Nas, born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, is a legendary rapper and entrepreneur from Queensbridge, New York. He has since released numerous successful albums and collaborated with other prominent artists in the industry. In this article, I discuss Nas net worth in 2023, his early career, and other vital information about him.
Early Life and Career
Nas was born in 1973 and grew up in Queensbridge, one of the largest public housing projects in the United States. His father, Olu Dara, was a jazz musician who exposed Nas to a wide range of music as a child.
Nas’ early influences were predominantly jazz and soul music, but he also listened to early hip-hop legends like Grandmaster Flash and Rakim. At the age of 16, Nas decided to pursue a career in rap after hearing “Roxanne’s Revenge,” a classic diss track by rapper Roxanne Shante.
He began performing under the name Kid Wave before changing it to Nasty Nas. He quickly gained recognition within the New York City hip-hop scene for his clever wordplay and vivid storytelling.
In 1994, at 20, Nas released his debut album “Illmatic.” The album was an instant classic and is widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. It features gritty tales from a life in Queensbridge over lush, jazzy production from legends such as DJ Premier and Pete Rock.
“Illmatic” cemented Nas’ status as an elite rapper and ushered in a new era of storytelling in hip-hop. The album continues to influence artists today, with Kendrick Lamar citing it as a major inspiration for his own critically acclaimed album “good kid m.A.A.d City.” These albums have also basted Nas net worth till today.
Music Career Successes
Nas’ Discography
Nas has released over 13 studio albums throughout his career, with a discography that spans over two decades. His debut album “Illmatic” is widely regarded as a classic in the hip-hop genre. Nas has also continued to release critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums ever since. Some of Nas’s most notable works include “It Was Written,” which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, and “Stillmatic,” which featured the hit single “Ether” in response to Jay-Z’s diss track.
Collaborations with Other Artists
Throughout his career, Nas has collaborated with a wide range of artists from different genres. He has worked extensively with East Coast rappers like Jay-Z and Mobb Deep. Nas has also collaborated with West Coast rappers like Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. In recent years, Nas has worked on projects with artists like Kanye West and Damian Marley, showcasing his versatility as an artist who can adapt to different styles. These collaborations have also contributed positively to Nas net worth till today.
Awards and Accolades
Nas’ talent as a rapper has been recognized by numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. He was nominated for 14 Grammy Awards over the years, although he had never won one until 2021 when he won Best Rap Album for King’s Disease II.
Additionally, Nas was honored by BET in 2019 with their Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to hip-hop culture. Nas’ impact on the music industry is undeniable, and his continued success only cements his place as one of the greatest rappers of all time.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Nas’ Investments in Various Companies
Nas is not just a successful rapper, but also a savvy entrepreneur. He has invested in several companies, including Lyft, Ring, and Genius. Nas was an early investor in Lyft, the ride-sharing service that has become a significant competitor to Uber.
He also invested in Ring, the smart doorbell company that Amazon acquired for over $1 billion. Nas has been known to invest in companies that align with his interests and values. These investments have also significantly boasted Nas net worth till today.
Co-Founding Mass Appeal Records and Magazine
In addition to investing in other companies, Nas co-founded Mass Appeal Records and Magazine. The record label focuses on promoting emerging talent and providing them with the resources they need to succeed.
The magazine covers topics ranging from music to fashion to politics. Together, the record label and magazine have helped establish Nas as a tastemaker with an ear for what’s next.
QueensBridge Venture Partners
QueensBridge Venture Partners is Nas’ venture capital firm that focuses on investing in technology startups. The firm was founded by his manager Anthony Saleh and has made investments in companies such as Dropbox, Robinhood, and Coinbase.
QueensBridge Venture Partners has been highly successful at identifying promising startups early on and helping them grow into successful businesses. Nas’ investments and entrepreneurial ventures have contributed significantly to his net worth over the years.
His ability to identify promising startups early on has resulted in significant returns on investment for him personally as well as for his venture capital firm QueensBridge Venture Partners. His involvement in Mass Appeal Records also demonstrates his commitment to supporting emerging talent within the music industry beyond his career success as a rapper.
Nas Net Worth in 2023
Nas, born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, is considered one of the greatest MCs in hip-hop history. Besides his successful music career, his investments in various companies have contributed to Nas net worth.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Nas’ estimated net worth is roughly $70 million. However, this number fluctuates based on various factors like the success of his music and business ventures.
Nas has been able to build a fortune over the years due to his multiple sources of income. His music sales alone have contributed significantly to his wealth.
As an artist with 12 studio albums and numerous collaborations, Nas has sold over 30 million records worldwide. Besides album sales and streaming royalties, touring revenue is another income source for Nas.
Conclusion
Nas has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the hip-hop industry, not just as a rapper, but also as an entrepreneur and investor. His contributions to music extend beyond just his albums, with his collaborations and partnerships paving the way for other artists to succeed. Nas net worth in 2023 is approximately $700 million.
