NAS
Nas, whose real name is Nasir Jones, came up in the rap game as a prot�g� of Main Source leader Large Professor. He made his debut on wax on the Main Source track "Live At The BBQ," and his way of weaving social commentary with straight-up rhyme skills received immediate praise from rap magazines. After appearing on 3rd Bass rapper MC Serch's posse cut "Back To The Grill," Nas employed MC Serch to produce his solo debut "Halftime," from the Zebrahead soundtrack. Soon Nas was scooped up by Columbia Records and recorded his gold-selling debut Illmatic, which was hailed as a hip-hop classic upon its release and established him as a rapper who pushed the envelope with intense skills and insightful, thought-provoking lyrics. The second album It Was Written employed the talents of many top producers, including Dr. Dre, DJ Premiere, the Trackmasterz and Mobb Deep, and included guest appearances by Lauryn Hill of the Fugees and Jo from Jodeci. It Was Written was also an instant hit and solidified Nas's standing as a hip-hop hero