On what would have been his 52nd birthday, revisit the 25 albums Mobb Deep’s Prodigy called his all-time favorites, from Marvin Gaye to Kanye West to Rihanna.
jazrm88Nas
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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Nas declared hip-hop dead, Lil Wayne flooded the streets, and Clipse dropped a coke-rap masterpiece. Here are the 30 best rap albums of 2006."
Dimas SanfiorenzoLatest Stories
J. Cole Praises Mark Pitts for Helping Jay-Z and Nas Squash Their Legendary Beef
Cole praises his longtime mentor as Pitts recalls bringing Jay-Z and Nas together to end their feud.
Mark Elibert6 days ago
Main Source Drops Ultimate Collectors Edition of 1991 Debut Album 'Breaking Atoms'
The album that introduced the world to Nas has been re-issued with unreleased tracks, b-sides, remixes, and more.
Trey Alston24 days ago
Victoria Monét Recalls Impact of Nas Being First to Recognize Her Potential as an Artist
The three-time Grammy winner appeared on Nas' tenth studio album, 'Life Is Good.'
Jaelani Turner-Williams27 days ago
Mayor Zohran Mamdani Sits With Nas to Discuss How NYC Must Stay Hip-Hop's Home
The mayor and the rap legend talked the past, present, and future of New York rap in a short documentary.
Alex Ocho34 days ago
Shyne Credits Nas, Kanye West, and Nicki Minaj With Keeping His Name Alive While He Was in Prison
Shyne says his peers continued giving him his flowers throughout his years behind bars.
Mark Elibert35 days ago
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The 100 Best Nas Songs
Straight out the dungeons of rap, we count down the 100 best songs of Nas' storied career.
Gabriel Alvarez50 days ago
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 Price53 days ago
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 Ocho55 days ago
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 Elibert70 days ago
Roots Picnic Is In London This Weekend f/ Nas, Benny The Butcher, Sasha Keable & More
Crystal Palace Bowl. August 8-9, 2026.
Joel Dishan88 days ago
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The 30 Best Yankees Rap References of All Time
Jay Z, Drake, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, and others give props to the pinstripes and shout out their favorite Yankees.
Ralph Warner89 days ago
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 Alston93 days ago
The 35 Best Dressed New York Rappers of All Time
From pioneers like LL Cool J to legends like Jay-Z to newer icons like Pop Smoke and ASAP Rocky, these are the 35 best dressed New York rappers of all time.
Mike DeStefano97 days ago
How to Wear Carhartt, According to Your Favorite Rappers
Carhartt has been a staple of the hip-hop uniform for decades. Here's how rappers, from ASAP Rocky to Clipse, style the heritage workwear label.
Mike DeStefano100 days ago