Nas

Nas (born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones on September 14, 1973, in Crown Heights, Brooklyn) is a screen artist and culture-shaping performer whose work spans film, television, and music-driven events. Also known as Nasty Nas and Nasir (Nas) Jones, he rose from New York’s East Coast hip-hop scene to become one of the most influential lyricists of his generation.

Raised in a musical family—his father is jazz musician Olu Dara—Nas began recording in the late 1980s and quickly drew attention for vivid storytelling and sharp social observation. His landmark debut Illmatic (1994) became a critical touchstone and was later inducted into the U.S. National Recording Registry, helping cement his reputation as an artist whose words carry cinematic detail.

On screen, Nas is widely recognized for his role as Sincere in Belly, and he has made memorable appearances as himself and as a celebrity presence in projects like Uptown Girls, You're Watching Video Music Box, and Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 3. He also appears in music-focused releases including Hype Williams: The Videos Vol. 1 and documentaries such as B.I.B.L.E. - The Documentary.

Beyond performance, Nas has built a parallel career as an entrepreneur and label figure through Mass Appeal, while continuing to earn major accolades—culminating in a Grammy win for King’s Disease. His enduring impact makes him a defining voice of modern American music and a compelling presence on screen.