The meaning of life, according to Nas
If you’re looking for a lyricist who delivers deep meaning, social consciousness, and enthralling tales, turn to Nas. The Queensbridge native is one of hip-hop’s best storytellers, and from Illmatic to It Was Written, his projects tackle difficult issues and take listeners on a journey of questions and answers.
Nas’s music was edgy, raw, and unapologetically coarse. The Queensbridge act told vivid stories and in-depth tales of growing up in poverty. Never afraid to highlight uncomfortable realities, his music was hard-hitting, and his 1994 debut, Illmatic, epitomised everything that makes him a legend.
The act is widely considered one of the best MCs ever to touch a microphone. His debut album is regarded as one of the most remarkable bodies of work to ever come out of the genre, and he has solidified his status as one of the greatest lyricists. However, people also look to the Queens artist somewhat as a philosopher—a figure who thinks deeply about art and the journey of life and has more than just a surface-level understanding of the world.
As such, following the release of his 2021 project Magic, Nas sat down with i-D magazine for the YouTube series ‘Learn + Pass It On’, during which he opened up about himself and answered some profound questions about creativity and even the meaning of life.
Nas is renowned as a 1990s rapper. However, following his hiatus during the 2010s, he began collaborating with Grammy-award-winning producer Hit-Boy. This is when Nas’ unexpected resurgence began. With projects such as Magic, King’s Disease, and more, he has shown fans that, concerning lyrics (three decades later), he is still the best in the game.
During his interview with i-D, Nas was asked if he had any advice to up-and-coming rap artists, to which he responded, “My message to any young rapper trying to make it is do not sign the first deal that falls on your lap! Do not walk away from a dealer, use it as a learning thing.” He added, “Whatever contract comes across your table, you need an attorney. You need to go with your gut and also work on your craft all the time. All the time!”
Speaking about creativity when collaborating with people, Nas explained, “If someone I’m collaborating with has an idea that I don’t get at first, I wanna see it play out before I don’t wanna do it. I gotta see it play out. I gotta hear where this person is coming from so I don’t get in the way of it. I let it happen.”
However, by far, the most exciting question the Illmatic creator was asked was about the meaning of life. After a brief ponder, Nas provided his own definition, stating, “The meaning of life is to come through this world and experience everything. God [gave] you this clay which is you, and you mould it, and you push it out there, and you protect it. Do right by people and it will come back to you in the right way.”