Nas is someone who can communicate with the streets and can still keep it real in terms of being human, he doesn't try to be this super perfect person, but has respect for his history and for his ancestors and for spirituality. So Nas always displayed that in his music, while at the same time keeping it hard and something that you can relate to.

It's not like I go into the studio and say I'm going to try to make music to prove to somebody that I can make music.

Music is an expression of what's inside of you. And that's how I make music.

The victory's found in truth, like innocence found in youth Self defeat is your own dispute

My father has been a voice of encouragement in times of desperation for so many people. But he died when I was so young that, for me, his music has been a way for me to get to know him better.

Everyone is related to Africa; everyone comes from Africa. We are all distant relatives.

I grew up in uptown Jamaica; I went to a rich school. I was raised by my mother and my stepfather; they made sure education came before anything. I had a good childhood, grew up spending time with my bigger brothers and sisters. My people are good people. I was exposed to a lot of different kinds of people and culture.