nas Archives

The Week in Video Featured Killer Mike, Remy Ma, The Roots & D’Angelo, Redman & Kurupt, Your Old Droog & More (Video Playlist)

As the Summer winds down, compelling and entertaining videos keep coming. Last week brought new music videos from Redman & Kurupt, Lupe Fiasco, Fredro Starr, Rick Ross, Krazy Drayz (from Das Efx) & Smiff N Wessun, Astro and Remy Ma, freestyles from Stalley, Brianna, Troy Ave and Travi$ Scott, the... Read more

August 31, 2014 Playlists, Video

Take a Look at a Trailer for Nas Documentary Time is Illmatic (Video)

Earlier this year, Time is Illmatic, a documentary looking at the making of Nas' landmark album Illmatic premiered at Tribeca Film Festival. Now, the world gets a taste of the documentary as filmmaker One-9 has released a trailer. By the looks of it, the film is a magnificent piece of... Read more

August 29, 2014 Video

Capone-N-Noreaga Talk Chasing Fame With Big L, Say AZ Stole Sugar Hill (Video)

Capone-N-Noreaga always give incredible interviews, together and apart. 'Pone and N.O.R.E hit Power 105's The Breakfast Club this week, to talk some history. Forever animated, the Queens duo talks fighting each other (just one time, physically, for the record), how N.O. feels Capone's prison pick-up tops Suge Knight's, and how... Read more

August 28, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Kurtis Blow Reacts To Nas’ Sampling, Asserts Profanity-Free Rap (Video)

Kurtis Blow is among Hip-Hop's true messengers. The Harlem World MC carried the precious medal that is Hip-Hop's first gold-certified single, care of "The Breaks." Additionally, Blow's career was highly pivotal for acts like Run-DMC (Run being one of Blow's DJs), LL Cool J (Krush Groove), and a producer in... Read more

August 28, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Your Old Droog Makes a Video and It’s Not Nas…Do You Believe? (Video)

The plot thickens around the identity of the mysterious Your Old Droog. For weeks there has been speculation the rapper was actually Nas. That theory was advanced in a very compelling 30+ minute video by producer Marco Polo arguing that Droog was in fact Nas, among other places (including here... Read more

August 25, 2014 Video

Eminem Recalls Accusations of Biting AZ & Nas In New Record About Courage (Audio)

Rarely do Hip-Hop soundtrack singles say much anymore. The years of music-attached records like Ice-T's "Colors," Naughty By Nature's "Uptown Anthem," 2Pac's "Pain" or Ice Cube's "How To Survive In South Central" seem like a vestige of the past. Eminem, who famously attached "Lose Yourself" to 8 Mile, is out... Read more

August 25, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Catch Up On the Best in Hip-Hop Video From the Last Week (Video Playlist)

The last week brought several gems in Hip-Hop video. Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff reunited to perform "Summertime" in Vegas, DJ Babu recounted what happened to a fan who punched DJ Premier in the face, Marco Polo made a compelling and entertainment argument about why "Your Old Droog" is... Read more

August 17, 2014 Video

Here’s A Supremely Compelling Case For Why Your Old Droog IS Nas (Video)

As the debate about the identity of "Your Old Droog" rages on, one of our readers put us on to this supremely entertaining and compelling video from Marco Polovision as to why "Droog" unequivocally IS Nas. Marco painstakingly and quite hilariously lays out dozens of connections between "Droog" and Nas,... Read more

August 17, 2014 Featured-homepage, Video

Why Are the 90’s Considered the Best Era of Hip-Hop? Listen to This Mix (Audio)

Here's part 2 of DJ Vadim's stellar back in the day mixtape series. In this installment, he tackles 90's Hip-Hop...with aggression. Rather than strictly catering to the hits, he digs in the crates to craft a mix with diverse but cohesive sonic texture. You'll hear music from Nas, The Roots,... Read more

August 9, 2014 Throwback

Here’s an Amazing Mix of Sade & Nas Mashups (Mixtape)

Salute to Sade whose Diamond Life debut album was released 30 years ago this year (7/16 in the UK). If you missed it, here's an amazing mixtape full of blends of Sade's lush tracks with Nas' silky vocals. You can stream and download One Love Deluxe below. Download Mixtape Related:... Read more

August 4, 2014 Mixes

Nas Discovers His Third Great Grandmother: Pocahontas

Like Erykah Badu before him, Nas inks up his time slot on PBS' television series, Finding Your Roots, in which the New York born artist traces back his family lineage far beyond the reaches of his own personal discoveries. The host of the show and Harvard professor, Dr. Henry Louis... Read more

July 28, 2014 Fresh

This Week in Video Brought New Redman & Method Man, DJ Quik, 1996 Kanye and More (Video Playlist)

This was a big week in Hip-Hop video, bringing new music from Method Man & Redman and DJ Quik, a bombastic lyric video from Busta Rhymes & Eminem, Nas' video for "Represent" 20 years later, a provocative video from Hopsin, footage of 19-year old Kanye freestyling, a preview of Aaron... Read more

July 20, 2014 Playlists, Video

A Candid Look At Hip-Hop From Around The World In B+’s Ghostnotes (Video)

Brian "B+" Cross, who is the talented, Dublin born photographer known for his work on a myriad of album covers, recently previewed his series Ghostnotes at the Unsung Heroes of the American West event last April. The snapshots take a candid look back at some of Hip-Hop's biggest names around... Read more

July 19, 2014 Fresh, Video

Time Travel To ’96 & See Kanye West Rapping At Fat Beats In New York (Video)

From the under belly of Hip-Hop history rises an unreleased video of a youthful, 19 year old Kanye West rapping at the grand opening of Fat Beats Record shop in New York City back in August of 1996. The video comes just a few months before the release of fellow... Read more

July 17, 2014 Fresh, Video

20 Years After Illmatic, Represent Gets Official (Video)

Just one day removed from Mass Appeal's release of the behind-the-scenes footage, Nas unveils the first ever official music video for the 20th anniversary Illmatic release, "Represent." The video itself is representative of the 20 years that have passed since his debut album release, utilizing old footage of a much... Read more

July 15, 2014 Fresh, Video

Celebrate Illmatic Again With A Behind-The-Scenes Look at the Making of Visuals for Nas’ Represent (Video)

The 20 year anniversary celebration of Nas' Illmatic continues. In addition to the release, Nas has held a contest to choose one lucky fan to collaborate and produce an official music video for his cut, "Represent." Mass Appeal takes you to the set of the music video shoot at YouTube... Read more

July 14, 2014 Fresh, Video

Scarface & Akon Plot Their Exit Plan (Audio)

Scarface, who recently announced that an album with Nas is a 99.99% done deal, is dropping his first since 2008 in the form of his 12th studio album, Deeply Rooted. In addition, the Geto Boys rapper is writing a book of the same name in which he talks about multiple... Read more

July 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Nas, Rick Ross & Schoolboy Q Join Wiz Khalifa on the Remix to We Dem Boyz (Audio)

Wiz Khalifa switches up "We Dem Boyz" for the remix. He slows it down, injects more melody and adds Nas, Rick Ross and Schoolboy Q. The end result has a different feel but is just as hot. Check it out. Related: Wiz Khalifa – Look What I Got On (Video)... Read more

July 4, 2014 Audio

Hear The Story Of Q-Tip, With Some A Tribe Called Quest & Last Zulu News (Audio)

The BBC keeps covering Hip-Hop with an elite edge. Benji B of the 1Xtra platform curated an extensive narrative audio mix, telling the Abstract story that is Q-Tip. With the playlist on display for "The Story Of Q-Tip," Benji cues records from the 1980s to set the stage for what... Read more

June 23, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Celebrate A Humble Genius, With A 3-Hour 1989-1999 Large Professor Mix (Audio)

Like many great artists, Large Professor is somewhat of a Hip-Hop recluse. He's never hard to find (especially if you're a Head who regularly attends NYC Rap concerts), but the man also known as "Extra P" is quick to dodge the spotlight, and take long breaks from releasing (or even... Read more

June 22, 2014 Audio, Throwback

The O.G. Turntablist/Producer DJ Scratch Remixes Nas’ It Ain’t Hard To Tell (Audio)

Back in 1994, DJ Scratch was relatively quiet. Transitioning from his run as EPMD's DJ, the New Yorker was gearing up to work closely with Busta Rhymes on establishing a sound for the Leaders Of The New School front-man's next wave, Flipmode Squad. Heads in '94 did hear Scratch however,... Read more

June 18, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Ep. 2 of The Message Documentary Covers East vs. West Beef, The Rise of The South & More (Full Video)

Part 2 of The Message, BET's 4-part documentary chronicling the history of Hip-Hop, covers the Bad Boy vs. Death Row beef, the rise of Southern Hip-Hop, the "bling" era, the attempted censorship of Rap music and more. The episode features commentary from Snoop, Uncle Luke, Master P, Juicy J, The... Read more

June 17, 2014 Video

Scarface Says Album With Nas Is A 99.99% Done Deal (Audio)

Scarface sits down to talk with DJ Whoo Kid to discuss his rumored retirement, his refusal to work on more Geto Boys projects, his latest single, "No Problem," and the huge potential for an upcoming collaborative album with Nas. The potential for a Nas and Scarface album is incredibly enticing,... Read more

June 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Episode 1 of The Message Documentary Speaks on Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Flash, Run-D.M.C., LL Coo J & Much More (Full Video)

Episode 1 of BET's Hip-Hop documentary, The Message, covers roughly the first decade of Hip-Hop. It addresses pioneers like Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Flash, LL Cool J, Run-D.M.C., Cold Crush Brothers and more. It also features several luminaries including Doug E Fresh, Fab 5 Freddy, Ice Cube, DJ Premier,... Read more

June 11, 2014 Throwback

Ep 2 of The Message Documentary Covers The East/West Coast Beef, The Rise of Southern Hip-Hop, Censorship & More (Video)

Episode 2 of BET's Hip-Hop documentary, The Message, covers the turbulent times in the 90's including the East Coast/West Coast feuds, misogyny in lyrics, corporate attacks on Rap music and more. It also details the rise of Southern Hip-Hop. Guests include Snoop, Uncle Luke, Master P, Juicy J, The Game,... Read more

June 6, 2014 Video

The Celebration Of Illmatic Is Far From Over! Charlie Rose Gets Deep With Nas (Video)

While Nas is among Hip-Hop's most introspective MCs of all time, Heads know that Nas interviews are not always on the same level. While artists like 50 Cent, Tupac, and KRS-One have never struggled to open up for interviews at all outlets, the Queensbridge superstar (much like his formal Brooklyn,... Read more

June 5, 2014 Fresh, Video

Don Cheadle Is Campaigning To Push His Directorial Debut Film “Miles Ahead” (Video)

This summer, Don Cheadle is working on his feature directorial debut with a film about the life and music of Miles Davis entitled, Miles Ahead. "I’ve taken my marching orders from Miles’ mandates," Don explains, referring to “play what’s not there,” and “fear no mistakes. There are none," "and focused... Read more

June 4, 2014 Fresh, Video

Nas, RZA & More Discuss The Earliest Days of Hip-Hop in The Message Hip-Hop Documentary (Video)

BET's 4-part Hip-Hop documentary, The Message, premieres tonight at 10pm. Part 1 focuses on the early days of Hip-Hop and features Doug E Fresh, Fab 5 Freddy, Ice Cube, DJ Premier, Grand Wizard Theodore, Nas, MC Lyte, Questlove, Russell Simmons, Snoop, RZA, Sway, Talib Kweli, Kendrick Lamar, Eve, Swizz Beatz... Read more

June 4, 2014 Throwback

The Message: The Complete Story of the Evolution of Hip-Hop (Video)

Next week (6/4 at 10pm EST), BET is premiering part 1 of a 4 part documentary on the evolution of Hip-Hop. The film will cover all 40+ years of the Hip-Hop era and will examine how it spread across the country, region-by-region. Participants include Ice Cube, LL Cool J, Kendrick... Read more

May 31, 2014 Featured-homepage, Video

Rocko & Nas Share A Love For The Hustle (Audio)

One may say that a key component to the "Hustle" of living is the ability to continue to move forward even during tough, dire situations. Atlanta, Georgia veteran rapper Rocko links up with Nas to relive life's struggles over production from Fatboi that emotes the progression of an '80s montage... Read more

May 29, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Fire Up the BBQ and Let This Old School Mix Turn Up the Heat (Audio)

A few years ago, DJ Spinbad put together this short but killer Memorial Day BBQ Mix. Its Old School blends featuring The Jackson 5, Soul II Soul, Eric B. and Rakim, Main Source, Nas, Gap Band, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Biggie, Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince and much more... Read more

May 25, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Nas & Journey? Sounds Crazy But It Sounds CRAZY. Check This (Mixtape)

There have bend some incredible blend mixtapes over the years from Danger Mouse's Grey Album fusing Jay Z's verses with Beatles music to the Keys Open Doors project which mixed The Clipse with The Doors. Here's another project that was brought to our attention by @djskinnykitchen. Journey with Nas, released... Read more

May 23, 2014 Featured-homepage, Mixes

Two Dedicated Artists, Mariah Carey & Nas Cook Up A Little Heat (Audio)

Mariah Carey and Nas have worked together before on the sultry remix to the track, "Make It Last Forever." Now, the mesmerizing songstress and the Queensbridge artist cook up yet another spicy dish to make you sweat with, "Dedicated." The tantalizingly smooth production from Hit-Boy perfectly accentuates Carey's incredibly sharp... Read more

May 20, 2014 Audio, Fresh

DJ Premier Narrates a Mixtape of Some of His Classic and Rare Cuts (Mixtape)

The LA Leakers have released a new mixtape dedicated to some of the works of the one and only DJ Premier. The Audio Biography Of DJ Premier features 16 Primo productions--some well known and some more rare. Even more dope, the mixtape features commentary from Premier himself about some of... Read more

May 15, 2014 Mixes

When’s the Last Time You Heard Nas Kick a Double Time Flow? It Goes a Little Something Like This (Video)

Ever heard of Bliss n Eso? Nas has. He blessed the Australian Rap group with a verse and an appearance in their video for I Am Somebody. This is a very different sound for Nas. Not only does the track have a big Pop feel, it also features Nas rapping... Read more

May 15, 2014 Video

Close Out The Nas’ Illmatic Celebrations With DJ Moneyshot’s Amazing Sample-Sourced Mega Mix (Mixtape)

In one week, it'll be May, and much of the April coverage celebrating the 20th anniversary of one of Hip-Hop's hallmarks, Nas' Illmatic, will seem out of vogue, or passé, while other things are highlighted. Before the calendars change, Solid Steel's DJ Moneyshot, who has previously re-considered and extensively examined... Read more

April 26, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Mixes

Nas Discusses His First Trip to the Studio in 1989 (Video)

Here's a look at a 20-year old Nas (1994) discussing his first trip to the recording studio in 1989, with his pops, Olu Dara. He also speaks on meeting Large Professor and MC Serch, and the impact they had on his career. The celebration of 20 years of Illmatic continues...Check... Read more

April 19, 2014 Throwback

Here’s Footage from 1994 of Nas, Q-Tip, Pete Rock, Premier & Large Professor Discussing Illmatic (Video)

Remember that iconic shot of Nas, DJ Premier, Q-Tip, Pete Rock and Large Professor in the studio together? Here's footage from that day, as well as each discussing the making of Illmatic in 1994. Check out these historic visuals as we celebrate today's 20th anniversary of the release of Illmatic.... Read more

April 19, 2014 Throwback

Here Are Words From Nas During the Illmatic Era, Raw and Uncut (Video)

Today (4/19) is the 20th anniversary of the release of Nas' Illmatic. As part of our celebration of this landmark date for Hip-Hop, here's an amazing extended look at Nas in the Illmatic era. In this candid interview, young Nas talks about the Hip-Hop legacy of Queensbridge, how he connected... Read more

April 19, 2014 Throwback

The Week in Video Featured 50 Cent Detailing Why G-Unit Split, Drake Being Fake, Illmatic Celebrations & More (Video)

The week in video featured 50 Cent calling out members of G-Unit by name and explaining the demise of the crew, Drake in disguise on the street clowning himself, Jhene Aiko living out the ultimate revenge fantasy against a cheating ex, an Illmatic documentary featuring Nas and Kendrick Lamar, killer... Read more

April 18, 2014 Playlists, Video

Take A Trip To Queensbridge With Nas’ Brother Jungle, Who Talks Illmatic Cover & Ill Will (Video)

From the original Illmatic release by Nas to this week's Illmatic XX retrospective, the artist is forever tied to the Queensbridge Houses that inspired much of the album. VIBE goes into QB (something that many media outlets might not be so keen on), care of Mikey Fresh, who gets a... Read more

April 16, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Want to Make a Music Video with Nas? Here’s How (Video)

Nas has partnered with Mass Appeal and Maker Studios to make a new video for Illmatic's Represent, and they are looking for ideas from YOU. If your idea is selected, you will have the opportunity to work with Nas and acclaimed director, Jason Goldwatch, to bring the video to life.... Read more

April 16, 2014 Video

Watch FUSE’s Making Of Nas’ Illmatic 3-Part Special, With Interviews With Large Professor, Pete Rock & DJ Premier (Video)

Has any Hip-Hop album gotten as much attention at the 20-year mark as Nas' Illmatic has this month? The Columbia/Sony Records debut, the subject of Illmatic XX, a reissue with a plethora of dope bonus material (freestyles, demo recordings, remixes, photos, liner notes), is just in everybody's spotlight. One such... Read more

April 15, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Here’s the Stream of Nas’ Illmatic XX with Some Choice Bonus Tracks (Audio)

You've heard Nas' Illmatic, but not like this...Here's the stream of Illmatic XX, with some choice bonus tracks. It features songs from the original classic, as well as remixes of Halftime & It Ain't Hard to Tell. Check it out below. The full version of Illmatic XX hit stores today,... Read more

April 15, 2014 Featured-homepage, Throwback

Nas Performs at Coachella. Watch the Full Set (Video)

Less than a week away from the 20th anniversary of Illmatic, Nas hit the stage at Coachella and provided a reminder of why he has been relevant in Hip-Hop for more than 2 decades. Check out his full set below. Related: Executive Producer Noah Uman Speaks on the Making of... Read more

April 13, 2014 Video

Memory Lane: Noah Uman & Making Nas’ Illmatic XX & The Hip-Hop Reissue (Food For Thought Interview)

With some competition, in the 12 month radius of its release alone, Nas' Illmatic is commonly argued as Hip-Hop's greatest album. The debut from the Queensbridge MC was made in a place and time where the genre of Rap and the album format was changing shape. Surrounded by a council... Read more

April 12, 2014 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought, Fresh

A Feature Length Nas Documentary is Coming to Theaters. Here’s a Look at the Trailer (Video)

In conjunction with the 20th anniversary of Illmatic, a feature-length documentary is coming to theaters. The film will document not only the album and its impact, but also Nas' journey to Illmatic. Check out the trailer for Time is Illmatic. Related: Here’s an Amazing Mini-Documentary on Illmatic, Featuring Nas, Kendrick... Read more

April 11, 2014 Throwback

Here’s an Amazing Mini-Documentary on Illmatic, Featuring Nas, Kendrick Lamar, Tech N9ne & More (Video)

There have been several amazing pieces of content surrounding the 20th anniversary of Illmatic. This is one of the best of them. Google Play has put together a mini-documentary about Nas and his magnum opus, featuring insightful commentary from Kendrick Lamar, Tech N9ne, Schoolboy Q, Jay Rock, Peter Rosenberg, among... Read more

April 10, 2014 Video

You Think You’ve Heard All The Versions Of Nas’ It Ain’t To Tell? Think Again (Audio)

Next week's release of Illmatic XX, a compilation re-releasing Nas' 1994 debut album with some additional freestyles, remixes, and songs recorded during the 1992-1994 sessions which missed the initial Columbia/Sony/RuffHouse release is gearing up. Some Heads, who had bootlegs, mixtapes, and a savvy Internet finger may claim they've heard everything.... Read more

April 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Would Nas’ Illmatic Have Been Longer if it Had Not Been Leaked? MC Serch Speaks (Video)

I remember when I got my first copy of Illmatic. It was a blank cassette tape...and it was about 4 weeks before the album was released. I had a friend who had a friend in NYC and, apparently, bootleg copies were rampant. MC Serch and Faith Newman (who signed Nas... Read more

April 9, 2014 Throwback