Nasir Jones (born September 14 1973), known simply as Nas, formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper. Son of jazz musician Olu Dara, Nas is well known for his 1994 debut album Illmatic, which many consider to be one of the greatest 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 has spanned through early hip-hop, including the Juice Crew, Mobb Deep, and MC Shan.

Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones (born September 14, 1973), known commonly as Nas (formerly known as Nasty Nas And Nas Escobar), is a prominent American rapper. He was raised in the infamous Queensbridge housing projects in Queens . The son of jazz trumpeter Olu Dara , Nas is best known for his 1994 debut LP Illmatic , widely considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. This album established Nas as one of hip-hop’s most celebrated lyricists, introducing his signature poetic style and do