Lasting Legacy of Nas: A Look at the Influence on History

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 8, 2025

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Nas across different fields.

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

April 19, 1994: Release of Illmatic

On April 19, 1994, Nas released his debut studio album, Illmatic, which later became part of the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry.

1994: Studio Albums Released Since 1994

Since 1994, Nas has released seventeen studio albums, ten of which have been certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum in the U.S., showing his lasting impact and commercial success.

2009: Adam Bradley publishes "Book of Rhymes: The Poetics of Hip Hop"

In 2009, Adam Bradley stated in his book 'Book of Rhymes: The Poetics of Hip Hop' that "Nas is perhaps contemporary rap's greatest innovator in storytelling."

2012: Ranked by The Source

In 2012, Nas was ranked second by The Source on their "Top 50 Lyricists of All Time" list, recognizing his lyrical talent.

July 2013: Harvard University establishes Nasir Jones Hip-Hop Fellowship

In July 2013, Harvard University established the Nasir Jones Hip-Hop Fellowship as part of the Hip-Hop Archives and W. E. B. Du Bois Research Institute, to fund scholars and artists in hip-hop arts.

2013: Ranked Fourth on MTV's "Hottest MCs in the Game"

In 2013, Nas was ranked fourth on MTV's "Hottest MCs in the Game" list.

2013: MTV's Hottest MCs Ranking

In 2013, Nas was ranked fourth on MTV's Annual Hottest MCs in the Game list, further solidifying his status in hip-hop.

April 16, 2014: Premiere of "Nas: Time Is Illmatic" Documentary

On April 16, 2014, the documentary Nas: Time Is Illmatic premiered on the twentieth anniversary of Illmatic. The documentary recounted the circumstances leading up to Nas's debut album.

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: Named Greatest MC of All Time

In 2014, About.com named Nas the "Greatest MC of All Time", recognizing his significant contributions to hip-hop.

2014: Ranked #1 on About.com's "50 Greatest MCs of All Time"

In 2014, About.com ranked Nas 1st on their list of the "50 Greatest MCs of All Time".

October 16, 2016: Jimmy Iovine Icon Award

On October 16, 2016, Nas received the Jimmy Iovine Icon Award at the REVOLT Music Conference for his lasting impact on music, his years in the rap business, his partnership with Hennessy, and his Mass Appeal imprint.