Released by Columbia Records, Nas’ third album, I Am, debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album sold 470,000 copies in its first week and was certified double platinum in the United States. The album was nominated in 2000 for Best Rap Album at the 43rd Grammy Awards.
Originally intended to be a double album titled I Am…The Autobiography, the album was arguably Nas’ most honest and poetic project at the time. Although the additional tracks were scrapped due to bootlegging of the original sessions, the intention for the theme and tone of the project can still be felt on the released single-disc LP.
Nas’ cover art has always been an iconic staple of his work. Usually consisting of his face superimposed over his native Queens, each cover has served as a visual representation of Nas as an artist. Famed portrait photographer Danny Hastings shot this particular cover. To create the image of Nas’ face in the Pharaoh mask in a pre-Photoshop world, Hastings made a clay mold for Nas’ face (which, in fact, almost killed him when clay got lodged in his nostrils, nearly suffocating him).
This album wasn’t only popular in the United States. I Am… made appearances on music charts in Australia, Canada, Norway, France, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The two official singles from this project claimed spots on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Nas Is Like..” peaked at #86, and “Hate Me Now” climbed a little higher to take the #62 spot.
After the release of this album, Nas released seven more solo albums and two collaborative projects. Nas continues to perform and is known as one of the most prolific rappers of his or any generation. Take some time today to listen to this album appreciate the career of a living legend.
GRAMMY-Award-winning rap icon Nas unveils the music video for “I Love This Feeling” from his latest album, Magic 3.
Directed by Leff, the video captures the introspective essence of the track, showcasing Nas’s reflective journey while imparting wisdom to aspiring artists. With poignant visuals and lyrical depth, Nas inspires both self-reflection and admiration for his enduring legacy in hip-hop.
The annual Festival d’été de Quebec unveiled the lineup for 2024, with no shortage of talented acts. This year, Post Malone, J Balvin, Jonas Brothers, 50 Cent, Nickleback, Zac Brown Band, Mötley Crüe, The Offspring, and more will be headlining the festival when it runs from July 4 to 14.
Other performers on this year’s stacked bill include Carly Rae Jepsen, Uproxx cover star Ava Max, Rise Against, Killer Mike, Jessie Murph, Fleet Foxes, Future Islands, Seether, Nas, Mt. Joy, Killswitch Engage, Ben Howard, and many more genre-spanning acts.
Tickets for the Festival d’été de Quebec are currently on sale now. The General Admission pass started at CA $150 (about $110 US) but is currently sold out. Those interested in attending will have the chance to purchase other ticket tiers starting on April 4 at noon.
The Silver Front Stage Zone pass starts at $560 ($413 US) and includes closer access to the stage, along with “exclusive bathrooms.” The Bell Signature Zone pass starts at $640 ($472 US), providing a top-of-stand view of the Bell Stage.
The Gold Stage Front Zone ticket starts at $970 ($715 US). This includes access to the viewing area directly in front of the Bell Stage. Finally, there are single-day tickets through Jardin Air Canada that start at $75 ($55 US) and will increase in price, depending on which day and headliner you choose.
For additional information, visit the Festival d’été de Quebec’s website.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
In a bold move that could reshape the landscape of New York City’s entertainment scene, rapper Nas has unveiled a $5 billion proposal to transform Resorts World Casino New York City into a state-of-the-art casino complex in his hometown of Jamaica, Queens.
Partnering with Resorts World Casino, Nas aims to revitalize the neighborhood while creating new opportunities for local residents. The ambitious project includes plans for a multi-functional casino featuring a 7,000-seat capacity entertainment venue for hosting events and concerts. Additionally, the development will encompass park space, housing, hotels, restaurants, and upgraded transit options to JFK Airport and Manhattan, promising to generate an estimated 5,000 union jobs.
“This is an ambitious project that will give new opportunities to the hard-working families who call Queens home, attract top-tier talent, and build up the next generation of leaders,” Nas expressed during the unveiling, as reported by Rhyme Junkie. “It’s an honor to be here, to be a part of this with Resorts World, realizing the future, seeing what this can be and what it will be.”
The announcement comes as Nas’ proposal competes with fellow hip-hop icon JAY-Z’s bid for a NYC casino license. JAY-Z, through his entertainment company Roc Nation, has partnered with SL Green and Caesars Entertainment to propose a boutique-style casino at the iconic 1515 Broadway office tower in Times Square.
“New York is the epicenter of culture. We have the opportunity to create a destination at the heart of the true crossroads of the word,” JAY-Z stated in a press release. “My partnership with SL Green and Caesars has all the promise and commitment to economic opportunity, growth, and enrichment for the community and everyone that visits the Empire State.”
The competition for the coveted casino license underscores the potential economic impact and cultural significance of these projects. Nas and JAY-Z are not only vying for the license but also aiming to shape the future of entertainment and hospitality in New York City.
“When we stood here more than a dozen years ago to break ground on Resorts World New York City, our vision extended well beyond that already-ambitious original plan — today, that vision can soon become a reality,” remarked Robert DeSalvio, president of Genting America East, in a statement.
As both Nas and JAY-Z present their visions for the city’s entertainment landscape, the decision on the casino license remains in the hands of New York City officials. With their respective proposals, these hip-hop moguls are not only competing for a business opportunity but also aiming to leave a lasting impact on their communities and the city at large. The stakes are high, and the outcome will shape the future of entertainment in the Big Apple.
The acclaimed Roots Picnic festival, a beacon of musical excellence and cultural celebration, is back for its 2024 edition, promising an unforgettable two-day experience. Presented by GRAMMY® Award-winning hip-hop icons The Roots and Live Nation Urban, the event will occur at The Mann in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, PA, on June 1-2, 2024.
Launching the excitement, Roots Picnic alumni presale tickets will be available starting Tuesday, February 20th at 10 AM ET, followed by general on-sale beginning Friday, Feb. 23rd at 10 AM ET.
The festival lineup boasts an impressive array of talent, with GRAMMY® Award-winning legend Lil Wayne headlining alongside The Roots, treating audiences to a journey through decades of hits and a special tribute to Lil Wayne’s hometown of New Orleans, featuring guests PJ Morton and Trombone Shorty. Joining the bill is powerhouse Jill Scott, captivating audiences in her hometown with her soulful style.
The festival’s spirit of collaboration continues with performances from Victoria Monét, André 3000, Gunna, Sexyy Red, Tyla, Smino, Babyface, Adam Blackstone featuring Fantasia & Muni Long, Cam’ron, Nas, Wale, Robert Glasper featuring Yebba, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and more.
Roots Picnic 2024 promises to be a cultural landmark, bringing together generations of artists and fans for an unparalleled celebration of music and community. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary event in the heart of Philadelphia.
In the entertainment world, drama often takes center stage, and few things ignite excitement like a good old-fashioned feud. Hip-hop stars aren’t exempt, and over the years, there have been many rap beefs between artists. From the most brutal diss tracks to heated Twitter exchanges, these conflicts captivate audiences and fuel tabloid headlines. However, amidst the chaos and clamor, some feuds have left fans questioning their authenticity. In detail, fans dissect lyrics, analyze social media interactions, and pore over tabloid gossip, reading between the lines and fueling conspiracy theories. While the authenticity of many hip-hop beefs is neither confirmed nor denied, the fans’ speculations often make sense, especially since some notable rap beefs have ended. Here are some of the hip-hop beefs that fans think were fake.
Eminem And Machine Gun Kelly
One notable Hip Hop clash recently between Eminem and Machine Gun Kelly. The origin of the conflict can be traced back to MGK’s tweet in 2012 where he commented about Em’s then-16-year-old daughter, Hailie. In the tweet, MGK said Hailie was “hot as f*ck,” and later events proved Eminem didn’t take the comment lightly. Subsequently, MGK alleged that Eminem had had him blacklisted from several radio stations because of the tweet. Afterward, in 2018, MGK threw shade at Slim Shady in the Tech N9ne song, “No Reason.” Interestingly, Em’s album, Kamikaze, was set to drop just a few months later.
On “Not Alike,” the Detroit rapper directly addressed MGK’s comment on his daughter. While some fans commended him for it, other listeners’ brows were raised at how convenient it was for him to respond at that time. With a new album out, many speculated that it was a promotion tactic to fan the flames of a beef that was actually nonexistent.
In 2015, Meek Mill started a fire on Twitter when he wrote that Drake “don’t write his own raps.” As expected, this comment quickly got under Drizzy’s skin. In fact, he got so heated that he responded with the diss track “Charged Up,” a warning shot to test the waters of their feud. However, it was the release of “Back To Back” that proved Drake didn’t need to rely on anyone else’s pen to get his bars off.
Following the release of “Back to Back,” Meek Mill finally released “Wanna Know,” replying to Drake. Meek Mill’s diss track did not garner the same level of attention and acclaim as Drake’s disses. However, it was enough to rile people up and make theirs one of the most talked about Hip Hop beefs at the time. Subsequently, their feud continued until 2018 when Drake called for Meek’s freedom. Then, they publicly commemorated the end of their beef when Drake brought out Meek Mill on stage during a concert in Boston. For something that seemed to be so serious while it lasted, fans thought it ended way too easily. This made many suspect that maybe the beef was never really authentic.
In November 2015, Metro Boomin took to Twitter to express his frustration with artists releasing too much music without proper quality control. While the producer didn’t mention any names, Young Thug caught the sub, believing Boomin was indirectly addressing him. Subsequently, the two got into an interesting back-and-forth Twitter spat that was almost believable. However, the pair had a collaborative mixtape that was set to drop soon, so their feud just seemed performative. Over time, it seemed to fizzle out, and the two continued to work together. Many Hip Hop beefs over the years have been as real as real can get. However, this one between Metro Boomin and Young Thug just didn’t feel authentic to fans.
Undoubtedly one of the biggest Hip Hop beefs in recent times, Cardi and Nicki have been at loggerheads for years. However, despite how authentic this feud seems, even getting physical once, some fans still have their doubts. Sometimes, perceived animosity between artists attracts more traffic than unity. Considering how much media coverage their beef gets, some fans believe that the two rappers continue to fan the flames just to remain on the headlines. Additionally, some have also noted that right before a major release from either rapper, something seems to go down between the two. While we can not confirm this theory, it is certainly an interesting one, and holds some plausibility.
Yes, these two Hip Hop legends have also contributed to the history of rap beefs over the years. However, many fans and critics believe that Nas and Jay-Z’s long beef was more of a strategic move to generate publicity. Building from a slow burn in the late ‘90s to a raging fire in the early 2000s, this feud utterly captivated audiences. It spawned many iconic diss tracks from the two, including “Takeover,” “Ether,” and “Supa Ugly,” among others. However, all good things come to an end. The curtains were drawn on this legendary feud in 2005 when the two publicly ended their beef at Jay’s I Declare War concert. If the speculations were right, then the two MCs won because they were both hot throughout the period of their beef.
The Jay-Z and Nas beef is permanently engrained in hip-hop. Two of the best to ever do it were going back and forth in the prime of their career. The beef spawned some legendary diss tracks like Jay’s “Takeover” and Nas’ “Ether.” Eventually the pair buried the hatchet and their beef was resigned to be studied by rap historians. One of which is Rick Ross, who decades later has taken the opportunity to share his thoughts on who ultimately got the best of who in the spat.
During an appearance on Logan Paul’s Impaulsive podcast Rick Ross discussed the old beef between two of his collaborators. “That’s what I do love about Hip Hop because it always goes back to how much money a n-gga got, from a business standpoint,” he began. “I’ma be honest, me being a fan of Nas and Hov, I feel like they both handled their business, you know what I mean? Because they both shot back. And to me, that’s what it’s about because a lot of times n-ggas will tap out. They both shot back and they both kept going,” Ross concluded. Check out his full interview below.
Elsewhere in the interview they discussed another more contemporary rap beef. It involved yet another one of Ross’ collaborators Nicki Minaj, alongside Megan Thee Stallion. He was less inclined to pick a side or declare who won the beef between the two. Instead he justified the extent they’ve both gone to in order to get disses off. He claimed he’s gone just as far to try and win rap beefs in the past.
Last year, Rick Ross and Meek Mill teamed up for a collaborative album called Too Good To Be True. The album was hyped up by fans and had some high-profile guests but ultimately performed just okay commercially. What do you think of Rick Ross’ take on the Nas and Jay-Z beef? Do you think the beef ended without a definitive winner? Let us know in the comment section below.
Justice Smith’s ascent in Hollywood is a tale of unwavering dedication and a keen eye for diverse roles. Beginning his career with powerful performances on stage, Smith seamlessly transitioned to the screen, capturing audiences with his versatility and depth. His journey is marked by strategic role selections and a commitment to his craft, culminating in a significant career milestone. His involvement in the upcoming and controversial film The American Society of Magical Negroes, slated for release this year, adds a new and challenging dimension to his portfolio. As of 2024, Smith’s dedication to his art has culminated in a net worth of $1 million, as reported by Wealthy Gorilla.
From Broadway Beginnings To Big Screen Brilliance
NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 11: (L-R) Jaden Smith, Nas, Shameik Moore, Justice Smith, and. Grandmaster Flash attend “The Get Down” New York premiere at Lehman Center For The. Performing Arts on August 11, 2016 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by D Dipasupil/Getty Images)
Justice Smith’s career trajectory is a testament to his ability to adapt and excel across various entertainment platforms. His early days on Broadway provided a strong foundation in the performing arts. He honed his skills in front of a live audience. This experience translated into a dynamic presence in television and film. His breakthrough role in the series The Get Down was a critical and audience favorite. It showcased his ability to handle complex characters with emotional depth. Following this success, Smith expanded his repertoire with significant roles in high-profile films like Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and Detective Pikachu. These roles demonstrated his range from drama to action and comedy.
Achievements In The Limelight: A Balancing Act Of Talent & Box Office Appeal
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 05: (L-R) Actor Justice Smith, Baz Luhrmann and Nas attend. “The Get Down” Part 2 New York Kickoff Party at Irving Plaza on April 5, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images)
Throughout his career, Smith has achieved a balance between roles that challenge him artistically and those that garner mainstream success. His performances have consistently received acclaim for their authenticity and emotional resonance, making him a respected figure among critics. At the same time, his ability to attract audiences has made him a valuable player in the industry. This contributed significantly to his financial standing and marketability.
A Controversial Role: Starring In The American Society Of Magical Negroes
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 05: (L-R) Actor Justice Smith, Baz Luhrmann and Nas attend “The Get Down” Part 2. New York Kickoff Party at Irving Plaza on April 5, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images)
The announcement of Smith’s lead role in The American Society of Magical Negroes marks a bold step in his career. The film’s subject matter has ignited conversations about its themes and representation, with the teaser trailer eliciting mixed responses from audiences and critics alike. This role allows Smith to push the boundaries of his acting capabilities and engage with socially relevant and potentially transformative content.
Justice Smith’s path to achieving a net worth of $1 million is interwoven with his growth as an actor and his choices of impactful roles. His participation in The American Society of Magical Negroes represents not just a career decision but a venture into the realm of films that provoke thought and discussion, highlighting his journey as an actor who is not afraid to explore and challenge the norms of Hollywood storytelling.
