ILLMATIC Archives - Page 2 of 3

AZ Net Worth 2024: Updated Wealth Of The Rapper

January 3, 2024 by newhiphopnews

AZ, born Anthony Cruz, has had a great journey in the rap industry, marked by his lyrical prowess and contributions to hip-hop. With a reported net worth of $5 million according to therichestrapper.com, AZ’s trajectory in the music scene displays his growth and evolution as an artist.

Early Career And Breakthrough: Lyrical Prowess

AZ first gained recognition through his appearances on Nas’s critically acclaimed album Illmatic. His standout verse on the track “Life’s A Bitch” showcased his remarkable lyrical ability. More importantly, it set the stage for his own solo career. This led to the release of his debut album, Doe Or Die, which received widespread acclaim for its lyricism and vivid storytelling.

Evolution In The Rap Industry

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Throughout his career, AZ continued to impress fans and critics alike with his consistent delivery of introspective lyrics and insightful narratives. His subsequent albums, including Pieces Of A Man and A.W.O.L., solidified his reputation as a respected wordsmith within the hip-hop community. AZ’s dedication to his craft and ability to maintain relevance in an ever-evolving industry contributed to his lasting impact.

Business Ventures & Legacy

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Beyond his musical endeavors, AZ diversified his portfolio with entrepreneurial pursuits, contributing to his net worth. His involvement in various business ventures outside of music demonstrates his acumen beyond the studio.

AZ’s legacy as a rapper extends beyond his net worth. His influence on the rap scene through his intricate rhymes and thought-provoking storytelling has left an indelible mark. He continues to garner respect from peers and fans, remaining an emblematic figure in the evolution of hip-hop.

Conclusion: AZ’s Impact & Financial Worth

AZ’s net worth of $5 million mirrors his journey from an emerging talent to an esteemed figure in the rap industry. His evolution from his early breakthrough to his consistent contributions has solidified his position as a respected lyricist and entrepreneur. Despite fluctuations in the music landscape, AZ’s enduring impact on hip-hop and his ability to adapt to the industry’s changes affirm his status as a revered figure in rap music.

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AZ Net Worth 2023: What Is The Rapper Worth?

December 29, 2023 by newhiphopnews

AZ, born Anthony Cruz, has had a great journey in the rap industry, marked by his lyrical prowess and contributions to hip-hop. With a reported net worth of $5 million according to therichestrapper.com, AZ’s trajectory in the music scene displays his growth and evolution as an artist.

Early Career And Breakthrough: Lyrical Prowess

Evolution In The Rap Industry

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A post shared by AZ (@quietazmoney)

Business Ventures & Legacy

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A post shared by AZ (@quietazmoney)

Conclusion: AZ’s Impact & Financial Worth

The post AZ Net Worth 2023: What Is The Rapper Worth? appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

How Many Kids Does Nas Have?

December 7, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones is best known by his stage name Nas. However, to two young New York City natives, the rapper is best known simply as “Dad.” In the 50-year-old’s long and storied career behind the mic, he fathered two children and married a notable R&B singer. Nas has also discussed his journey of fatherhood at length through several songs. Specifically, the rapper has expressed regret for not being present enough during his daughter’s early days.

Destiny Jones Is Nas’ First Child

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Destiny Jones was born to Nas and his ex fiancé Carmen Bryant on June 15, 1994. Her birth came just months after the release of Nas’ debut studio album Illmatic, which remains one of the most revered and influential bodies of work in all of hip-hop to this day. Due to the rapper’s newfound success, Nas saw himself traveling the world, performing on stages, and fine-tuning the future of the rap landscape during his daughter’s formative years. Nas has expressed regret at missing out on some of his daughter’s early milestones and not being present in her life due to his busy schedule, though he always provided for Destiny and Carmen Bryant financially.

These days, Nas’ daughter has made a name for herself as an Internet personality, and CEO of her makeup brand, Matic Cosmetics. The 29-year-old influencer can frequently be found posting on social media, sometimes alongside her superstar father.

Nas Had A Son With R&B Legend Kelis

nas kids — LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 26: Singer Kelis and son Knight Jones attend YO GABBA GABBA! @ KIA PRESENTS YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE! THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY produced by S2BN Entertainment in association with The Magic Store and W!LDBRAIN Entertainment at Nokia L.A. LIVE on November 26, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/WireImage)

After a two-year relationship, Nas married Kelis in Atlanta, Georgia in 2005. Kelis is best known as the singer/songwriter behind the 2003 smash hit “Milkshake” which has been a cultural staple since its release. On July 21, 2009 Kelis gave birth to Nas’ second child and only son, Knight Jones. Unlike his older sister, Knight doesn’t seem to have much of a social media presence at this time, likely due to his age. Of course, the public may begin to see more of the former power-couples’ kid in the coming years as he enters adulthood.

On the night his son was born, Nas spread the word, by making an announcement during a live show in Queens, New York. Per sources close to the couple, Kelis disagreed with the decision to make their son’s birth public information. This disagreement served as just one of many public disputes between the couple.

The Pair Split Up In 2010

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Nas and Kelis finalized their divorce in May of 2010, resulting in a years-long public feud between the performing artists. In the decade since their marriage ended, Nas and Kelis have hurled insults and accusations of abuse at one another. The pair have also engaged in prolonged fights regarding child support and alimony payments. These fights have caused fans to take to social media to choose sides.

Though the pair have gone their separate ways, the two seem to finally be co-parenting respectfully in 2023 and beyond. Kelis has gone on to have two more children with her second husband, who died of stomach cancer In 2022. Meanwhile, Nas has reportedly engaged in brief love affairs with notable figures such as Mary J. Blige and Nicki Minaj.

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Today In Hip Hop History: Nas Released His Debut Single ‘Halftime’ 31 Years Ago

October 13, 2023 by newhiphopnews

On this date in 1992, “Nasty” Nas dropped his first single for an otherwise unknown movie soundtrack.

Not even Nasir Jones himself knew the magnitude of what his career would be when the “Halftime” single dropped on October 13, 1992. Appearing on Nas’ monumental Illmatic album as well as the under the radar silver screen flick Zebrahead, Halftime was the smash single that put Nasty Nas in the position to be considered the “Second Coming” of lyrical pioneer Rakim by none other than The Source Magazine, who gave Nasty the coveted Five Mic rating for the landmark album.

Produced by Large Professor, who found his way onto Nas’ album by way of the LP’s other incomparable single, “It Ain’t Hard To Tell,” this song was the catalyst that launched the Illmatic project and Nas’ illustrious career.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Nas Released His Debut Single ‘Halftime’ 31 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Nas Released His Debut Single ‘Halftime’ 31 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

DJ Khaled Shows Off Rare Nas Photo From The 90s

May 25, 2023 by newhiphopnews

DJ Khaled recently acquired a rare photograph of Nas from his Illmatic era. It appears to have captivated him. Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, the We The Best mogul shared the black and white photo. The shot captures a young Nas standing at an intersection in the Queensbridge housing projects, looking back at the camera. Additionally, Khaled posted a video about it. In the clip, the producer expressed his admiration for the picture. He mentioned that the photographer who took it for Nas’ Illmatic album in 1993 signed it and gave it to him. He referred to it as a classic, representing the essence of hip-hop.

Danny Clinch, renowned photographer, took the photo of Nas. It was taken during the shoot for the rapper’s debut album. Clinch discussed the iconic photoshoot in a 2014 interview with Billboard. In the story, the photographer recounting how Nas guided him around his neighborhood, leading to the capturing of memorable shots. Clinch described Nas as a wise poet who was ahead of his time. Additionally, he highlighted that during that era, hip-hop artists represented their roots and shared stories of their upbringing. Furthermore, he said that Nas epitomized this with Illmatic, making the album particularly special.

Nas’ “Illmatic” Impact

Nas’ Illmatic is widely regarded as one of the greatest rap albums of all time. The Library of Congress even added it to their collection in 2021. Librarian Carla Hayden emphasized the cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance of the album. Furthermore, she said they considered it an audio treasure worth preserving for future generations. Released on April 19, 1994, “Illmatic” debuted at No. 12 on the Billboard 200 chart. It went on to sell over 63,000 copies in its first week. The album achieved 2x platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in February 2019. It had already sold a million copies by December 2001.

DJ Khaled and Nas have collaborated multiple times throughout the years. It makes sense that he would like to have such an important piece of Nas’ history. The pair’s most recent joint effort was “Sorry Not Sorry” featuring JAY-Z. It was included on Khaled’s 2021 project, Khaled Khaled. What do you think of DJ Khaled’s reaction to getting the picture? Let us know in the comments below! Be sure to stay turned to HNHH for all the latest news and updates on everything hip-hop.

Nas Net Worth 2023: What Is The East Coast Legend Worth?

May 19, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Nas, a.k.a. Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, has cemented his place in the hip-hop world as one of the most influential and talented rappers of all time. The East Coast legend has successfully created a legacy that spans over three decades. Let’s delve into the factors contributing to Nas’ substantial net worth.

Nas Net Worth

With an estimated net worth of $70 million as of 2023, according to Celebrity Net Worth, Nas is one of the most successful rappers from the East Coast.

Early Life And Breakthrough

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1973, Nas grew up in the infamous Queensbridge housing projects, which heavily influenced his music. Nas first gained recognition in 1991 with his guest appearance on Main Source’s “Live at the Barbeque.” In 1994, he released his debut album, Illmatic. Upon its release, it immediately garnered widespread critical acclaim. These days, many consider it a classic in the hip-hop genre. This early success was just the beginning of Nas’ storied career.

Nas: Album Sales And Touring

Nas performs — (Photo by Dominik Magdziak Photography/WireImage)

Throughout his career, Nas has released a total of 13 studio albums and has sold over 30 million records worldwide. His albums have consistently achieved platinum and gold status. On top of IIlmatic, he also saw great commercial success with projects like It Was Written, I Am…, and Stillmatic. Additionally, Nas has embarked on multiple headlining tours, both nationally and internationally, which have contributed to his impressive net worth.

Business Ventures And Investments

Nas on stage — (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)

Nas’ net worth is not solely derived from his music career; he has also been an astute businessman and investor. In 2013, he co-founded Queensbridge Venture Partners, a venture capital firm that has invested in over 100 technology startups. Some of these investments include Dropbox, Lyft, and Ring. These investments have significantly boosted his net worth over the years.

Moreover, Nas has ventured into the film industry, serving as an executive producer and narrator for the 2016 Netflix series The Get Down. Additionally, he served as an executive producer for the 2018 film Monster. He also co-owns Mass Appeal, a media company focused on urban culture. Additionally, he invested in Sweet Chick, a popular New York-based restaurant chain.

Nas: Real Estate Portfolio

Nas on tour — (Photo by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images)

Nas’ real estate holdings are another contributing factor to his substantial net worth. In 2007, he reportedly purchased a 3,500-square-foot home in Georgia for $659,000. The property boasts five bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, and a private backyard with a swimming pool. Nas also owns a mansion in Los Angeles, which he acquired in 2018 for $3.5 million.

Philanthropy

Nas on red carpet — (Photo by Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images)

Despite his wealth, Nas has not forgotten his roots and has consistently given back to his community. In 2013, he helped raise over $60,000 for a single father and his eight children who were left homeless after a fire. Nas is also a member of the “Global Citizen” movement, which aims to end extreme poverty by 2030.

Conclusion/TLDR

Nas’ net worth of $70 million in 2023 is a testament to his enduring impact on the music industry, savvy business acumen, and strategic investments. With a career spanning over 30 years, the East Coast legend has successfully diversified his income streams, solidifying his status as one of hip-hop’s wealthiest artists. Nas’ story is an inspiration for aspiring musicians and entrepreneurs alike, proving that with talent, hard work, and smart decisions, success is attainable.

Nas And DJ Premier Tease A New Track That’s Dropping This Month

July 7, 2022 by newhiphopnews

While Nas’ collaborations with Hit-Boy have been the primary driver of his successful career Renaissance of late, there remains one producer that fans still want to work with the Queens rap icon. Ever since he heavily contributed to Nas’ groundbreaking 1994 debut Illmatic, fans have clamored for a full Nas project produced by DJ Premier. The two hip-hop pioneers have acknowledged those requests in the past, promising to make rap fans’ dreams come true, but aside from a handful of singles, little has ever come of those assurances.

However, come July 15, that could very well be changing. That’s the date DJ Premier put in a tweet earlier today along with a video from outside a studio control room with what very much sounds like a new Nas song produced by Premo blasting through the doorway. And what else do you see hanging on the wall but the gold sales plaque for Illmatic? The suggestion is clear: that Nas and Premier have joined forces at the successor to the legendary D&D Studios, Kaufman Astoria Studios in Long Island City, Queens.

7/15 @Nas pic.twitter.com/sC3Z0L3dPH

— DJ Premier (@REALDJPREMIER) July 7, 2022

Of course, the duo could just be releasing one standalone single and using the joint album speculation to generate the necessary buzz for it — after all, they’ve done it before. But with Nas’ collaborations with Hit-Boy prompting his career revival (and another on the way), he could have found the necessary creative spark to try out similar experiments with other producers, getting over his former reticence toward working with one beatmaker for a full project. I guess we’ll all find out next Friday, when whatever they’re working on officially hits DSPs — hopefully, with more news about whatever comes next.

Pete Rock Plans To File A Lawsuit Against Nas For Unpaid Royalties From His Work On ‘Illmatic’

January 12, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Pete Rock 2017 Boston concert — Getty Image

Pete Rock and Nas are at loggerheads. The producer has revealed his plans to file a lawsuit against the rapper for unpaid royalties from his work on his classic album Illmatic. According to Complex, Rock claims that he hasn’t been paid for contributing to the album since its 1994 release, despite having production and writing credits on “The World Is Yours,” one of the biggest songs from the album. “Nas and his people have stonewalled me since 1994,” Rock said about the matter. “My New Year’s resolution is to be compensated for my hard work on Illmatic.”

Rock’s legal team says he signed a contract that gave him a right to a portion of the royalties from “The World Is Yours,” and they now predict that the amount owed is in the millions of dollars. They also say Nas failed to uphold his end of the deal, despite numerous requests from Rock to be compensated. The lawsuit will be filed later this month, according to Complex.

In addition to being one of the more popular cuts from Illmatic, “The World Is Yours” has also been sampled in nearly 100 songs, including records by Eminem, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Mac Miller, Rick Ross, and more. Nas and Rock were last paired together on “The Art Of It” and “Queensbridge Politics,” which appeared on Nas’ 2019 compilation album The Lost Tapes 2.

Eminem Explains Why He Paid Over $500 For A Copy Of Nas’ ‘Illmatic’

April 26, 2021 by newhiphopnews

How much would you spend for a copy of a hip-hop classic? For Eminem, the going rate is somewhere between $500 and $600, as he revealed during a discussion on the popular voice chat app, Clubhouse. While the burgeoning community on Clubhouse has been known for causing controversy in the past, this past weekend, fans of the Detroit rapper held a celebratory “Shady Con” in his honor, with guests including his manager Paul Rosenberg and DJ Whoo Kid. Em himself stopped by to share some stories as well, telling fans about the time he just had to spend a little extra on his hero Nas’ seminal debut Illmatic to feed his collection habit.

As Em explained, I’ve been collecting since I was a kid, everything from comic books to baseball cards to toys, as well as every rap album on cassette I could get my hands on. Not much has changed for me as an adult.” When he found an unsealed cassette copy of Nas’ game-changing classic, his mind was blown. “I think it’s backstock from what records stores had in the back storage,” he said. “The tapes that never sold and they just kept them. That’s the only thing I can think of. Cause nobody’s going to have a f*cking Illmatic tape and not open it.” He also good-naturedly compared the value of his own debut The Slim Shady LP — which was a culture shifter in the vein of Illmatic, for sure — under similar conditions, saying it’d draw a tidy sum of “twelve cents.”

For what it’s worth, it’s not the worst way to spend money — which Em has more than enough of. An unsealed copy of a classic album on a discontinued format is exactly the sort of ultra-rare find that has wannabe collectors including Eminem going NFT crazy these days — and it also sort of shows the difference between a physical piece of owned art and the idea of owning a certificate of a jpeg or whatever.

Listen to Eminem’s amusing anecdote above.

Fat Joe Names Nas’ Masterpiece Album

April 19, 2021 by newhiphopnews

New York rap veteran Fat Joe went online to show love to a Big Apple icon. The Bronx native sent a shout-out to Queens rapper Nas on the anniversary of his debut album’s release. Fat Joe Says Nas’ Classic Changed His Life Illmatic is widely considered one of the greatest albums of all time, regardless […]

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