most beautiful, dramatic and heavy moments in my life.
I'm just little me, an American who wants to see his country do better.
I'm just little me, an American who wants to see his country do better.
My record company had to beg me to stop filmin' music videos in the projects. No matter what the song was about, I had 'em out there.
My record company had to beg me to stop filmin' music videos in the projects. No matter what the song was about, I had 'em out there.
I'm not talking about Russia in my music. I've never been to Russia. I'm not talking about Africa, Switzerland, China. I'm talking about me ...Show more »
I'm not talking about Russia in my music. I've never been to Russia. I'm not talking about Africa, Switzerland, China. I'm talking about me being American and growing up in a crazy world and helping to reflect all different sides of life. Show less «
'Stillmatic' is the rebirth of 'Illmatic,' my first debut album to come out in 1994. 'Stillmatic' is me coming full circle in my career and ...Show more »
'Stillmatic' is the rebirth of 'Illmatic,' my first debut album to come out in 1994. 'Stillmatic' is me coming full circle in my career and with everything, and just bringing pure hip-hop back. Show less «
I never stood for any president in my life, never voted, before Barack Obama. It changed my life to vote. It starts there with me. I never c...Show more »
I never stood for any president in my life, never voted, before Barack Obama. It changed my life to vote. It starts there with me. I never cared for politics before Barack Obama. I never thought it mattered to people like me. Show less «
I see N.Y. hip-hop like I see N.Y. streets. N.Y. streets are grimy; it's a grind. N.Y. rappers are hustlers - whatever sound is in, we can a...Show more »
I see N.Y. hip-hop like I see N.Y. streets. N.Y. streets are grimy; it's a grind. N.Y. rappers are hustlers - whatever sound is in, we can adapt to that; there's nothing wrong with that. Show less «
The things that I have said when I was young and curious about whatever the subject matter was, I respect those - those are growing pains. E...Show more »
The things that I have said when I was young and curious about whatever the subject matter was, I respect those - those are growing pains. Even if you make mistakes, I go back to those things, my not-so-great moments because those are my truest moments; those are my human moments. I'm not even mad at the things I said that were a little dicey. Show less «
I like the way hip-hop is now. It's grown up enough so that it can get involved with politics if it feels like it.
I like the way hip-hop is now. It's grown up enough so that it can get involved with politics if it feels like it.
There was a side of me that knew I was gonna change the game, but I didn't know how many people would respect it.
There was a side of me that knew I was gonna change the game, but I didn't know how many people would respect it.
I love the art world, I love art galleries, I love what it means - I love art.
I love the art world, I love art galleries, I love what it means - I love art.
I think marriage is a beautiful thing. I'm still a supporter of it.
I think marriage is a beautiful thing. I'm still a supporter of it.
Man, me and Biggie were the biggest artists in New York. When he passed, I was so messed up. My attitude was messed up about him dying. Ther...Show more »
Man, me and Biggie were the biggest artists in New York. When he passed, I was so messed up. My attitude was messed up about him dying. There was an East-West thing back then, and I was in war mode. Show less «
When I say 'hip-hop is dead,' basically, America is dead. There is no political voice. Music is dead.
When I say 'hip-hop is dead,' basically, America is dead. There is no political voice. Music is dead.
Hip-hop artists, especially the older ones, are the ones who knew hip-hop was a worldwide phenomenon before the mainstream caught on, so hip...Show more »
Hip-hop artists, especially the older ones, are the ones who knew hip-hop was a worldwide phenomenon before the mainstream caught on, so hip-hop artists are forward thinkers. We want to stay with the new. Show less «
Hip-hop lasted and survived all these years that you have to give it credit. Even though it's not up to people's expectations anymore, its s...Show more »
Hip-hop lasted and survived all these years that you have to give it credit. Even though it's not up to people's expectations anymore, its still here, and that's says a lot. Show less «
It's never been seen that a street artist go as far as I've gone - keep consistent without wanting to do a bunch of ventures outside of musi...Show more »
It's never been seen that a street artist go as far as I've gone - keep consistent without wanting to do a bunch of ventures outside of music to keep my face out there. Show less «
You know, rap is sort of like a form of talking, right? So it's like you can hear, you know, the slaves doing it. You can hear, like, you kn...Show more »
You know, rap is sort of like a form of talking, right? So it's like you can hear, you know, the slaves doing it. You can hear, like, you know, Africans and Jamaicans doing it just kind of as, like, a rhythmic, poetic conversation, you know, to a rhythm. Show less «
The sound of the '90s, to me, is a combination of soul and street - it's a feeling.
The sound of the '90s, to me, is a combination of soul and street - it's a feeling.
Unfortunately, man, a lot of places in America have to deal with unnecessary violence. Somebody like me who knows it firsthand and could rel...Show more »
Unfortunately, man, a lot of places in America have to deal with unnecessary violence. Somebody like me who knows it firsthand and could relate... I had a best friend killed, plenty other friends killed. I been through it. I seen it. Show less «
I think the hip-hop purists are purists through and through. They're here to criticize all of us. That's just how it is. We as MC's criticiz...Show more »
I think the hip-hop purists are purists through and through. They're here to criticize all of us. That's just how it is. We as MC's criticize each other. That's the nature of hip-hop. Show less «
I think I've had the longest career of strength, focus, and still being able to sell records. I think I'm that guy. I'm still blessed with t...Show more »
I think I've had the longest career of strength, focus, and still being able to sell records. I think I'm that guy. I'm still blessed with the opportunity to make music and pass out a message like, 'Life is good,' to the world. Show less «
Sincere
Street Prophet
Gordon Smith