Editing Nas (section)

==Career==
As a teenager, Nas enlisted his best friend and upstairs neighbor Willie "Ill Will" Graham as his DJ. Nas initially went by the nickname '''"Kid Wave"''' before adopting his more commonly known alias of "Nasty Nas".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-dj-mega-skills-traf-29047066/episode/5-o-clock-traffic-jam-mix-29121958/|website=www.iheart.com|access-date=2019-04-09|title=Listen to the DJ Mega Skills Traffic Jam Episode – 5' O Clock Traffic Jam Mix Feat Nasty "NAS" on iHeartRadio}}</ref> In 1989, then-16-year-old Nas met up with producer [[Large Professor]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stopthebreaks.com/gems/nas-first-recording-session-large-professor/ |title=Hip-Hop Gem: Nas' First Recording Session Was With Large Professor |website=Stopthebreaks.com |date=November 4, 2013 |access-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-date=December 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210092853/https://www.stopthebreaks.com/gems/nas-first-recording-session-large-professor/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> and went to the studio where [[Rakim]] and [[Kool G Rap]] were recording their albums. When they were not in the recording studio, Nas would go into the booth and record his own material. However, none of it was ever released.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.realraptalk.com/f16/nas-fans-good-long-read-nas-biography-67275/ |title=Nas Fans- Good long read. Nas Biography |publisher=Real Rap Talk |date=September 14, 1973 |access-date=August 6, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Bridging the Gap (Part 2) |url=http://www.theavemagazine.com/Gems/Nasolu02.htm |work=The Ave |year=2004 |access-date=August 10, 2007 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070818020834/http://www.theavemagazine.com/Gems/Nasolu02.htm |archive-date=August 18, 2007 }}</ref>

===1991–1994: The beginnings and ''Illmatic''===
[[File:Nas - Interview - YO! MTV Raps - MTV Music.webm|thumb|right|Nas interviewed in 1993]]
In 1991, Nas performed on [[Main Source]]'s "[[Live at the Barbeque]]", also produced by Large Professor. In mid-1992, Nas was approached by [[MC Serch]] of [[3rd Bass]], who became his manager and secured Nas a record deal with [[Columbia Records]] during the same year. Nas made his solo debut under the name of "Nasty Nas" on the single "[[Halftime (song)|Halftime]]" from MC Serch's soundtrack for the film ''[[Zebrahead (film)|Zebrahead]]''.<ref name="allmusic" /> Called the new [[Rakim]],<ref name="Greatest MCs">{{cite web|title=The Greatest MCs of All Time – 5. Nas|url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/h/hip_hop_week/2006/emcees/index7.jhtml|publisher=[[MTV News]]|year=2006|url-status=dead|access-date=July 16, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080514175558/http://www.mtv.com/bands/h/hip_hop_week/2006/emcees/index7.jhtml|archive-date=May 14, 2008}}</ref> his rhyming skills attracted a significant amount of attention within the hip-hop community.

In 1994, Nas's debut album, ''[[Illmatic]]'', was released. It featured production from [[Large Professor]], [[Pete Rock]], [[Q-Tip (musician)|Q-Tip]], [[L.E.S. (producer)|LES]] and [[DJ Premier]], as well as guest appearances from Nas's friend [[AZ (rapper)|AZ]] and his father Olu Dara. The album spawned several singles, including "The World Is Yours", "It Ain't Hard to Tell", and "One Love". Shaheem Reid of [[MTV News]] called ''Illmatic'' "the first classic [[Gramophone record|LP]]" of 1994.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/123/1994/news_feature_010504/ |title=The Year Hip-Hop Was Reborn: A Look Back at 1994 |last=Reid |first=Shaheem |date=January 5, 2004 |publisher=MTV News |access-date=March 6, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090104153747/http://www.mtv.com/bands/123/1994/news_feature_010504/ |archive-date=January 4, 2009 }}</ref> In 1994, Nas also recorded the song "One on One" for the soundtrack to the film ''[[Street Fighter (1994 film)|Street Fighter]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r210651|pure_url=yes}}|title=Street Fighter > Overview|website=allmusic|access-date=March 6, 2009}}</ref> In his book ''To the Break of Dawn: A Freestyle on the Hip Hop Aesthetic'', [[William Jelani Cobb]] writes of Nas's impact at the time:
{{blockquote|Nas, the poetic sage of the Queensbridge projects, was hailed as the second coming of [[Rakim]]—as if the first had reached his expiration date. [...] Nas never became 'the next Rakim,' nor did he really have to. ''Illmatic'' stood on its own terms. The sublime lyricism of the CD, combined with the fact that it was delivered into the crucible of the boiling [[East Coast–West Coast hip-hop rivalry|East-West]] conflict, quickly solidified [his] reputation as the premier writer of his time.<ref name="Cobb">Cobb (2006, p. 142.)</ref>}}

''Illmatic'' was awarded best album of 1994 by ''[[The Source (magazine)|The Source]]''.<ref name="Weinstein">Weinstein, S. "Nas". In Hess, M. (ed.), ''Icons of Hip-Hop'', vol. 1, pp.&nbsp;341–363.</ref> Steve Huey of [[AllMusic]] described Nas's lyrics on ''Illmatic'' as "highly literate" and his raps "superbly fluid regardless of the size of his vocabulary", adding that Nas is "able to evoke the bleak reality of ghetto life without losing hope or forgetting the good times".<ref name="allmusic Illmatic">{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r203123|pure_url=yes}}|title=Illmatic: Overview|last=Huey|first=Steve|website=allmusic|access-date=January 17, 2010}}</ref> About.com ranked ''Illmatic'' as the greatest hip-hop album of all time,<ref name="about"/> and ''Prefix'' magazine praised it as "the best hip hop record ever made".<ref name="prefix"/>

===1994–1998: Transition to mainstream direction and the Firm===
In 1995, Nas did guest performances on the albums ''[[Doe or Die]]'' by [[AZ (rapper)|AZ]], ''[[The Infamous]]'' by [[Mobb Deep]], ''[[Only Built 4 Cuban Linx]]'' by [[Raekwon]] and ''[[4,5,6]]'' by [[Kool G Rap]]. Nas also parted ways with manager [[MC Serch]], enlisted [[Steve Stoute]], and began preparation for his second album, ''[[It Was Written]]''. The album was chiefly produced by Tone and Poke of the [[Trackmasters]], as Nas consciously worked towards a crossover-oriented sound. [[Columbia Records]] had begun to pressure Nas to work towards more commercial topics, such as that of [[The Notorious B.I.G.]] and had become successful by releasing street singles that still retained radio-friendly appeal. The album also expanded on Nas's Escobar persona, who lived a ''[[Scarface (1983 film)|Scarface]]''/''[[Casino (1995 film)|Casino]]''-esque lifestyle. On the other hand, references to ''Scarface'' protagonist [[Tony Montana]] notwithstanding, ''Illmatic'' was more about his early life growing up in the projects.<ref name="allmusic" />

''It Was Written'' was released in mid-1996. Two singles, "[[If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)]]" (featuring [[Lauryn Hill]] of [[The Fugees]]) and [[Street Dreams (song)|"Street Dreams"]] (including a remix with [[R. Kelly]]), were instant hits.<ref name="billboard">[{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r237850/charts-awards|pure_url=yes}} It Was Written: Charts & Awards]. [[AllMusic]]. Retrieved August 1, 2008.</ref> These songs were promoted by big-budget music videos directed by [[Hype Williams]], making Nas a common name among mainstream [[hip-hop]]. Reviewing ''It Was Written'', Leo Stanley of Allmusic believed the album's rhymes were not as complex as those of ''Illmatic'', but still thought Nas had "deepened his talents, creating a complex series of rhymes that not only flow, but manage to tell coherent stories as well."<ref name="allmusic It Was Written">{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r237850|pure_url=yes}}|title=It Was Written: Overview|last=Stanley|first=Leo|website=allmusic|access-date=January 17, 2010}}</ref> ''It Was Written'' featured the debut of [[The Firm (hip-hop group)|the Firm]], a supergroup consisting of Nas, [[AZ (rapper)|AZ]], [[Foxy Brown (rapper)|Foxy Brown]], and [[Cormega]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Allah |first1=Sha Be |title=The Source {{!}}Today in Hip-Hop History: The Firm Released 'The Album' 26 Years Ago |url=https://thesource.com/2023/10/21/today-in-hip-hop-history-the-firm-released-the-album-26-years-ago/ |access-date=October 13, 2024 |work=The Source |date=October 21, 2023}}</ref>

Signed to [[Dr. Dre]]'s [[Aftermath Entertainment]] label, the Firm began working on their debut album. Halfway through the production of the album, [[Cormega]] was fired from the group by [[Steve Stoute]], who had unsuccessfully attempted to force Cormega to sign a deal with his management company. Cormega subsequently became one of Nas's most vocal opponents and released a number of [[underground hip-hop]] singles [[wikt:diss|dissing]] Nas, Stoute, and [[Nature (rapper)|Nature]], who replaced Cormega as the fourth member of the Firm.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/269436/nas-recording-album-with-damian-marley|title=Nas Recording Album With Damian Marley|last=Concepcion|first=Mariel|date=February 10, 2009|magazine=Billboard|access-date=February 10, 2009}}</ref> ''[[The Album (The Firm album)|Nas, Foxy Brown, AZ, and Nature Present The Firm: The Album]]'' was finally released in 1997 to mixed reviews. The album failed to live up to its expected sales despite being certified platinum, and the members of the group disbanded to go their separate ways.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bet.com/photo-gallery/c9e81i/hip-hop-cliques-that-went-their-separate-ways/q5deph|title = Hip Hop Cliques That Went Their Separate Ways| website=[[BET]] }}</ref>

During this period, Nas was one of four rappers (the others being [[B-Real]], [[KRS-One]] and [[RBX]]) in the hip-hop supergroup [[Group Therapy (group)|Group Therapy]], who appeared on the song "[[East Coast/West Coast Killas]]" from ''[[Dr. Dre Presents the Aftermath]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas|title=Dr. Dre Presents...The Aftermath > Overview|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r243986|pure_url=yes}}|website=allmusic|access-date=September 13, 2008}}{{cite web|title=East Coast/West Coast Killas|url={{AllMusic|class=song|id=t3084200|pure_url=yes}}|website=allmusic|access-date=September 13, 2008}}</ref>

===1998–2001: Heightened commercial direction and inconsistent output===
[[File:Nas-04.jpg|thumb|Nas in 1998]]
In late 1998, Nas began working on a double album, to be entitled ''I Am... The Autobiography''; he intended it as the middle ground between ''Illmatic'' and ''It Was Written'', with each track detailing a part of his life.<ref name="allmusic" /> In 1998, Nas co-wrote and starred in [[Hype Williams]]'s feature film ''[[Belly (film)|Belly]]''.<ref name="allmusic" /> ''I Am... The Autobiography'' was completed in early 1999, and a music video was shot for its lead single, "[[Nas Is Like]]". It was produced by [[DJ Premier]] and contained vocal samples from "[[It Ain't Hard to Tell]]". Music critic M.F. DiBella noticed that Nas also covered "politics, the state of hip-hop, [[2000|Y2K]], [[Race (classification of human beings)|race]], and religion with his own unique perspective" in the album besides autobiographical lyrics.<ref>{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r400739|pure_url=yes}}|title=I Am...The Autobiography > Overview|last=DiBella|first=M.F.|date=April 6, 1999|website=allmusic|access-date=March 6, 2009}}</ref> Much of the LP was leaked into MP3 format onto the Internet, and Nas and Stoute quickly recorded enough substitute material to constitute a single-disc release.<ref name="Weinstein"/>

The second single on ''[[I Am... (Nas album)|I Am...]]'' was "[[Hate Me Now]]", featuring [[Sean Combs|Sean "Puffy" Combs]], which was used as an example by Nas's critics accusing him of moving towards more commercial themes. The video featured Nas and Combs being [[crucifixion|crucified]] in a manner similar to Jesus Christ; after the video was completed, Combs requested his crucifixion scene be edited out of the video. However, the unedited copy of the "Hate Me Now" video made its way to MTV. Within minutes of the broadcast, Combs and his bodyguards allegedly made their way into [[Steve Stoute]]'s office and assaulted him, at one point apparently hitting Stoute over the head with a champagne bottle. Stoute pressed charges, but he and Combs [[legal settlement|settled out-of-court]] that June.<ref name="Weinstein"/> Columbia had scheduled to release the [[music piracy|infringed]] material from ''I Am...'' under the title ''[[Nastradamus]]'' during the later half of 1999, but, at the last minute, Nas decided to record an entire new album for the 1999 release of ''[[Nastradamus]]''. ''Nastradamus'' was therefore rushed to meet a November release date. Though critical reviews were unfavorable, it did result in a minor hit, "[[You Owe Me (Nas song)|You Owe Me]]".<ref name="allmusic" /> Fans and critics feared that Nas's career was declining, artistically and commercially, as both ''I Am...'' and ''Nastradamus'' were criticized as inconsistent and overtly-commercialized.<ref name="cowie">Cowie, Del. [http://www.exclaim.ca/index.asp?layid=22&csid=1&csid1=3163 Nas: Battle Ready]. [[Exclaim!]]. Retrieved on January 20, 2007.</ref>

In 2000, ''[[Nas & Ill Will Records Presents QB's Finest]]'', which is popularly known as simply ''QB's Finest'', was released on Nas's [[Ill Will Records]].<ref name="allmusic" /> ''QB's Finest'' is a compilation album that featured Nas and a number of other rappers from [[Queensbridge Houses|Queensbridge]] projects, including [[Mobb Deep]], [[Nature (rapper)|Nature]], [[Capone-N-Noreaga|Capone]], the [[Bravehearts]], [[Tragedy Khadafi]], Millennium Thug and [[Cormega]], who had briefly reconciled with Nas. The album also featured guest appearances from Queensbridge hip-hop legends [[Roxanne Shanté]], [[MC Shan]], and [[Marley Marl]]. Shan and Marley Marl both appeared on the lead single "Da Bridge 2001", which was based on Shan & Marl's 1986 recording "The Bridge".<ref>{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r507398|pure_url=yes}}|title=QB Finest > Overview|last=Conaway|first=Matt|date=November 21, 2000|website=allmusic|access-date=March 6, 2009}}</ref>

===2001–2006: Feud with Jay-Z, ''Stillmatic'', ''God's Son'', and double album===
[[File:Nas-01-mika.jpg|thumb|left|Nas performing in 2003]]
After trading veiled criticisms on various songs, freestyles and mixtape appearances, the highly publicised dispute between Nas and [[Jay-Z]] became widely known to the public in 2001.<ref name="allmusic" /> Jay-Z, in his song "[[Takeover (Jay-Z song)|Takeover]]", criticised Nas by calling him "fake" and his career "lame".<ref name="Return to the Dis">{{cite news|last=Century|first=Douglas|title=Two of Rap's Hottest Return to the Dis |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C07E7D91E30F935A35752C0A9649C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=January 6, 2002|access-date=August 23, 2008}}</ref> Nas responded with "[[Ether (song)|Ether]]", in which he compared Jay-Z to such characters as [[J.J. Evans]] from the sitcom ''[[Good Times]]'' and cigarette company mascot [[Joe Camel]]. The song was included on Nas's fifth studio album, ''[[Stillmatic]]'', released in December 2001. His daughter, Destiny, is listed as an executive producer on '' Stillmatic'' so she could receive royalty checks from the album.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ahmed|first1=Insanul|title=50 Things You Didn't Know About Nas|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2012/12/50-things-you-didnt-know-about-nas/executive-producer-stillmatic|website=complex.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|title=Nas Disses Jay-Z, Endless List of Others on New LP|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1451188/20011126/jay_z.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030904204355/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1451188/20011126/jay_z.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 4, 2003|publisher=MTV News|date=November 26, 2001|access-date=August 23, 2008}}</ref> ''Stillmatic'' peaked at No. 5 on the U.S. [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart and featured the singles "[[Got Ur Self A...]]" and "[[One Mic]]".

In response to "Ether", Jay-Z released the song "Supa Ugly", which [[WQHT|Hot 97]] radio host [[Angie Martinez]] premiered on December 11, 2001.<ref name="Return to the Dis" /> In the song, Jay-Z explicitly boasts about having an affair with Nas's girlfriend, Carmen Bryan.<ref>Ashare, Matt. [http://music.yahoo.com/read/news/12055074 Nas On His Battle With Jay-Z And Its Effects]. Yahoo! Music: January 26, 2002.</ref> New York City hip-hop radio station [[WQHT|Hot 97]] issued a poll asking listeners which rapper made the better [[diss song]]; Nas won with 58% while Jay-Z got 42% of the votes.<ref>{{cite web|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|title=Nas vs. Jay-Z: Grade-a-Beef (page 1)|url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/n/nas/news_feature_012102/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020213161951/http://www.mtv.com/bands/n/nas/news_feature_012102/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 13, 2002|publisher=MTV News|date=January 21, 2002|access-date=August 23, 2008}}</ref> In 2002, in the midst of the dispute between the two New York rappers, [[Eminem]] cited both Nas and Jay-Z as being two of the best MCs in the industry, in his song "[['Till I Collapse]]". Both the dispute and ''Stillmatic'' signaled an artistic comeback for Nas after a string of inconsistent albums.<ref name="Rabin">{{cite web|last=Rabin|first=Nathan|author-link=Nathan Rabin|url=https://www.avclub.com/nas-gods-son-1798198227|title=Nas: God's Son|work=[[The A.V. Club]]|publisher=[[The Onion|Onion Inc]]|date=February 3, 2003|access-date=August 12, 2011}}</ref> ''[[The Lost Tapes (Nas album)|The Lost Tapes]]'', a compilation of previously unreleased or bootlegged songs from 1998 to 2001, was released by Columbia in September 2002. The collection attained respectable sales and received rave reviews from critics.<ref name="Weinstein"/>

In December 2002, Nas released the ''[[God's Son (album)|God's Son]]'' album including its lead single, "Made You Look" which used a pitched down sample of the [[Incredible Bongo Band]]'s "[[Apache (instrumental)|Apache]]". The album peaked at No. 12 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] and No. 1 on the [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums]] charts despite widespread Internet bootlegging.<ref name="album charts">{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p44732|pure_url=yes}} |title=(((Nas > Charts & Awards > Billboard Albums))) |website=allmusic |date=September 14, 1973 |access-date=September 18, 2010}}</ref> Time Magazine named his album best hip-hop album of the year. [[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]] gave it four stars and [[The Source (magazine)|The Source]] gave it four mics. The second single, "[[I Can (Nas song)|I Can]]", which reworked elements from [[Ludwig van Beethoven|Beethoven]]'s "[[Für Elise]]", became Nas's biggest hit to date in 2003, garnering substantial radio airplay on urban, [[Rhythmic contemporary|rhythmic]], and [[top 40]] radio stations, as well as on the MTV and [[VH1]] music video networks. ''God's Son'' also includes several songs dedicated to Nas's mother, who died of cancer in April 2002, including "Dance". In 2003, Nas was featured on the [[Korn]] song "Play Me", from Korn's ''[[Take a Look in the Mirror]]'' LP. Also in 2003, a live performance in New York City, featuring [[Ludacris]], [[Jadakiss]], and [[Darryl McDaniels]] (of [[Run-D.M.C.]] fame), was released on DVD as ''Made You Look: God's Son Live''.{{citation needed|date=October 2022}}

''God's Son'' was critical in the power struggle between Nas and Jay-Z in the hip-hop industry at the time. In an article at the time, Joseph Jones of [[PopMatters]] stated, "Whether you like it or not, "Ether" did this. With ''God's Son'', Nas has the opportunity to cement his status as the King of NY, at least for another 3-4-year term, or he could prove that he is not the savior that hip-hop fans should be pinning their hopes on."<ref name="Jones">Jones, Joseph. [https://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/n/nas-gods.shtml Review: ''God's Son'']. [[PopMatters]]. Retrieved October 28, 2009.</ref> After the album's release, he began helping [[the Bravehearts]], an act including his younger brother Jungle and friend Wiz (Wizard), put together their debut album, ''Bravehearted''. The album featured guest appearances from Nas, Nashawn (Millennium Thug), [[Lil Jon]], and [[Jully Black]].

Nas released his seventh album ''[[Street's Disciple]]'', a sprawling double album, on November 30, 2004. It addressed subject matter both political and personal, including his impending marriage to recording artist [[Kelis]].<ref name="allmusic" /> The double-sided single "[[Thief's Theme]]"/"You Know My Style" was released months before the album's release, followed by the single "[[Bridging the Gap (song)|Bridging the Gap]]" upon the album's release. Although ''Street's Disciple'' went [[platinum record|platinum]], it served as a drop-off from Nas's previous commercial successes.<ref name="allmusic" />

In 2005, New York-based rapper [[50 Cent]] dissed Nas on his song "[[Piggy Bank (song)|Piggy Bank]]", which brought his reputation into question in hip-hop circles.<ref name="allmusic" /> In October, Nas made a surprise appearance at Jay-Z's "I Declare War" concert, where they reconciled their beef.<ref name="allmusic" /> At the show, Jay-Z announced to the crowd, "It's bigger than 'I Declare War'. Let's go, Esco!" and Nas then joined him onstage,<ref>Sanneh, Kelefah. [https://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/29/arts/music/29jayz.html?ex=1288238400&en=d5ebd722ddd8cebd&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss A Show of Solidarity, With a Few Surprises]. ''[[The New York Times]]'': October 29, 2005.</ref> and the two performed Jay-Z's "[[Dead Presidents (song)|Dead Presidents]]" (1996) together, a song that featured a prominent sample of Nas's 1994 track, "[[The World Is Yours (Nas song)|The World Is Yours]]" (1994).<ref name="allmusic" />

===2006–2008: ''Hip Hop Is Dead'', Untitled, and politicized efforts===
[[File:Nas in Ottawa, 2007.JPG|thumb|right|upright=0.9|Nas performing in [[Ottawa]], 2007]]
The reconciliation between Nas and Jay-Z created the opportunity for Nas to sign a deal with [[Def Jam Recordings]], of which Jay-Z was president at the time.<ref name="allmusic" /> Jay-Z signed Nas on January 23, 2006; the signing included an agreement that Nas was to be paid about $3,000,000, including a recording budget, for each of his first two albums with Def Jam.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/23/arts/music/23rap.html|title = Rapper Nas is to Join Label Led by Former Rival Jay-Z|newspaper = The New York Times|date = January 23, 2006|last1 = Leeds|first1 = Jeff}}</ref>

Tentatively called ''Hip Hop Is Dead...The N'',<ref name="Reid2006">Reid, Shaheem. [https://web.archive.org/web/20060716080149/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1532136/20060519/nas.jhtml Nas Says Hip-Hop Is Dead&nbsp;— New Album Due In September], MTV.com. May 19, 2006.</ref> ''[[Hip Hop Is Dead]]'' was a commentary on the state of hip-hop and featured "Black Republican", a hyped collaboration with Jay-Z.<ref name="allmusic" /> The album debuted on Def Jam and Nas new imprint at that label, The Jones Experience, at No. 1 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] charts, selling 355,000 copies—Nas's third number one album, along with ''It Was Written'' and ''I Am...''.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Hasty|first= Katie|title=Nas Scores Third No. 1 Album with 'Hip-Hop Is Dead'|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/nas-scores-third-no-1-album-with-hip-hop-is-dead-56357/|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=December 27, 2006|access-date=August 18, 2007}}</ref> It also inspired reactions about the state of hip-hop,<ref name="allmusic" /> particularly controversy with [[Southern hip-hop]] artists who felt the album's title was a criticism aimed at them.<ref>{{cite news|last=Reid|first= Shaheem |author2=Dukes, Rahma |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p276628|pure_url=yes}}|work=Mixtape Monday|title=The Firm | publisher=[[MTV News]]|date=December 18, 2006|access-date=December 20, 2006}}{{clarify|reason=url does not match publisher|date=January 2017}}</ref> Nas's 2004 song, "Thief's Theme", was featured in the 2006 film, ''[[The Departed]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Soundtracks for "The Departed" (2006)|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0407887/soundtrack|website=[[IMDb]]|year=2006|access-date=February 28, 2008}}</ref> Nas's former label, [[Columbia Records]], released the compilation ''[[Greatest Hits (Nas album)|Greatest Hits]]'' in November.<ref>Petipas, Jolene. [http://www.hiphop-elements.com/article/read/4/6881/1/ Nas Preps "Greatest Hits," Records New Material], hiphop-elements.com. August 13, 2007.</ref>

On October 12, 2007, Nas announced that his next album would be called ''Nigger''. Both [[progressivism|progressive]] commentators, such as [[Jesse Jackson]] and [[Al Sharpton]], and the conservative-aligned news channel [[Fox News]] were outraged; Jackson called on entertainers to stop using the epithet after comedian [[Michael Richards]] used it onstage in late 2006.<ref>{{cite news|title=Jesse Jackson Calls For Ban of N-Word|url=http://cbs2chicago.com/local/jesse.jackson.michael.2.333693.html|publisher=CBS News|date=November 27, 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725083212/http://cbs2chicago.com/local/jesse.jackson.michael.2.333693.html|archive-date=July 25, 2008|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Controversy escalated as the album's impending release date drew nearer, going as far as to spark rumors that [[Def Jam]] was planning to drop Nas unless he changed the title.<ref>Shake (January 23, 2008). [http://www.hiphopdx.com/blogs/MrZela/2008/01/23/def-jam-to-drop-nas-.html Def Jam to Drop Nas?!?] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080127120134/http://www.hiphopdx.com/blogs/MrZela/2008/01/23/def-jam-to-drop-nas-.html |date=January 27, 2008 }}. Retrieved January 28, 2008.</ref> Additionally, then-[[Fort Greene, Brooklyn]] assemblyman (later United States Representative) [[Hakeem Jeffries]] requested that New York State Comptroller [[Thomas DiNapoli]] withdraw $84,000,000 from the state [[pension fund]] that had been invested into [[Universal Music Group|Universal]] and its parent company, [[Vivendi]], if the album's title was not changed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/30/42/30_42nashakeem.html |title=Is it time for Nas and other rap artists to clean up their act? |last=Rubinstein |first=Dana |date=October 22, 2016 |website=Brooklynpaper |access-date=October 22, 2016}}</ref> On the opposite side of the spectrum, many of the most famous names in the entertainment industry supported Nas for using the racial epithet as the title of his full-length LP.<ref>{{cite news|last=Reid |first=Shaheem |url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/mixtape_monday/010708/ |title=Nas Drops Exclusive New Lyrics; Snoop Dogg Insists He Can Out-Sing Diddy |work=Mixtape Monday |publisher=MTV News |date=January 7, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517211509/http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/mixtape_monday/010708/ |archive-date=May 17, 2008 }}</ref><ref>Shaheem Reid (November 1, 2007). [https://web.archive.org/web/20071103012108/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1573280/20071101/nas.jhtml Nas' Album Title Gets Support From Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Bishop Lamont, LL Cool J, GZA, Reverend Run, David Banner] [[MTV News]]. Retrieved November 1, 2007.</ref> Nas's management worried the album would not be sold by chain stores such as [[Wal-Mart]], thus limiting its distribution.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ewing|first=Aliya|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.7092/title.nas-names-album-nothing-sets-release-date|title=Nas Names Album Nothing & Sets Release Date|work=HipHopDX|date=June 10, 2008|access-date=June 11, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829213210/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.7092/title.nas-names-album-nothing-sets-release-date|archive-date=August 29, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On May 19, 2008, Nas decided to forgo an album title.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1587737/20080519/nas.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080726135439/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1587737/20080519/nas.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 26, 2008|title=Nas Changes Controversial Album Title: 'It's Important To Me That This Album Gets To The Fans'|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|date=May 19, 2008|publisher=MTV News|access-date=March 7, 2009}}</ref> Responding to [[Jesse Jackson]]'s remarks and use of the word "nigger", Nas called him "the biggest player hater", stating "His time is up. All you old niggas' time is up. We heard your voice, we saw your marching, we heard your sermons. We don't want to hear that shit no more. It's a new day. It's a new voice. I'm here now. We don't need Jesse; I'm here. I got this. We the voice now. It's no more Jesse. Sorry. Goodbye. You ain't helping nobody in the 'hood and that's the bottom line."<ref>Reid, Shaheem. [https://web.archive.org/web/20090113212806/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1590708/20080710/nas.jhtml?rsspartner=rssMozilla Nas Takes Jesse Jackson To Task For Barack Obama Comments: 'His Time Is Up']. ''MTV''. Retrieved July 10, 2008.</ref> He also said of the album's title: "It's important to me that this album gets to the fans. It's been a long time coming. I want my fans to know that creatively and lyrically, they can expect the same content and the same messages. The people will always know what the real title of this album is and what to call it."<ref>{{cite web|title=Nas drops ''Nigger'' album title|url=https://www.nme.com/news/nas/36731|work=NME|date=March 20, 2008}}</ref>

The album was ultimately released on July 15, 2008, untitled. It featured production from [[Polow da Don]], [[stic.man]] of [[Dead Prez]], Sons of Light and J. Myers,<ref>{{cite web|first=Jermy |last=Leeuwis |url=http://musicremedy.com/n/nas/videos/if-i-ruled-the-world-2009-33475.html |title=Nas: If I Ruled The World 2009 / Music Video & MP3 Song |publisher=Musicremedy.com |date=May 18, 2010 |access-date=September 18, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622165148/http://musicremedy.com/n/nas/songs/if-i-ruled-the-world-2009-33475.html |archive-date=June 22, 2013}}</ref> "[[Hero (Nas song)|Hero]]", the album's lead single released on June 23, 2008, reached No. 97 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and No. 87 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks.<ref name="single charts">[{{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p44732|pure_url=yes}} Nas – Charts & Awards – Billboard Singles]. allmusic. Retrieved September 8, 2008.</ref> In July, Nas attained a shoe deal with [[Fila (company)|Fila]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2008/06/30/daily27.html |title=Fila inks hip-hop star Nas to shoe endorsement deal – Baltimore Business Journal |publisher=Bizjournals.com |date=July 2, 2008 |access-date=September 18, 2010 |first=Ryan |last=Sharrow}}</ref> In an interview with [[MTV News]] in July, Nas speculated that he might release two albums: one produced by [[DJ Premier]] and another by [[Dr. Dre]]—simultaneously the same day.<ref>{{cite news|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|title=Nas Wants To Drop Albums Produced By Dr. Dre, DJ Premier on Same Day|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1591198/20080718/id_0.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080919151100/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1591198/20080718/id_0.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 19, 2008|publisher=MTV News|date=July 21, 2008}}</ref> Nas worked on Dr. Dre's studio album ''[[Detox (Dr. Dre album)|Detox]]''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Jones|first=Steve|title=Dr. Dre's 'Detox' has music industry buzzing|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2008-07-21-drdre-detox_N.htm|work=USA Today|date=July 21, 2008}}</ref> Nas was also awarded 'Emcee of the Year' in the HipHopDX 2008 Awards for his latest solo effort, the quality of his appearances on other albums and was described as having "become an artist who thrives off of reinvention and going against the system."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/columns-editorials/id.1281/title.2008-hiphopdx-awards |title=2008 HipHopDX Awards &#124; Discussing Lil' Wayne, Drake & Many More Hip Hop Artists |publisher=HipHop DX |date=December 30, 2008 |access-date=April 11, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112013928/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/columns-editorials/id.1281/title.2008-hiphopdx-awards |archive-date=January 12, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===2009–2012: ''Distant Relatives'' and ''Life Is Good''===
[[File:Nas and Damian Marley performing in Wellington Photo By Brady Dyer.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Nas and [[Damian Marley]] performing in [[Wellington]], 2011]]
At the [[51st Grammy Awards|2009 Grammy Awards]], Nas confirmed he was collaborating on an album with [[reggae]] singer [[Damian Marley]] which was expected to be released in late 2009. Nas said of the collaboration in an interview "I was a big fan of his father and of course all the children, all the offspring, and Damian, I kind of looked at Damian as a rap guy. His stuff is not really singing, or if he does, it comes off more hard, like on some street shit. I always liked how reggae and hip-hop have always been intertwined and always kind of pushed each other, I always liked the connection. I'd worked with people before from the reggae world but when I worked with Damian, the whole workout was perfect".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://exclaim.ca/articles/multiarticlesub.aspx?csid1=136&csid2=946&fid1=40691 |title=Exclaim! Canada's Music Authority |publisher=Exclaim.ca |access-date=September 18, 2010}}</ref> A portion of the profit was planned to go towards building a school in Africa.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/269436/nas-recording-album-with-damian-marley|title=Nas Recording Album With Damian Marley|date=February 10, 2009|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> He went on to say that it was "too early to tell the title or anything like that".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1604589/20090209/nas.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211101202/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1604589/20090209/nas.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 11, 2009|title=Nas Confirms Kelis' Pregnancy, Talks New Album|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|date=February 9, 2009|work=MTV|access-date=February 9, 2009}}</ref> ''[[The Los Angeles Times]]'' reported that the album would be titled ''[[Distant Relatives]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/03/nas-damian-marl.html|title=Nas and Damian Marley to unveil new songs from 'Distant Relatives' on Friday at L.A. Live|last=Weiss|first=Jeff|work=Pop & Hiss|date=March 26, 2009|access-date=March 26, 2009}}</ref>
Nas also revealed that he would begin working on his tenth studio album following the release of ''Distant Relatives''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/nas-next-album-all-about-peace-and-love-268145/|title=Nas' Next Album All About 'Peace And Love'|last=Graff|first=Gary|date=July 10, 2009|magazine=Billboard|access-date=July 10, 2009}}</ref> During late 2009, Nas used his live band Mulatto with music director Dustin Moore for concerts in Europe and Australia.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.entertainmentdepot.com.au/news/the-%E2%80%98lowfi%E2%80%99-tour-nas-chali-2na/ |title=Entertainment News " The 'low:fi' Tour Nas & Chali 2NA |publisher=Entertainmentdepot.com.au |date=August 31, 2009 |access-date=September 18, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110226120401/http://www.entertainmentdepot.com.au/news/the-%e2%80%98lowfi%e2%80%99-tour-nas-chali-2na/ |archive-date=February 26, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

After announcing a possible release in 2010,<ref name="Nas on The Lost Tapes Vol. 2">{{cite web|url=https://www.twitter.com/Nas/status/24602949709|date=September 15, 2010|title=It's coming... Lost Tapes Volume Two!!!|access-date=September 15, 2010|location=Twitter.com}}</ref> a follow-up compilation to ''[[The Lost Tapes (Nas album)|The Lost Tapes]]'' (2002) was delayed indefinitely due to issues between him and Def Jam.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rodriguez |first=Jayson |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1655194/nas-talks-lost-tapes-vol-2-label-issues.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110105013835/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1655194/nas-talks-lost-tapes-vol-2-label-issues.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 5, 2011 |title=Nas Talks Lost Tapes Vol. 2, Label Issues |publisher=MTV |date=January 3, 2011 |access-date=August 6, 2011}}</ref> His eleventh studio album, ''[[Life Is Good (Nas album)|Life Is Good]]'' (2012) was produced primarily by Salaam Remi and No I.D, and released on July 13, 2012. Nas called the album a "magic moment" in his rap career.<ref>[http://beta.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11765/title.nas-talks-distant-relatives-says-kanye-west-wants-to-produce-next-album] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510021203/http://beta.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11765/title.nas-talks-distant-relatives-says-kanye-west-wants-to-produce-next-album|date=May 10, 2012}}</ref>

In 2011, Nas announced that he would release collaboration albums with [[Mobb Deep]], [[Common (rapper)|Common]], and a third with [[DJ Premier]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Vasquez |first=Andres |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.15279/title.mobb-deep-nas-to-collaborate-on-full-length-lp-says-havoc |title=Mobb Deep & Nas To Collaborate on Full-Length LP, Says Havoc |publisher=HipHop DX |date=May 25, 2011 |access-date=August 6, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112014025/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.15279/title.mobb-deep-nas-to-collaborate-on-full-length-lp-says-havoc |archive-date=January 12, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="hiphopdx1">{{cite web|last=Horowitz |first=Steven J. |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.17171/title.common-speaks-on-upcoming-lp-with-nas-current-standing-with-good-music |title=Common Speaks on Upcoming LP With Nas, Current Standing With G.O.O.D. Music |publisher=HipHop DX |date=October 10, 2011 |access-date=April 11, 2014}}</ref><ref name="sohh">{{cite web |last=Harper |first=Rosario |url=http://www.sohh.com/2011/12/nas_dj_premier_collabo_album_in_the_work.html |title=News: Nas & DJ Premier Collabo Album Still In The Works |publisher=Sohh.com |date=December 13, 2011 |access-date=April 4, 2013 |archive-date=October 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020044315/http://www.sohh.com/2011/12/nas_dj_premier_collabo_album_in_the_work.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Common said of the project in a 2011 interview, "At some point, we will do that. We'd talked about it and we had a good idea to call it ''Nas.Com''. That was actually going to be a mixtape at one point. But we decided that we should make it an album."<ref>{{cite magazine|date=October 10, 2011|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.17171/title.common-speaks-on-upcoming-lp-with-nas-current-standing-with-good-music|title=Com Sense says his album with Nasir Jones will happen and explains its origins|magazine=HipHopDX|access-date=October 11, 2011}}</ref> ''Life is Good'' would be nominated for [[Best Rap Album]] at the [[2013 Grammy Awards]].

===2013–2019: ''Nasir'' and ''The Lost Tapes 2''===
In January 2013, Nas announced he had begun working on his twelfth studio album, which would be his final album for [[Def Jam Recordings|Def Jam]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Horowitz |first=Steven J. |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22477/title.nas-begins-recording-twelfth-studio-album-names-favorite-albums-of-2012 |title=Nas Begins Recording Twelfth Studio Album, Names Favorite Albums of 2012 |publisher=HipHop DX |date=January 9, 2013 |access-date=April 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130406052516/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22477/title.nas-begins-recording-twelfth-studio-album-names-favorite-albums-of-2012 |archive-date=April 6, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The album was supposed to be released during 2015.<ref name="huffingtonpost1">{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/18/nas-new-album-nasir-jones_n_4122025.html?ir=Entertainment |title=Nas Reveals New Album Details, Business Ventures & More |publisher=Huffingtonpost.com |access-date=October 19, 2013 |first=Brennan |last=Williams |date=October 18, 2013}}</ref> In October 2013, DJ Premier said that his collaboration album with Nas, would be released following his twelfth studio album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/10/dj-premier-will-produce-a-nas-lp/ |title=DJ Premier Will Produce A Nas LP |publisher=xxlmag.com |date=October 7, 2013 |access-date=October 19, 2013}}</ref> In October 2013, Nas confirmed that a rumored song "Sinatra in the Sands" featuring [[Jay-Z]], [[Justin Timberlake]], and [[Timbaland]] would be featured on the album.<ref name="huffingtonpost1"/>

On April 16, 2014, on the twentieth anniversary of ''Illmatic'',<ref name="The Detroit News 2014-10-10">{{cite news|url=http://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/movies/2014/10/10/nas-time-illmatic-review/16996751/|title=Review: "Nas: Time Is Illmatic"|last1=Graham|first1=Adam|date=October 10, 2014|newspaper=[[The Detroit News]]|access-date=October 13, 2014}}</ref> the documentary ''[[Nas: Time Is Illmatic]]'' was premiered which recounted circumstances leading up to Nas's debut album.<ref name="LA Times 2014-10-01">{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-nas-time-illmatic-review-20141002-story.html|title=Review: 'Nas: Time Is Illmatic' is a reminder of rap's potential|last1=Tsai|first1=Martin|date=October 1, 2014|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=October 13, 2014}}</ref> It was reported on September 10, that Nas has finished his last album with Def Jam.<ref>{{cite magazine| url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6244218/nas-finishes-final-def-jam-album | title=Nas Finishes Final Def Jam Album | first= Erika | last = Ramirez | magazine= Billboard.com | date= September 10, 2014 | access-date=September 12, 2014}}</ref> On October 30, Nas released a song which might have been the first single on his new album, titled "The Season", produced by [[J Dilla]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/nas-dilla-song-the-season-20141031|title=Hear Nas' J Dilla–Sampling New Song 'The Season'|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=October 31, 2014}}</ref> Nas has also collaborated with the Australian hip-hop group, [[Bliss n Eso]], in 2014. They released the track "I Am Somebody" in May 2014. Nas was featured on the song "We Are" from [[Justin Bieber]]'s fourth studio album, ''[[Purpose (Justin Bieber album)|Purpose]]'', released in November 2015.

[[File:NAS performing at the 2015 Sugar Mountain festival, Melbourne, Australia.jpg|thumb|upright|Nas performing at the 2015 Sugar Mountain festival in [[Melbourne]]]]
Nas was announced as one of the executive producers of the Netflix original series, ''[[The Get Down]]'', prior to its release in August 2016. He narrated the series and rapped as adult Ezekiel of 1996.
 
On October 16, 2016, he received the Jimmy Iovine Icon Award at 2016 REVOLT Music Conference for having a lasting impact and unique influence on music, numerous years in the rap business, his partnership with Hennessy, and Mass Appeal imprint by [[Puff Daddy]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.40878/title.diddy-presents-nas-with-jimmy-iovine-icon-award-at-2016-revolt-music-conference |title=Puff Daddy awards Nas Jimmy Iovine Icon Award |last=Clark |first=Trent |date=October 16, 2016 |website=[[Hiphopdx]] |access-date=October 17, 2016}}</ref> In November 2016, Nas collaborated with [[Lin-Manuel Miranda]], [[Dave East]] and [[Aloe Blacc]] on a song called "Wrote My Way Out", which appears on ''[[The Hamilton Mixtape]]''. On April 12, 2017, Nas released the song ''Angel Dust'' as soundtrack for TV series ''[[The Getdown]]''. It contains a sample of the [[Gil Scott-Heron]] and [[Brian Jackson (musician)|Brian Jackson]] song ''Angel Dust''.{{citation needed|date=October 2022}}

In June 2017, Nas appeared in the award-winning 2017 documentary ''[[The American Epic Sessions]]'' directed by [[Bernard MacMahon (filmmaker)|Bernard MacMahon]], where he recorded live [[Direct-to-disc recording|direct-to-disc]] on the restored first [[History of sound recording#The electrical era (1925 to 1945) (including sound on film)|electrical sound recording]] system from the 1920s.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2017/05/american-epic-return-of-the-lathe/|title=The Long-Lost, Rebuilt Recording Equipment That First Captured the Sound of America|magazine=Wired|access-date=2018-02-28|language=en-US}}</ref> He performed "On the Road Again", a 1928 song by the [[Memphis Jug Band]],<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/watch-nas-jack-white-reinterpret-1920s-blues-song-w481777|title=Watch Nas, Jack White Reinterpret 1920s Blues Song|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=2018-02-28}}</ref> which ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' describing his performance as "fantastic"<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/american-epic-sessions-london-review-831315|title='The American Epic Sessions': London Review|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=2018-02-28|language=en}}</ref> and the ''[[Financial Times]]'' praising his "superb cover of the Memphis Jug Band's "On the Road Again", exposing the hip-hop blueprint within the 1928 stomper."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/381605c6-3b1c-11e7-821a-6027b8a20f23 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/381605c6-3b1c-11e7-821a-6027b8a20f23 |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=American Epic|last=Hunter-Tilney|first=Ludovic|date=May 19, 2017|newspaper=[[Financial Times]]|language=en-GB|access-date=2018-02-28}}</ref> "On the Road Again", and a performance of "One Mic",<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p055b035|title=Nas – One Mic, The Sessions, American Epic, Arena – BBC Four|website=BBC|date=June 10, 2017 |language=en-GB|access-date=2018-02-28}}</ref> were released on ''[[Music from The American Epic Sessions: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]]'' on June 9, 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.legacyrecordings.com/2017/04/28/american-epic-collection-american-epic-soundtrack-may-12th/|title=American Epic: The Collection & The Soundtrack Out May 12th {{!}} Legacy Recordings|date=2017-04-28|work=Legacy Recordings|access-date=2018-02-28|language=en-US}}</ref>

In April 2018, [[Kanye West]] announced on [[Twitter]] that Nas's twelfth studio album will be released on June 15, also serving as executive producer for the album.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://twitter.com/kanyewest/status/988199197781323776|title=KANYE WEST on Twitter|work=Twitter|access-date=2018-04-23|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://twitter.com/kanyewest/status/988199097554296832|title=KANYE WEST on Twitter|work=Twitter|access-date=2018-04-23|language=en}}</ref> The album was announced the day before release, titled ''[[Nasir (album)|Nasir]]''.

Following the release of ''Nasir'', Nas confirmed he would return to completing a previous album, including production from [[Swizz Beatz]] and [[RZA]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/nas-swizz-beatz-and-rza-are-laying-foundations-for-a-new-nas-album-news.55975.html|title=Nas, Swizz Beatz, & RZA Are Laying Foundations For A New Nas Album|publisher=HotNewHipHop|date=July 27, 2018|access-date=July 27, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.47818/title.nas-confirms-nasir-follow-up-is-coming|title=Nas Confirms "NASIR" Follow-Up Is Coming|magazine=HipHopDX|date=July 27, 2018|access-date=July 27, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2018/07/nas-nasir-follow-up-out-soon|title=Nas Says His 'NASIR' Follow-Up Will Be Out Soon|magazine=Complex|date=July 27, 2018|access-date=July 27, 2018}}</ref> This project was released as ''[[The Lost Tapes 2]]'' on July 19, 2019, which included production from Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Swizz Beatz, The Alchemist, and RZA. This album was a sequel to Nas's 2002 release, ''The Lost Tapes''.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://hauteliving.com/2019/10/nas-is-finding-new-inspiration-from-the-lost-tapes-2/674792/ | title = Nas Is Finding New Inspiration From 'The Lost Tapes 2' | date= 18 October 2019 | access-date = 17 September 2020 | work = [[Haute Living]] | author = Laura Schreffler }}</ref>

===2020–present: ''King's Disease'' series, ''Magic'' series and DJ Premier collaborative album===
In August 2020, Nas announced that he would be releasing his 13th album. On August 13, he revealed the album's title, ''[[King's Disease]]''. The album, executive-produced by [[Hit-Boy]], was preceded by the lead single, "[[Ultra Black]]", a song detailing perseverance and pride "despite the system".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hypebeast.com/2020/8/nas-kings-disease-album-release-info-date-ultra-black-single-stream|title=Nas Announces New Album 'King's Disease' With Hit-Boy-Produced Single "Ultra Black"|website=[[Hypebeast (website)|Hypebeast]]|last=Caraan|first=Sophie|date=August 14, 2020|access-date=August 19, 2020}}</ref> The album won the [[Grammy Award for Best Rap Album]] at the [[63rd Annual Grammy Awards]], becoming Nas' first Grammy.<ref name="Revolt">{{cite web |last1=Powell |first1=Jon |title=Nas wins his first Grammy for 'King's Disease' |url=https://www.revolt.tv/new-music/2021/3/14/22330639/nas-kings-disease-grammy |website=Revolt.tv |access-date=March 15, 2021}}</ref> The sequel album, ''[[King's Disease II]]'', was released on August 6, 2021,<ref>{{cite web |title=Nas' New Album King's Disease II Features Ms. Lauryn Hill, Eminem, EPMD, and More|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/nas-new-album-kings-disease-ii-features-ms-lauryn-hill-eminem-epmd-and-more/|website=[[Pitchfork (magazine)|Pitchfork]]|last=Strauss|first=Matthew|date=August 3, 2021|access-date=August 3, 2021}}</ref> and included the song "[[Nobody (Nas and Lauryn Hill song)|Nobody]]" featuring [[Lauryn Hill]]. ''King's Disease II'' debuted at number-three on the U.S. [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], becoming Nas's highest-charting album since 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|title="King's Disease II" Is Nas' Highest Performing Album In Nearly A Decade|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/kings-disease-ii-is-nas-highest-performing-album-in-nearly-a-decade-news.137596.html?_amp|access-date=2021-08-17|website=www.hotnewhiphop.com|date=August 16, 2021 }}</ref> On December 24, Nas released the album ''[[Magic (Nas album)|Magic]]''. It is his third album executive produced by Hit-Boy, and includes guest appearances from [[ASAP Rocky]] and [[DJ Premier]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Nas Announces Surprise Project 'Magic' With Hit-Boy f/ ASAP Rocky and DJ Premier |url=https://www.complex.com/music/nas-hit-boy-magic-project-announcement-tracklist-features |website=Complex}}</ref>

Nas's third installment in the ''King's Disease'' series, ''[[King's Disease III]]'', was released the following year. Like its two predecessors, ''King's Disease III'' was mainly produced by Hit-Boy; however, it was notably Nas's first studio album to forgo any guest appearances from outside artists.<ref>{{Cite web  |date=2022-11-17 |title=Hit-Boy Explains Why Nas' 'King's Disease 3' Has No Features |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/hit-boy-explains-nas-kings-disease-3-no-features |access-date=2023-03-21 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}}</ref> Upon release, ''King's Disease III'' would become one of the most critically acclaimed albums of Nas's career, becoming his highest-scoring new studio album on review aggregator [[Metacritic]] and receiving critical praise for the cohesion of Hit-Boy's production with Nas's storytelling and lyricism.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nas |url=https://www.metacritic.com/person/nas |access-date=2023-03-21 |website=Metacritic |date=April 29, 2008 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> Praising ''King's Disease III,'' British music publication [[NME]] stated that Nas, "three decades in, [is] still a force to be reckoned with", while Marcus Shorter of [[Consequence (publication)|Consequence]] would write that the album was Nas's and Hit-Boy's "most focused and confident collaboration" and that Nas was "at peace with his legacy, life, and the fact that old age is inevitable".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Niall |date=2022-11-14 |title=Nas – 'King's Disease III' review: hip-hop great delivers compelling conclusion to his album trilogy |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/nas-kings-disease-iii-review-hit-boy-3348759 |access-date=2023-03-21 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Ginsberg |first=Gab |date=2022-11-11 |title=Nas' King's Disease III Saves the Best for Last: Album Review |url=https://consequence.net/2022/11/kings-disease-iii-review-nas/ |access-date=2023-03-21 |website=Consequence |language=en-US}}</ref>

On September 12, 2023, Nas announced the 3rd installment to the ''Magic'' album series, ''Magic 3'', which would be released two days later, on his fiftieth birthday.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-12 |title=Nas Announces "Magic 3" Release Date |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/712169-nas-magic-3-release |access-date=2023-09-12 |website=www.hotnewhiphop.com |language=en}}</ref>  The album would be the sixth and final collaboration between Nas and [[Hit-Boy]] on an album.<ref>{{cite news |last1=White |first1=Andrew |title=Nas and Hit-Boy Take Victory Lap With Final Collab Album ‘Magic 3’ |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/andrewwhitefreelancer/nas-magic-3-hit-boy-final-collab-album |access-date=October 13, 2024 |work=Complex |date=September 15, 2023 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Jaelani Turner |title=Nas & Hit-Boy Announce Surprise Collaborative Album ‘Magic 3’ is Dropping Thursday - Okayplayer |url=https://www.okayplayer.com/nas-and-hit-boy-interview |access-date=October 13, 2024 |work=Okayplayer |date=September 12, 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

On April 19, 2024, it was announced for the 30th anniversary of Illmatic, that Nas and [[DJ Premier]] would be releasing their collaboration album in late 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Sam |date=April 19, 2024 |title=Nas & DJ Premier Announce Long-Awaited Joint Album, Drop First Single 'Define My Name' |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/nas-dj-premier-announce-album-define-my-name |access-date=April 19, 2024 |website=[[HipHopDX]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

Nas [[Executive producer|executive produced]] the 2024 [[concept album]] by [[Lin-Manuel Miranda]] and [[Eisa Davis]], ''[[Warriors (Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis album)|Warriors]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-18 |title=Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis on their 'Warriors' musical concept album with Lauryn Hill |url=https://apnews.com/article/linmanuel-miranda-eisa-davis-warriors-lauryn-hill-album-942ba5ca1e424f82ca55a91c938c6322 |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>