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Nas: Album
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The son of jazz musician Olu Dara, Nas is best known for his 1994 debut album Illmatic, considered by many as one of the greatest and most celebrated hip-hop albums of all time. This album established Nas as one of hip-hop's most profound lyricists, introducing his signature poetic style. Raised in the notorious Queensbridge housing projects in New York City, he represents a continuation of a hip-hop tradition in Queensbridge that spanned through early hip-hop, including the Juice Crew, Marley Marl, and MC Shan. He is married to R&B singer Kelis.
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The rumor that Nas could be dropped from Def Jam over the title choice of his new album was put to rest just as quickly as it started. Not even 24hrs after the speculation spread, Rolling Stone spoke to a Def Jam representative for an official word. “That is absolutely ridiculous and untrue,” said the rep. The album is still on track for a February release, which would ... mean the promo, first single and interviews are all a little late right?
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In December 2002, Nas released the God's Son album including its lead single, "Made You Look" which utilized a pitched down sample of the Incredible Bongo Band's "Apache". The album peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts despite widespread internet bootlegging.[16] Time Magazine named his album best hip-hop album of the year. Vibe gave it four stars and The Source gave it four mics. The second single, "I Can", which reworked elements from Beethoven's "Für Elise", became Nas biggest hit to date during the spring and summer of 2003, garnering substantial radio airplay on urban, rhythmic, and top 40 radio stations, as well as on the MTV and VH1 music video networks. God's Son ... includes several songs dedicated to memory of Nas mother, who died of cancer in 2002, including "Dance". In 2003, Nas was featured on the Korn song "Play Me", from Korn's Take a Look in the Mirror LP.
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Nas made his hip-hop debut on "Halftime," which was featured on MC Serch's soundtrack to "Zebrahead." In mid 1992, MC Serch helped secure Nas a deal with Columbia Records. The initial concern was that Columbia, a major label, would dilute Nas' raw rap style. In 1994, Illmatic was released. The album which featured production by DJ Premier, Large Professor, Pete Rock, and Q-Tip, and a relatively unknown emcee named AZ, was lauded as a masterpiece.
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In 1994, Nas's debut album, Illmatic was finally released. Critically acclaimed and widely regarded as one of the best hip-hop albums of all time,[9] Illmatic featured lyrics that portrayed stunning visual imagery. It ... featured production from Large Professor, Pete Rock (one half of legendary group with C.L. Smooth), Q-Tip (frontman for A Tribe Called Quest), L.E.S. and DJ Premier (one half of Gang Starr) as well as guest appearances from Nas's friend AZ and his father Olu Dara. Aside from Halftime, three moderately popular singles were released in order to promote Illmatic.
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In 2001, Nas released Stillmatic; a direct reference to his hit album almost a decade earlier. On the track, “Ether,” Nas referred to Jay-Z. The single, “Get Ur Self A…” was Nas’s most aggressive track to date. The music video for “One Mic” was heavily supported by MTV. In 2002, Nas was featured on song bird, brandy’s album on the track “What About Us?” He ... sang on Jennifer Lopez’s single, “I’m Gonna Be Alright.” The rapper also accompanied Ja Rule on the track “The Pledge.” Later that year, Nas received publicity when he was a no-show at the radio powerhouse, Hot 97’s concert, Summer Jam.
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