Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Nas

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Nas.

Nas, born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, is a highly acclaimed American rapper and entrepreneur, considered one of hip-hop's greatest. Emerging from the East Coast hip-hop scene, he began his career in 1989 as "Nasty Nas," mentored by Large Professor. His debut came on Main Source's "Live at the Barbeque" in 1991, marking the start of his influential journey.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1996: Feud with 2Pac begins

In 1996, after 2Pac interpreted lines on Nas's album 'It Was Written' as directed toward him, he attacked Nas on the track "Against All Odds". The two rappers later met and ended their feud.

1999: Release of I Am... and Nastradamus, Controversy and Criticism

In 1999, the second single from I Am... was "Hate Me Now," which faced controversy due to the video's crucifixion scene. Later that year, Nas released Nastradamus, which was rushed and met with unfavorable reviews, leading to concerns about his career's decline.

December 11, 2001: Jay-Z releases "Supa Ugly"

On December 11, 2001, Jay-Z released the song "Supa Ugly" in response to "Ether". Hot 97 radio host Angie Martinez premiered the song, in which Jay-Z boasted about having an affair with Nas's girlfriend, Carmen Bryan.

December 2001: Jay-Z apologizes for "Supa Ugly"

In December 2001, Jay-Z apologized on Hot 97 for the song "Supa Ugly" after his mother expressed disgust at the personal attacks on Nas's family. This marked the end of direct diss tracks between the two, though the feud continued with subliminal messages.

December 18, 2001: Release of Stillmatic

On December 18, 2001, Nas released his fifth studio album, Stillmatic, which included the diss track "Ether" and peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart, also featuring his daughter, Destiny, as an executive producer to receive royalty checks.

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2001: Feud with Jay-Z and Release of Stillmatic

In 2001, Nas was involved in a public feud with Jay-Z and released the diss track "Ether." He also released the album Stillmatic in the same year, which helped restore his critical standing.

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2002: Feud with Cam'ron escalates after Summer Jam

In 2002, after Nas was removed from the Summer Jam lineup, Cam'ron replaced him. Nas criticized Cam'ron's album 'Come Home With Me', leading to a diss track from Cam'ron and escalating the feud.

2003: Continued attacks from The Diplomats

Throughout 2003, Cam'ron and The Diplomats continued to attack Nas on mixtapes, albums, and radio freestyles. However, the feud slowly died down.

2005: Beef with 50 Cent and Reconciliation with Jay-Z

In 2005, 50 Cent dissed Nas on his song "Piggy Bank," impacting his reputation. Later in October, Nas made a surprise appearance at Jay-Z's "I Declare War" concert, reconciling their beef. The two performed Jay-Z's "Dead Presidents" together.

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December 2006: Feud with Young Jeezy begins

In December 2006, after Nas released "Hip Hop Is Dead," Young Jeezy took offense and vowed his album 'The Inspiration' would outsell Nas's. However, Young Jeezy later took back his disses.

2006: Release of Hip Hop Is Dead

In 2006, Nas released Hip Hop Is Dead on Def Jam, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The album sparked controversy, especially with Southern hip-hop artists who felt the title was a criticism. Also in 2006, Nas's 2004 song "Thief's Theme" was featured in the film, The Departed, and Columbia Records released the compilation Greatest Hits in November.

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2006: Sampling Controversy with Lijadu Sisters

In 2006, Nas's mixtape 'The Prophecy, Vol 2: The Beginning of the N' featured "Life's Gone Low", which sampled "Life's Gone Down Low" by the Lijadu Sisters without clearance or credit.

2006: Michael Richards' Use of Racial Epithet

In late 2006, comedian Michael Richards used a racial epithet onstage, which preceded the controversy surrounding Nas's planned album title in 2007.

August 15, 2007: Bill O'Reilly criticizes Nas's planned performance at Virginia Tech

On August 15, 2007, Bill O'Reilly and Fox News denounced Nas's planned performance at Virginia Tech, citing his violent lyrics and criminal record. O'Reilly claimed Nas was inappropriate for the event.

October 12, 2007: Announcement of "Nigger" album title

On October 12, 2007, Nas announced that his next album would be called Nigger, sparking outrage and controversy from various commentators and news outlets. This controversy escalated, leading to rumors that Def Jam might drop Nas if he didn't change the title.

May 19, 2008: Nas forgoes album title

On May 19, 2008, Nas decided to forgo an album title and responded to Jesse Jackson's remarks, calling him "the biggest player hater". Nas stated that he wants the album to reach the fans and that creatively and lyrically, fans can expect the same content and messages.

July 23, 2008: Appearance on The Colbert Report

On July 23, 2008, Nas appeared on The Colbert Report to discuss his opinion of O'Reilly and Fox News, accusing them of bias and re-challenging O'Reilly to a debate. He sat on boxes of signatures supporting a petition accusing Fox of race-baiting.

July 21, 2009: Birth of son, Knight

On July 21, 2009, Kelis gave birth to Nas's first son, Knight. Nas announced the birth against Kelis's wishes at a gig in Queens, New York, and via an online video.

January 2012: Angola Concert Dispute

In January 2012, Nas was involved in a dispute after accepting $300,000 for a concert in Luanda, Angola, for New Year's Eve but not performing. The American promoter and his son were detained, but Nas eventually returned the money, and they were released after 49 days.

2018: Abuse Accusations

In 2018, Kelis accused Nas of physical and mental abuse during their marriage. Nas responded on social media, accusing Kelis of slander and abusing his daughter, Destiny.

2020: Reference to Doja Cat in "Ultra Black"

In 2020, Nas referenced Doja Cat in his song "Ultra Black", describing himself as "the opposite of Doja Cat" after she faced accusations of racism. Doja Cat responded positively, expressing admiration for Nas.