N.Y. State of Mind

Nas, born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones (September 14, 1973), is a legendary American rapper.  Son of a jazz musician, Nas grew up in the tough environment of Queensbridge, New York's largest public housing project.  These experiences would heavily influence his lyrics.

Early Life and Rise to Fame:

• Nas's talent for writing manifested early, but he dropped out of school in eighth grade.
• Hip-hop became his creative outlet, and he honed his rapping skills on the streets.
• By 1991, under the name "Nasty Nas", he landed an impressive guest verse on Main Source's "Live at the Barbeque."
• In 1994, his debut album, "Illmatic," dropped. "Illmatic" is widely regarded as a hip-hop masterpiece, praised for its vivid storytelling and poetic lyricism about life in the inner city.

Career Highlights and Legacy:

• Nas is a constant innovator, navigating the balance between commercial success and critical acclaim.
• Albums like "It Was Written" (1996) and "Stillmatic" (2001) cemented his status as a rap genius.
• He's had well-publicized feuds with other rappers, most notably Jay-Z, which fueled creative energy in both their careers.
• Nas is a Grammy Award winner and remains one of the most influential rappers of all time.

Beyond Rap:

Nas has explored other ventures, including acting and investing in tech startups.
He's a respected figure in hip-hop culture, and his impact continues to inspire new generations of artists.