Ask most Hip-Hop heads, and they’ll definitely have Nas in their top-five MC’s of all-time. He’s the perfect combination of witty lyricism, a knack for production, and a certain indiscernible trait that is probably just God-given.
We rounded up a little trivia, some of his most noteworthy music videos, and certain products that represent Nas to the core. This is Nas’ Hot 16.
THE FACTS YOU MAY NOT KNOW
The film Wild Style was Nas’ introduction to Hip-Hop.
Nas was discovered by Main Source’s Large Professor when he was still a teenager.
His breakthrough came in 1992, when his song “Half Time” (credited to Nasty Nas) appeared on the soundtrack to the film Zebrahead
The first verse on “N.Y. State of Mind” was done in a single take,
He brought the “It’s Yours” T La Rock Sample to Pete Rock for 1994's "The World Is Yours."
Q-Tip produced parts of “One Love” in Phife’s grandmother’s basement.
Russell Simmons passed up on signing Nas and releasing Illmatic on Def Jam,
THE VIDEOS YOU LOVE
Nas Is Like (1999)
It Ain’t Hard to Tell (1994)
Made You Look (2002)
If I Ruled the World (Imagine That) (1996)
THE GEAR YOU NEED
“If I Ruled the World” Long Sleeve Tee
There’s no denying the impact of the Nas and Lauryn Hill collaboration from It Was Written.
There are certain individuals who exude that New York hustle just like Nas does. Patrick Ewing held it down at Madison Square Garden for 15 seasons.
Carhartt Work in Progress Chore Coat
Workwear continues to be a mainstay of Hip-Hop culture. Nasty Nas always made a Carhartt beanie or work coat look extra rough.
Clarks Originals Wallabee “Maple Suede”
Like Nas said on “Affirmative Action…” “Wallabees be the apparel.”
14K Yellow Gold Small Cross Pendant Necklace
God’s Son never keeps his faith too far from his chest.
* Banner Image: Nas in Concert at The Brixton Academy in London 2005. / Photo by Fred Duval/FilmMagic/Getty