As a platinum and multi-platinum artist, Nas has become one of the most influential artists in the new century. Coming from a family where his father and brother are both artists, there is no wonder that the young artist pursued a musical career. With eight consecutive platinum and multi-platinum album sales, there is no wonder that Nas net worth has reached the staggering sum of $50 million.
Nas Net Worth: $50 Million
Coming from humble beginnings, Nas became one of the most influential and succesful artists in the 21st century. Let’s see how the artist attained a net worth of $50 million.
Nas Bio and Career Development
To answer how much is Nas net worth, we must first look at his beginnings. Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, on his birth name, was born on September 14, 17973. Although initially living in the Crown Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, he and his family later relocated to Queensbridge Houses, Queens.
Child of Olu Dara, a jazz and blues musician and Fannie Ann Jones, he lived with both his parents until their divorce in 1985. His brother Jabari Fret is also a musician, known as “Jungle” with the group “Bravehearts”. After moving to the Long Island City neighborhood of Queens, Nas became friends with his neighbor Willy Graham to introduced the artist to hip-hop.
After his parents’ divorce, the artist dropped from school after the eighth grade. Instead, Nas learn about African culture with the aid of the Five Percent Nation and the Nuwaubian Nation. As such, inspired by Willy Graham’s hip-hop records and African culture, Nas began playing the trumpet and writing his first rhymes.
Nas Net Worth Over the Years
Nas net worth growth began in his adolescence. His early underground roots came alongside his neighbor Willy Graham, whom he enlisted as his DJ. The artist’s first nickname was Kid Wave, later on adopting his current alias Nasty Nas, in the late 80s. Producer Large Professor helped the artist by bringing him to the studio where Rakim and Kool G Rap. As such, the artist began recording his own material after-hours.
His first breakthrough came in 1991. After performing on Main Source’s “Live at the Barbeque” and thus attaining more gigs, the artist was approached by MC Serch of 3rd Bass. MC Serch became his manager and secured him a record label contract with Columbia Records. Thus, Nas net worth began to grow.
Illmatic
Later on, in 1994, Nas released his debut album entitled “Illmatic”. The album won the award “Five Mics” from “The Source”. It featured a production team consisting of Large Professor, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, DJ Premier, AZ, L.E.S. and his father Olu Dara. As a result, the artist was dubbed “the second coming of Rakim” due to his lyrical prowess.
Between the years 1995 and 1997, Nas made numerous guest appearances on albums for artists such as AZ, Mobb Deep, Raekwon and Kool G Rap. Alongside his many guest appearances, Nas rapper net worth was on the rise again through his second release “It Was Written”. Nas had to face many pressures from the record label Columbia Records, to release more commercial oriented songs.
Another project done with AZ, Foxy Brown, and Cormega began with Nas. Due to internal strife, Cormega was fired by Steve Stoute, which in turn gave birth to a “rap war” between the artists. After being signed to Dr. Dre’s label house “Aftermath Entertainment” the album “Present The Firm: The Album” was finally released in 1997. Unfortunately, it received mixed reviews even though the album received a Platinum award.
Another Album
In 1999, Nas released his third album “I Am … The Autobiography”. The album was produced by DJ Premier. Rapper Nas net worth grew significantly after also co-writting and starring in Hype Williams’s 1998 movie “Belly”. In 2000, the artist released the album “Nas & Ill Will Records Presents QB’s Finest”. The record label’s parent company is Sony Music Entertainment. The record began its history after an unseccesful attempt to switch record labels in 2005, by signing with Def Jam Records, after leaving Columbia Records. The artist’s personal label changed its name to The Jones Experience later on. Nas net worth, Forbes stated, to undertake a serious hit after a feud with rapper Jay Z. The feud was also displayed in the musical releases of both sides.
Nas released a double album, and subsequently his seventh studio album “Street’s Disciple” on November 30, 2004. The album tackled political and personal matters of the artist, making it one of its most well-received albums up to date. In addition to having released such a prominent album, the following year saw something quite unique.
Making Peace
Fans all over the world rejoiced when the feud between Nas and Jay Z came to an official stop. This joyful event came when the artists performed together at Jay Z’s critically acclaimed concert “I Declare War”. The artists performed together Jay Z’s song “Dead Presidents” that included one of Nas’s samples. Later on, Def Jam Recordings signed Nas again in January 2006. Jay Z, who was the president at that time of Def Jam Recordings, signed an agreement with Nas for $3 million and an additional recording budget for the first two albums that Nas made under the tutelage of Def Jam. As such, Nas’ net worth was on the rise again.
The first album under Def Jam came in December 16, 2006. The album also marked an impressive collaboration with Jay Z. As such, the album peaked number one on the Billboard 200 charts, making it his third album to achieve this feat. Nas songs also were featured on the soundtrack for the movie The Departed released in the same year.
Untitled Album
His following album was released in July 15, 2008. Due to serious controversies involving the original title, the album was released untitled. The production team saw Polow da Don, Stic.Man, Sons of Light, and J. Myers collaborate with the artist. The lead single “Hero” marked the 97 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
One of the most interesting and successful collaborations in recent years came in the form of the album Distant Relatives. In it, Nas collaborated with Damian Marley and released some of the most in-depth songs ever made. With lyrics concerning ancestry, poverty and the plight of Africa, the album was released on May 18, 2010, and debuted on the fifth position in the Billboard 200 chart.
Most surely Nas net worth grew over the years due to the artist’s proficiency. Always reinventing himself, the artist managed to become one of the most highly influential artists of the 21st century. So for anyone who is curious what is Nas net worth, we hope to have provided the answer.
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