NAS is one of the most successful and iconic hip-hop artists of all time, with a career that spans more than two decades.
As such, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that he has accumulated an impressive net worth. This article will explore NAS’s estimated net worth and how he made his fortune.
From his record sales to lucrative business ventures, we’ll take an in-depth look at the rapper’s finances.
Who is Nas?
Nas, real name Nasir Jones, is an American rapper and media mogul who has been active in the music industry since the early nineties. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential hip hop artists of all time, having released eight studio albums which have been certified multi-platinum.
His debut album Illmatic (1994) is often referred to as a classic within the genre and he has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry including Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, and Kanye West.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Nas was born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones in Crown Heights, Brooklyn on September 14, 1973. He grew up in the Queensbridge housing projects and was heavily exposed to music from an early age, his father being a jazz musician. At just 9 years old he began rapping and writing lyrics with his neighbor Willy “Ill Will” Graham. This led to him performing at several clubs and local talent shows, before eventually signing with Columbia Records in 1991.
Nas’ Music Career
Albums and Music Sales
Nas’ music career has been extremely successful over his decades-long career. His debut album Illmatic was released in 1994 and quickly became an instant classic, receiving universal acclaim from critics and fans alike. Other releases such as It Was Written (1996), I Am… (1999), God’s Son (2002) and Stillmatic (2001) all met similar success, with the latter becoming certified platinum in the US.
Awards and Accolades
Nas has been recognized and honored with several awards and accolades throughout his career. He has won three Grammy Awards, two MTV Video Music Awards, a BET Award, a MOBO Award, an ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Award, and four Source Awards. In 2006 he was inducted into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame for his contribution to the genre.
Touring and Merchandise
Nas has toured extensively throughout his career, playing shows and festivals around the world. He has also been a prominent presence on the festival circuit, performing at renowned festivals like Rock am Ring in Germany, Wireless Festival in London, and Lollapalooza in Chicago. His most recent tour was the King’s Disease Tour in 2020-2021, which was his first solo tour in over five years.
Business Ventures and Investments
Tech Startups
Nas has also been involved with various tech startups, having invested in the music streaming service TIDAL and being an early supporter of Dropbox. He is also a co-owner of Mass Appeal Records, a hip hop media company that was launched in 2014. In 2018 he started his own venture capital firm QueensBridge Venture Partners, which invests in technology, media and lifestyle businesses. His other investments include Lyft, SeatGeek, and General Assembly.
Film and Television
As well as being an influential hip-hop artist, Nas has also appeared in a number of films and television shows. His first on-screen role was in the 2001 crime drama Belly, which he starred alongside fellow rapper DMX. He then went on to appear in several other films such as Street Kings (2008), Takers (2010), and Southpaw (2015). He has also appeared in several episodes of the hit television show Empire.
Clothing Lines and Endorsements
Nas has had a long-standing relationship with the fashion industry, having launched several clothing lines over the years. His first line, HSTRY, which was founded in 2013, features a range of apparel inspired by classic hip hop and streetwear. He also collaborated with New Era to create several limited edition caps. In addition to these ventures, he has also endorsed a number of brands including Reebok and Microsoft.
Real Estate and Assets
Properties Owned by Nas
Nas is also known for his investments in real estate. He owns several properties around the world, including a $6 million mansion in Hollywood Hills and a $4 million home in Miami Beach. In 2013 he purchased a $10 million beachfront property in Malibu, which he has since renovated. He is also said to have invested heavily in commercial properties, including several office and retail buildings.
Luxury Cars and Other Assets
Nas has a large collection of luxury cars, including a Porsche 911 Turbo and a Range Rover Autobiography. He also owns several motorcycles, including an Indian Scout Bobber. In addition to his car collection, Nas also owns jetskis, boats, and ATVs. He also recently purchased a $1.5 million Gulfstream G 280, which is one of the most luxurious private jets in the world.
Estimating Nas’ Net Worth
Net Worth Calculation
Nas’ estimated net worth is estimated to be around $50 million. This figure has been calculated based on his income from music sales, touring, merchandise sales, business ventures, real estate investments, and other assets. His extensive collection of luxury cars and private jets are also reflected in his net worth. In addition to these sources of income, Nas has also earned money through various endorsement deals with brands such as Reebok, Microsoft, and New Era.
Other Factors Considered
In addition to his income and assets, there are several other factors that have been taken into consideration when estimating Nas’ net worth. These include the current market value of his investments as well as any potential tax liabilities. Additionally, Nas has also been known to donate large sums of money to various charities which could affect his overall wealth. His lifestyle is also likely to have an impact on his net worth, as he is known to frequently travel and spend money on luxury items.
Conclusion
Nas’ impressive net worth of $50 million is a testament to his immense success and influence in the music industry. His longevity as an artist has enabled him to expand his empire beyond just music, investing in several tech startups and launching a venture-capital firm. He has also established himself as a fashion icon, launching several clothing lines over the years, and has been able to amass a large collection of luxury cars and other assets. Ultimately, Nas’ success and wealth have cemented his legacy as one of the most influential hip-hop artists of all time.