Nas Jones
Born 1973 · Age 53
American rapper, songwriter, actor and entrepreneur from Queensbridge, New York; acclaimed for his lyrical storytelling and influential albums (Illmatic, It Was Written, Stillmatic, King's Disease), co-founder of Mass Appeal Records, associate publisher of Mass Appeal magazine.
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Life & Career Timeline
Born in Brooklyn, New York
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones born to Olu Dara (jazz musician) and Fannie Ann (USPS worker).
Parents divorced; left school after 8th grade
Parents divorced in 1985; Nas dropped out after eighth grade and educated himself through reading and study of Five-Percent Nation/Nuwaubian teachings.
Began music career; met Large Professor
As a teenager (16), Nas met producer Large Professor, began recording demos, and started performing under the moniker 'Nasty Nas'.
Recording debut on 'Live at the Barbeque'
Made recording debut on Main Source's song 'Live at the Barbeque' (produced by Large Professor).
Signed with Columbia Records
Manager MC Serch secured a record deal for Nas with Columbia Records.
Solo debut single 'Halftime' on Zebrahead soundtrack
Released 'Halftime' credited to Nasty Nas on the Zebrahead soundtrack — his solo debut.
Recorded 'One on One' for Street Fighter soundtrack
Contributed the song 'One on One' to the Street Fighter film soundtrack.
Illmatic awarded Best Album of 1994 by The Source
The Source named Illmatic the best album of 1994, solidifying Nas's critical reputation.
Released debut album Illmatic
Debut studio album Illmatic released; produced by Large Professor, DJ Premier, Q-Tip, Pete Rock and LES; widely acclaimed as a hip-hop classic.
Guest appearances on major East Coast albums
Featured on AZ's Doe or Die, Mobb Deep's The Infamous, Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx and Kool G Rap's 4,5,6.
Left manager MC Serch; enlisted Steve Stoute
Parted ways with MC Serch and hired Steve Stoute as manager, beginning preparations for his second album.
Debuted the Firm supergroup (later album)
The Firm (Nas, AZ, Foxy Brown, Cormega/Nature) debuted as a supergroup connected to the It Was Written era and Aftermath ties.
Appeared on Dr. Dre Presents: The Aftermath (Group Therapy)
One of four rappers (with B-Real, KRS-One, RBX) on the song 'East Coast/West Coast Killas' on Dr. Dre Presents the Aftermath.
Released 'It Was Written'
Second studio album It Was Written released; lead singles included 'If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)' featuring Lauryn Hill and 'Street Dreams'.
Released The Firm: The Album (platinum)
The Firm: The Album was released to mixed reviews and was eventually certified platinum before the group's disbanding.
Starred in and co-wrote film 'Belly'
Co-wrote and starred in Hype Williams's feature film Belly, expanding into acting.
Began work on double album I Am... The Autobiography
Started work on the double album I Am... with autobiographical intent; much material leaked online.
Released I Am (1999)
I Am released in 1999 (after retooling following leaks); included singles like 'Nas Is Like' and 'Hate Me Now'.
'Hate Me Now' video controversy; Puffy altercation settled
Music video for 'Hate Me Now' (featuring Puff Daddy) included crucifixion imagery; an unedited airing led to a confrontation and an out-of-court settlement in June.
Released Nastradamus (rushed)
Rushed Nastradamus to meet a November release after leaks of I Am...; received largely unfavorable reviews.
Released QB's Finest on Ill Will Records
Released QB's Finest compilation on his Ill Will Records, showcasing Queensbridge artists and legends.
Feud with Jay-Z escalates ('Takeover' / 'Ether')
High-profile feud with Jay-Z peaked in 2001 with Jay-Z's 'Takeover' and Nas's response 'Ether'.
Co-founded Mass Appeal Records and became associate publisher of Mass Appeal magazine
Outside recording, Nas serves as associate publisher of Mass Appeal magazine and co-founded Mass Appeal Records, which has signed artists like Dave East and Run the Jewels (year not specified in provided text).
Founded Ill Will Records (label imprint)
Operated Ill Will Records (released QB's Finest on Ill Will Records); specific founding year not specified in text.
Illmatic recognized by the Library of Congress (registry mention)
Illmatic is described in the text as an inductee of the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry (specific year not given in the provided text).
Released Stillmatic
Stillmatic released, seen as a comeback; featured singles 'Got Ur Self A...' and 'One Mic'. Daughter Destiny listed as executive producer to receive royalties.
Mother Fannie Ann dies of cancer
Nas's mother died of cancer in April 2002; her death inspired several songs on God's Son and other work.
Released The Lost Tapes (2002)
Columbia released The Lost Tapes: a compilation of previously unreleased/bootlegged tracks from 1998–2001; acclaimed by critics.
Released God's Son
God's Son album released; featured 'Made You Look' and 'I Can' (2003 hit); album topped R&B/Hip-Hop charts.
Featured on Korn's 'Play Me' and released live DVD
Featured on Korn's album and released 'Made You Look: God's Son Live' DVD of a New York performance.
Released double album Street's Disciple
Street's Disciple released as a sprawling double album addressing political and personal themes; album went platinum.
Reconciled with Jay-Z at 'I Declare War' concert
Made a surprise appearance at Jay-Z's concert in October 2005; performed together and publicly ended their feud.
Married R&B singer Kelis
Nas married singer Kelis in 2005 (marriage later ended in divorce in 2010).
Released Hip Hop Is Dead; debuted No.1 (355,000 first-week)
Hip Hop Is Dead released as commentary on the genre; debuted at No. 1 on Billboard 200, selling 355,000 copies first week.
'Thief's Theme' featured in film The Departed
Nas's 2004 song 'Thief's Theme' was used in the 2006 film The Departed, increasing mainstream exposure.
Signed to Def Jam Records (Jay-Z president)
Nas signed to Def Jam, then led by Jay-Z; deal included roughly $3,000,000 (including recording budget) for each of his first two albums at the label.
Columbia released 'Greatest Hits' compilation
Columbia released a Greatest Hits package, comprising highlights including tracks from Illmatic.
Announced album title 'Nigger' (controversy)
Announced the provocative album title 'Nigger', sparking backlash from commentators and politicians; distribution and pension-fund threats followed.
Shoe deal with Fila
Attained an endorsement/shoe deal with Fila.
Awarded 'Emcee of the Year' by HipHopDX
Received Emcee of the Year in the HipHopDX 2008 Awards for solo work and guest appearances.
Decided to release album untitled (dropped controversial title)
On May 19, 2008 Nas decided to forgo the contentious album title; the album was released untitled later that year.
Single 'Hero' charted on Billboard
'Hero' reached No. 97 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 87 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart.
Released 'Untitled' album
Released his ninth studio album (officially untitled) on July 15, 2008; lead single 'Hero' released June 23, 2008.
Announced Damian Marley collaboration (Distant Relatives)
At the 2009 Grammys Nas confirmed a collaborative album with Damian Marley; planned to donate a portion of profits to build a school in Africa.
Used live band Mulatto for concerts (Europe/Australia)
Employed live band Mulatto with music director Dustin Moore for international concerts in late 2009.
Publicly committed album royalties to African charities (Distant Relatives plan)
Announced that a portion of profits from the Damian Marley collaborative project would go toward building a school in Africa.
Released 'Distant Relatives' with Damian Marley
Collaborative album Distant Relatives released in 2010; royalties/profit donated to active African charities.
Ranked No. 2 on The Source's Top 50 Lyricists (2012)
The Source ranked Nas second on their 'Top 50 Lyricists of All Time' list.
Released 'Life Is Good'
Tenth studio album Life Is Good released (produced primarily by Salaam Remi and No I.D.); called a 'magic moment' by Nas.
Life Is Good nominated for Best Rap Album (55th Grammys)
Life Is Good was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards (2013).
Announced work on 12th studio album — final Def Jam album
In January 2013 Nas said he began work on his twelfth studio album, to be his final record for Def Jam.
Ranked No. 4 on MTV's Hottest MCs (2013)
MTV placed Nas fourth on their Annual Hottest MCs in the Game list in 2013.
Harvard establishes the Nasir Jones Hip-Hop Fellowship
Harvard University created the Nasir Jones Hip-Hop Fellowship to fund scholars and artists connecting hip-hop and the arts.
Named 'Greatest MC of All Time' by About.com (2014)
About.com named Nas the Greatest MC of All Time in 2014.
Documentary 'Nas: Time Is Illmatic' premiered
Documentary about the 20th anniversary of Illmatic premiered, recounting the circumstances leading up to his debut album.
Featured on Billboard's '10 Best Rappers of All Time' list
Recognized by Billboard (2015) on its '10 Best Rappers of All Time' list; other accolades around this period included About.com naming him 'Greatest MC' (2014).
Featured on Justin Bieber's 'Purpose' ('We Are')
Featured guest on Justin Bieber's fourth studio album Purpose on the song 'We Are'.
Executive producer and narrator for Netflix's 'The Get Down'
Named an executive producer for the Netflix series The Get Down; also narrated and portrayed adult Ezekiel in the series.
Received Jimmy Iovine Icon Award
Received the Jimmy Iovine Icon Award at the 2016 REVOLT Music Conference for his lasting impact on music.
Collaborated on 'Wrote My Way Out' for The Hamilton Mixtape
Collaborated with Lin-Manuel Miranda, Dave East and Aloe Blacc on 'Wrote My Way Out' for The Hamilton Mixtape.
Released 'Angel Dust' for The Get Down soundtrack
Released the song 'Angel Dust' as part of The Get Down soundtrack; sample of Gil Scott-Heron/Brian Jackson.
Appeared in 'The American Epic Sessions'; soundtrack release
Appeared in The American Epic Sessions documentary and recorded direct-to-disc performances; soundtrack released June 9, 2017.
Kanye West announced Nas's upcoming album 'Nasir'
Kanye West announced on Twitter in April 2018 that he would executive produce Nas's twelfth studio album, slated for June.
Released 'Nasir' (2018)
Released the album Nasir in June 2018; Kanye West served as executive producer.
Released 'The Lost Tapes 2'
Released The Lost Tapes 2 on July 19, 2019 — sequel to the 2002 compilation; production from Kanye West, Pharrell, Swizz Beatz, The Alchemist, RZA.
Announced 'King's Disease' (August 13, 2020)
Announced his 13th studio album King's Disease on August 13, 2020; Hit-Boy served as executive producer.
Won first Grammy for Best Rap Album (King's Disease)
King's Disease won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards (Nas's first Grammy win).
Released King's Disease II
King's Disease II released on August 6, 2021; included 'Nobody' featuring Lauryn Hill and debuted at No. 3 on Billboard 200.
Released 'Magic'
Released Magic on December 24, 2021; third album executive produced by Hit-Boy; features ASAP Rocky and DJ Premier.
Released King's Disease III (no guest features)
Released King's Disease III in 2022, produced mainly by Hit-Boy; noted as his first studio album with no guest appearances and received critical acclaim.
Released Magic 3 on 50th birthday
Announced Sep 12, 2023 that Magic 3 would be released on Sep 14, 2023 (his 50th birthday); Magic series produced by Hit-Boy.
Released Magic 2 (part of Hit-Boy collaborations)
Magic 2 was released as part of a series of projects produced entirely by Hit-Boy (exact 2023 date not specified in text).
Discography milestone: 17 studio albums, 10 certified (as of text)
As of the text, Nas has released 17 studio albums since 1994; ten of them are certified gold, platinum or multi-platinum in the U.S.
Executive produced concept album 'Warriors' by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis
Served as executive producer for the 2024 concept album Warriors.
Announced DJ Premier collaborative album for late 2024
On the 30th anniversary of Illmatic, announced a collaboration album with DJ Premier slated for late 2024.
Performed at Mass Appeal Presents: The World Reunion in Mumbai (charity concert)
Visited India and performed at a Mass Appeal India-hosted charity concert in Mumbai with Indian-origin rappers (April 2025).
Key Achievement Ages
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