Nas
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Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, known mononymously as Nas, is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and record producer. Rooted in East Coast hip-hop, he is regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time.
Nas at Jiffy Lube Live in 2022
Nas in 1998
Nas performing in 2003
Nas performing in Ottawa, 2007
Illmatic
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Illmatic is the debut studio album by the American rapper Nas, released on April 19, 1994, through Columbia Records. After signing with the label with the help of MC Serch, Nas recorded the album in 1
Nas
…on Professor's group, Main Source's 1991 song "Live at the Barbeque". Nas signed with Columbia Records in 1992, and released his debut studio album, Illmatic on April 19, 1994. An inductee of the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry, it has been regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of…
Illmatic Nas
Nas's life experiences in Queensbridge, New York, served as the basis for Illmatic.
The cover of the 1974 jazz album A Child Is Born (seen left) has been cited as a possible influence on Illmatic's artwork.
Illmatic was critical in "restoring interest" in East Coast hip-hop, particularly New York's hip-hop scene.