Nas

Nas

Birth : 1973-09-14, Crown Heights, Brooklyn, New York, USA

History

Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones (September 14, 1973), better known by his stage name Nas, is an American rapper and businessman. Rooted in East Coast hip hop, he is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential rappers of all time. The son of jazz musician Olu Dara, Jones's musical career began in 1989 as he adopted the moniker of "Nasty Nas" and recorded demos for Large Professor. He was a featured artist on Main Source's "Live at the Barbeque" (1991), also produced by Large Professor. Nas's debut album Illmatic (1994) received universal acclaim upon release, and is considered to be one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time; in 2021, the album was inducted into the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry. His second album It Was Written (1996) debuted atop the Billboard 200 and charted for four consecutive weeks; the album, along with its single "If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)" (featuring Lauryn Hill), catapulted Nas into international success. Both released in 1999, Nas's albums I Am and Nastradamus were criticized as inconsistent and too commercially oriented, and critics and fans feared that his output was declining in quality. From 2001 to 2005, Nas was involved in a highly publicized feud with Jay-Z, popularized by the diss track "Ether". It was this feud, along with Nas's albums Stillmatic (2001), God's Son (2002), and the double album Street's Disciple (2004), that helped restore his critical standing. After squashing the feud, Nas signed to Jay-Z's Def Jam Recordings in 2006 and went in a more provocative, politicized direction with the albums Hip Hop Is Dead (2006) and his untitled 9th studio album (2008). In 2010, Nas released Distant Relatives, a collaboration album with Damian Marley, donating all royalties to charities active in Africa. His 10th studio album, Life Is Good (2012), was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards. After receiving thirteen nominations, his 12th studio album, King's Disease (2020), won him his first Grammy for Best Rap Album at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards; he then followed it by releasing his 13th studio album, King's Disease II (2021), as the album's sequel. In the same year, his 14th studio album, Magic, was released on Christmas Eve. In 2012, The Source ranked him second on their list of the "Top 50 Lyricists of All Time". In 2013, Nas was ranked 4th on MTV's "Hottest MCs in the Game" list. About.com ranked him first on their list of the "50 Greatest MCs of All Time" in 2014, and a year later, Nas was featured on the "10 Best Rappers of All Time" list by Billboard. He is also an entrepreneur through his own record label; he serves as associate publisher of Mass Appeal magazine and the co-founder of Mass Appeal Records. Nas has released fourteen studio albums since 1994, ten of which are certified gold, platinum or multi-platinum in the U.S. Description above from the Wikipedia article Nas, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Profile

Nas
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Movies

Louis Armstrong's Black & Blues
Self
An intimate and revealing look at the world-changing musician, presented through a lens of archival footage and never-before-heard home recordings and personal conversations. This definitive documentary honors Armstrong's legacy as a founding father of jazz, one of the first internationally known and beloved stars, and a cultural ambassador of the United States.
N.Y. State of Mind Tour
Director
From the slums of Shaolin Wu Tang Clan strikes again, paired with the great Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones. In this back-to-back event the Hip-Hop legends take us on a cinematic musical journey through Hip-Hop itself, their discography, whilst channeling an Abel Ferrara "King of New York" aesthetic. All preformed in the name of love and unity.
N.Y. State of Mind Tour
self
From the slums of Shaolin Wu Tang Clan strikes again, paired with the great Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones. In this back-to-back event the Hip-Hop legends take us on a cinematic musical journey through Hip-Hop itself, their discography, whilst channeling an Abel Ferrara "King of New York" aesthetic. All preformed in the name of love and unity.
B.I.B.L.E. - The Documentary
Official short documentary for Fivio Foreign's debut studio album: B.I.B.L.E.
You're Watching Video Music Box
Self
The untold story of the world’s longest running video show, Video Music Box. A hip hop mainstay since 1983, VMB gave a platform to artists like Jay-Z, Nas and Mary J. Blige before they hit it big. Host Ralph McDaniels’ archives — amassed over 40 nearly years — reveal the show’s importance to numerous big-name musicians, as well as to the kids that grew up watching.
You're Watching Video Music Box
Director
The untold story of the world’s longest running video show, Video Music Box. A hip hop mainstay since 1983, VMB gave a platform to artists like Jay-Z, Nas and Mary J. Blige before they hit it big. Host Ralph McDaniels’ archives — amassed over 40 nearly years — reveal the show’s importance to numerous big-name musicians, as well as to the kids that grew up watching.
Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 3
Self - Performer
Get ready for the launch of Rihanna's 2021 Savage X Fenty collection. Celebrating togetherness and community in a post pandemic world, this year’s show will be for viewers to turn in and get lost in absolute joy.
Monster
Raymond 'Sunset' Green
The story of Steve Harmon, a 17-year-old honor student whose world comes crashing down around him when he is charged with felony murder.
Monster
Executive Producer
The story of Steve Harmon, a 17-year-old honor student whose world comes crashing down around him when he is charged with felony murder.
David Blaine: The Magic Way
Self
Magician David Blaine performs reality-defying magical acts; featured celebrities include Odell Beckham Jr., Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Tom Brady, Gisele Bündchen, Dave Chappelle, James Corden, Bryan Cranston, David Dobrik, Dr. Dre and Jamie Foxx.
Nas: Live from the Kennedy Center
Executive Producer
Two decades after the album’s critically acclaimed release, hip-hop artist Nas teamed up with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., to stage a symphonic rendition of “Illmatic,” one of the most revered albums in hip-hop history. Nas: Live From the Kennedy Center captures the energy and nostalgia of this collaborative performance.
Nas: Live from the Kennedy Center
Himself
Two decades after the album’s critically acclaimed release, hip-hop artist Nas teamed up with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., to stage a symphonic rendition of “Illmatic,” one of the most revered albums in hip-hop history. Nas: Live From the Kennedy Center captures the energy and nostalgia of this collaborative performance.
Word is Bond
Himself
This documentary film examines the transformative power of lyrics in the world of hip-hop music. Through dynamic archival footage, in-depth interviews and excursions with artists like Nas, Tech9, J Cole, Rapsody and Anderson. Paak, the film explores the many dimensions that hip-hop poetics occupy.
Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G.
Self
The first authorized biography of Christopher Wallace, allowing Christopher to narrate his own life story. Using archival footage and previously unknown audio to tell the story along with interviews with those that knew him the best.
Alicia Keys - Here in Times Square
Singer
Here in Times Square is a concert television special featuring American singer-songwriter Alicia Keys. Recorded at Times Square in New York City, the concert featured Keys and various guests performing songs from Keys sixth studio album Here (2016) and her previous albums, as well as covers. The concert was directed by Hamish Hamilton and recorded on October 9, 2016. It aired on BET in the United States on November 3, 2016 and later in other countries. The concert featured guest appearances from a number of artists. Q-Tip, Nas, Questlove, John Mayer made an appearance and Jay Z joined Keys for a performance of "Empire State of Mind" (2009). Keys was joined on stage by her band and background singers. Tickets to the concert were free. The event was sponsored by Olay and the Mayor's Office for Media and Entertainment.
Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping
Nas
When his new album fails to sell records, pop/rap superstar Conner4real goes into a major tailspin and watches his celebrity high life begin to collapse. He'll try anything to bounce back, anything except reuniting with his old rap group The Style Boyz.
The American Epic Sessions
Himself
Jack White and T Bone Burnett invite today’s greatest artists to test their skills against the long-lost machine that recorded their musical idols and forebears. The producers have, over a decade rebuilt, a 1920s recording system, timed by a weight-driven system of clockwork gears. Stripped of the comforts and security of modern technology, Nas, Elton John, Alabama Shakes, Steve Martin Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, are among the artists who have three minutes and one chance to get their music etched into a revolving wax disc, before the weight hits the floor. The results are career defining performances and the very definition of "Lighting In A Bottle".
Stretch and Bobbito: Radio That Changed Lives
Exploring the social impact of what The Source Magazine in 1998 voted, "The Best Hip Hop Radio Show Of All-Time." The documentary film is the story of quirky friends who became unlikely legends by engaging their listeners and breaking the biggest rap artists ever.
Fresh Dressed
Self
The history of Hip-Hop / Urban fashion and its rise from southern cotton plantations to the gangs of 1970s in the South Bronx, to corporate America, and everywhere in-between. Supported by rich archival materials and in-depth interviews with individuals crucial to the evolution of a way of life--and the outsiders who studied and admired them – Fresh Dressed goes to the core of where style was born on the black and brown side of town.
Shake the Dust
Executive Producer
Stories of break dancers from conflicted "third- world" communities around the globe who, although separated by cultural boundaries and individual struggles, are intrinsically tied to one another through their passion for dance and hip-hop culture.
Nas: Time Is Illmatic
Himself
Time Is Illmatic is a feature length documentary film that delves deep into the making of Nas' 1994 debut album, Illmatic, and the social conditions that influenced its creation.
Black Nativity
Street Prophet (Isaiah)
A street-wise teen from Baltimore who has been raised by a single mother travels to New York City to spend the Christmas holiday with his estranged relatives, where he embarks on a surprising and inspirational journey.
One Night in Vegas
Self
On the evening of Sept. 7, 1996, Mike Tyson, the WBC heavyweight champion, attempted to take Bruce Seldon’s WBA title at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. At this point in his career, Tyson’s fights had become somewhat of a cultural phenomenon, where the ever present hype of the professional boxing scene would come face to face with the worlds of big business, Hollywood, and hip hop. Sitting ringside was controversial rapper Tupac Shakur. Shakur and Tyson were friends, a feeling of kinship linked them as each rose to stardom from poverty only to be thrown in prison. Following Tyson’s victory, Shakur and “Iron Mike” were to celebrate at an after party, but the rap star never arrived. Shakur was brutally gunned down later that night, and the scene in Las Vegas quickly turned from would-be celebratory revelry to ill fated and inopportune tragedy.
DJ Juice - The King is Back Mixtape Blend Dvd Vol. 70
DJ Juice is making his dope DVD blend again and this time its time for volume 70!! So just lay back and relax to some dope music videos from 2009 and high quality blend.
DJ Cinema Presents: Masterpiece Theater Blend Dvd
DJ Cinema is mixing up blends with artists like Biggie, Nas, Jay-Z, AZ, Rick Ross, Fabolous, 50 Cent and Jadakiss.
DJ SWB Volume 6 - This Is How We Do
DJ SWB is back at it again with his crazyyyy video mixes, and this time YUNG JOC and LUPE FIASCO lend a helping hand by hosting over 107 minutes of the strongest video blends in the market. With over 40 new video mixes, bonus interviews (including TI, Lupe and Young Joc), and a live performance by the Clipse, "How We Do Vol 6" is action packed from start to finish! This DVD is a must have for any hip-hop fan and a great edition to DJ SWB's always highly anticipated "How We Do" series. And If you don't believe our word, just check out the trailer and see the excitement for yourself!
Jay Z: Live at the Royal Albert Hall
Himself
The Jay Z Royal Albert Hall concert marks the first time that a hip hop act has headlined at the 135 year old London venue. The event follows Jay Z’s landmark Fade to Black concert at New York’s Madison Square Gardens, held in 2004,
The MC: Why We Do It
Himself
"The MC: Why We Do It" takes a look inside the world of Hip Hop and MCs to explore the issues and concerns that define todays most popular music form. The MC started out as a mere introducer of musical acts, but when DJs began spinning tracks at block parties in the Bronx in the late 1970s, the MC began to rap along to the beats, emerging as the focal point of a new music form. The film not only explores the origins of MC'ing, but the environmental, spiritual and moral aspects to this art form. As Hip Hop turns 25 years old, MC's consider the past, present and future of their music, giving a unique insight into what drives these artists to continue spitting rhymes. Written by Iain Kennedy
The Notorious B.I.G BET Official presents
The Notorious B.I.G exploded onto the hip-hop scene in 1994 with the hip-hop anthem "juicy" after blazing remixes for Craig Mack and Mary J. Blige. His now classic debut Ready To Die, the sophomore double CD Life After Death, and 1999's Born Again combine for over 10 million career album sales. Biggie's magnetic persona, signature flow, and imaginative delivery secured Bad Boy Entertainment's place at hip hop's forefront. His tragic deathin 1997 devastated the music world and spawned numerous imitators. Enduring beyond charts and trends, Christopher Wallace is irreplacable and unforgetable. With Duets: The Final Chapter, his legacy as an icon of the art form and the culture lives on.
And You Don't Stop: 30 Years of Hip-Hop
Self
The film documents the development of hip hop culture since its inception in the 1970s. With interviews from various figures in the community such as Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Flash, Fab 5 Freddy, KRS-One, MC Hammer and Busy Bee.
Uptown Girls
Celebrity
Molly Gunn, the freewheeling daughter of a deceased rock legend, is forced to get a job when her manager steals her money. As nanny for precocious Ray, the oft ignored daughter of a music executive she learns what it means to be an adult while teaching Ray how to be a child.
Beef
Himself
A documentary on the evolution of MC battles from verbal one-upmanship to street warfare.
Nas: Made You Look - God's Son Live
Himself
Nas' first concert DVD, filmed at Webster Hall in New York. Special guests include Jadakiss, Ludacris, Bravehearts, DJ Kay Slay and a special testimonial by Darryl McDaniels of Run DMC. Also includes never-before-seen footage from the making of the "Made You Look" video.
John Q
Nas
John Quincy Archibald is a father and husband whose son is diagnosed with an enlarged heart and then finds out he cannot receive a transplant because HMO insurance will not cover it. Therefore, he decides to take a hospital full of patients hostage until the hospital puts his son's name on the donor's list.
Hype Williams: The Videos Vol. 1
Hype's acclaim for skillfully imaginative visually intoxicating music videos, The Videos Vol. 1, features 10 videos depicting his creative approach and artistry unmatched while becoming celebrated by music aficionados and film enthusiasts.
Ticker
Det. Art 'Fuzzy' Rice
Ray Nettles, a detective of San Francisco, and his partner Fuzzy must take up to one of the most dangerous terrorist gangs of the city. When one of the terrorists, the beautiful scientist Claire Manning is arrested, Swan, the leader of the terrorists, claims he will detonate bombs throughout the city if she is not released. Because of the possible bloodshed, Nettles calls for the help of explosive expert Frank Glass...
In Too Deep
Drug Dealer on Street Corner
Drug lord Dwayne Gittens rules Cincinnati with an iron fist. No wonder he's known as "God" on the streets. Determined to break Gittens' stranglehold on the city is undercover cop Jeffrey Cole. But as Cole takes on an assumed identity to penetrate Gittens' criminal empire, he makes a disturbing discovery -- he kind of likes being a gangster.
Belly
Story
Tommy Bundy and Sincere are best friends as well as infamous and ruthless criminals and shot-callers in the hood. Respected by many but feared by all. As the police are closing in on them and new players are looking for a come up, will their reign last?
Belly
Sincere
Tommy Bundy and Sincere are best friends as well as infamous and ruthless criminals and shot-callers in the hood. Respected by many but feared by all. As the police are closing in on them and new players are looking for a come up, will their reign last?
Rhyme & Reason
Himself
A study in the world of hip-hop, done mostly with interviews, in order to see why it is as popular as it is today and what the future holds.
Black America since MLK: And still I rise
Nas: Live at Reading and Leeds Festival 2016
Himself