Nas Biography

Nasir Bin Olu Dara Jones, known as Nas, is a Grammy-nominated American rapper, producer, actor and businessman. Nas released 10 studio albums, of which 8 have consecutively received platinum certifications. Overall, he sold more than 25 million copies. Billboard included Nas in their “The 10 Best Rappers of All Time” list. Additionally, he received similar praise from MTV, The Source and About.com.

Early Life & Breakthrough

Nas was born in Queens, New York, in 1973, to the jazz musician Olu Dara. He grew up in Queensbridge Houses and used to write stories about his experiences. However, he renounced school and began rapping, inspired by the tough NY streets. In 1991, he released his debut single, Barbeque, which led to further opportunities. Therefore, in 1992, Nas recorded a song for the soundtrack of Zebrahead. The single Halftime reached top 10 on the Hot Rap Songs chart.

Success & Claiming the “Throne”

In 1992, Nas released his debut album Illmatic, which peaked at number 12 and went platinum. Moreover, in 1994, his second album, It Was Written, received critical acclaim. The 2x platinum-certified record topped the Billboard 200 and spawned massively popular singles like Street Dreams and If I Ruled the World (with Lauryn Hill). It Was Written became the rapper’s highest-selling album to date. It led to many MTV appearances.

But fame did not come without consequences. Nas began feuding with Jay-Z, over the “throne” of the rap scene, after the tragic death of Biggie Smalls in 1997. Therefore, in 2001 Nas came out with Stillmatic, which focussed on dissing his rival. Things did not escalate this time. Nas continued to make remarkable albums, the latest being Life Is Good, released in 2013.

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