Childhood and Education Journey of Nas in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Nas, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

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

1941: Birth of Mother Fannie Ann

In 1941, Fannie Ann (née Little), Nas's mother, was born. She later became a U.S. Postal Service worker from North Carolina.

September 14, 1973: Nas's Birth

On September 14, 1973, Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, known as Nas, was born in Brooklyn, New York City.

1985: Parents' Divorce

In 1985, Nas's parents divorced, marking a significant change in his family life.

June 15, 1994: Birth of daughter, Destiny

On June 15, 1994, Nas's ex-fiancée, Carmen Bryan, gave birth to their daughter, Destiny.

April 2002: Death of Nas's mother

In April 2002, Nas's mother died of cancer. Several songs on God's Son are dedicated to her, including "Dance".

2002: Death of Mother Fannie Ann

In 2002, Fannie Ann, Nas's mother, passed away, marking a significant life event for Nas.

2002: Death of Nas's mother

In 2002, Nas's mother passed away from cancer while in his arms.

January 2005: Marriage to Kelis

In January 2005, Nas married R&B singer Kelis in Atlanta following a two-year relationship.

September 6, 2007: Performs at Virginia Tech Free Concert

On September 6, 2007, Nas performed at a free concert for the Virginia Tech student body and faculty, following the school shooting there.

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.

April 30, 2009: Kelis files for divorce

On April 30, 2009, a spokesperson confirmed that Kelis filed for divorce from Nas, citing irreconcilable differences.

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.

May 21, 2010: Divorce Finalized

On May 21, 2010, Nas and Kelis' divorce was finalized.

2012: Life Is Good Album Cover

In 2012, Nas' album cover for Life Is Good visually reflected his divorce with Kelis, featuring him holding her green wedding dress, a theme also present in his song, "Bye Baby".

April 10, 2013: Investment in Mass Appeal magazine

On April 10, 2013, Nas invested in Mass Appeal magazine, becoming the publication's associate publisher.

May 2013: Announcement of 12 am RUN sneaker store

In May 2013, Nas announced that he would open a sneaker store called 12 am RUN in Las Vegas as part of The LINQ retail development.

September 2013: Investment in Proven

In September 2013, Nas invested in Proven, a job search appmaker.

May 2014: Partnership with Koru and Scholarship Funding

In May 2014, Nas partnered with job placement startup Koru to fund a scholarship for 10 college graduates and joined as a guest coach.

October 2014: Finding Your Roots episode

In October 2014, during an episode of PBS's Finding Your Roots, Nas learned about his ancestry, including his great-great-great-grandmother, Pocahontas Little, who was sold into slavery. He considered buying the land where the slave owner lived.

2014: Investment in ViralGains

In 2014, Nas invested in viral video startup ViralGains as part of a $2.8M round.

June 2015: Partnership with Sweet Chick Restaurant

In June 2015, Nas joined forces with New York City soul food restaurant Sweet Chick, planning to expand the brand nationally.

April 2017: Opening of Sweet Chick Los Angeles location

In April 2017, the Los Angeles location of Sweet Chick restaurant, co-owned by Nas, opened.

April 2025: Performance at Mass Appeal Presents: The World Reunion—A Charity Concert in Mumbai

In April 2025, Nas performed at the Mass Appeal Presents: The World Reunion—A Charity Concert, hosted by Mass Appeal India, at The Nesco Center, in Mumbai. He performed alongside Indian-origin rappers such as Divine, Raftaar, Ikka, KR$NA, King, and Steel Banglez.