Nas with Anthony DeCurtis

Nas-poet, confessor, political firebrand, tongue-twisting genius. Ranked as one of the greatest and most influential rappers in history, Nas shared his remarkable story at 92Y.
Hear about his gifted Queens childhood, the early days with Main Source, his philanthropic work and the insight and inspiration behind his #1 new record, Life Is Good.
Subscribe for more videos like this: bit.ly/1GpwawV
Facebook: / 92ndstreety
Twitter: / 92y
Tumblr: / 92y
Instagram: / 92ndstreety
On Demand: www.92yondemand.org

[@andred4473]

Nas just carries that mystical aura of nostalgia around him

[@bertrandanon2176]

You are right about that exactly, he draws you in without trying. Definatly has this magnectic energy of mysterious aura

[@KarlNova]

This is the best Nas interview I've ever seen. He's such a down to earth and real guy. To me he's the best hip hop lyricist ever.

[@seanjohnson4352]

Aww

[@Olyphantman]

Wow.... middle aged white dude is more attuned to the nuances of NaS’s writing style than 95% of the mainstream black radio personalities today

[@omarley6584]

Surprisingly these are the fanz than us

[@tmains5365]

That’s not true because they’re not here to defend what you’re saying. Should “never’ underestimate black fans and writers, producers, Nelson George would run circles around this guy. Description DescriptionNelson George is an American author, columnist, music and culture critic, journalist, and filmmaker. He has been nominated twice for the National Book Critics Circle He has his hands on every facet on the rap, r&b, pop, etc. I’m not hater, I’m just stating the facts.

[@Olyphantman]

@@tmains5365 I stand by what I said, 100% here it is 2021 and most of the black writers and fan base is not buying Nas’ music in the amounts that they should and yes Nelson George is adept at writing about real hiphop but you pulled out one guy. Hiphop, and black music in general has done a poor job of elevating Nas to the top iconic status that he deserves and instead allowed a plant named lil Nas x to hijack his name and also occupy an undeserved unearned space.

[@willjennings418]

Anthony Decurtis gained the respect of one of the most irascible, unique artists in Lou Reed to be his biographer by being foremost a listener and curious- He knows his stuff- Nas is so fascinating - really enjoyed this interview

[@leftyshawenuph4026]

Well, it's Anthony fn DeCurtis, so... Also, that middle aged guy was in his 20's when Illmatic dropped. (I'm a white guy that just turned 50, and am more tuned to Nas than most)

[@noneyabizz3403]

This legend just turned 50 today and is out here thriving! Much love and respect to the GOAT

[@dominicanforever973]

"Tupac’s classic track about his gun ‘Me and My Girlfriend’ was inspired by Nas’ conceptual track ‘I Gave You Power’. According to Young Noble of the Outlawz, Tupac heard ‘I Gave You Power’ in a studio out in North Hollywood in the Summer of 1996 and was amazed at the creativity and power of the track."

[@jayseth]

And its evident Nas was inspired by Organized Konfusion "Stray Bullet"

[@MB-gd6be]

@@jayseth Then jay z dubbed it again lol

[@jaythomas3224]

One of the best CREATIVE HIP HOP SONGS IN HIP HOP HISTORY

[@leftyshawenuph4026]

Nas inspired tons of artists. For a LOT of people (incl. me) Nas may the greatest, most descriptive, storyteller/lyricists ever. Never could stand Tupac. I mean, I hated it. But I was always a hip hop head, and never much of a fan of "Rap Music" in general, and Tupac was definitely NOT hip hop.

[@NotoriousNYNJ]

Nas has a energy thats hard to explain... He's so dope man... One of the greatest from NY and hip hop as a whole!

[@jkolaWOLE]

Shout out to nas for being one the greatest to EVER touch the mic

[@LIG87]

One of my goals in life is to meet Nas before I die

[@sikamore]

Lemme know how that goes... I wish same

[@kesanglama5749]

Me too

[@joeljoseph9017]

Me too but it won't happen

[@Stoney-Jacksman]

Thats some sad ass goal. Stop worshiping celebs. He is a dope ass mc.. but why would you want to meet him? I can understand having a discussion with the man for an hour or two.. but never understood people that want to meet celebs...and want an autograph etc. But God the Creator they dismiss. Unbelievable. Salaam ou haleikoum.

[@collybeans586]

@@Stoney-Jacksman cool story bro

[@saziahabib3216]

Anthony DeCurtis just seems so sincere and genuine interviewing Nas! loved this interview.

[@psychologiecriminelle]

Best Nas Interview Ever. Thanks Anthony DeCurtis for these smart questions

[@mobspeak]

Nas it's not that you don't fit in anywhere, it's that you fit in everywhere.. you were given a gift man, you were given the world.

[@jkolaWOLE]

I like the interviewer you can tell he did his homework on nas discography why cant every interviewer be like this, other interviewers would only be talking about the singles not the actual whole album itself

[@ESSBoss]

Some interviewers are out to make rappers sound and look stupid but very few want them to let them speak their truth

[@leftyshawenuph4026]

He's a true fan. I doubt he did any "homework". I mean, it's Anthony DeCurtis. He knows exactly what time it is.

[@missmyasia]

The ultimate man, thinker and artist. I love Nas..!! He's so beautiful to me.

[@porshawalker5298]

I KNOW HE SUCH A BEAUTIFUL MAN.

[@mkadoza]

Such an extremely honest and insightful human being. God Bless Nas.

[@TheCodedtestament]

there's just a certain aura about him. Like when you think about what the genre is really about...the storytelling, the lyrics, the narrative of the black American man, the wordplay, everything, nas just really encapsulates that all in one individual rapper.

[@Olyphantman]

RAQUAAHWA TheCodedtestament Well said

[@IshanaeS]

👏🏾

[@boondock8312]

Nas still looking 20 years old, almost 20 years after dropping the greatest hip hop album of all time. Living legend drinking from the fountain of youth. One Love.

[@troyg.173]

Nas' humbleness gives you the chills. Lots of jewels being dished out here by the G.O.A.T

[@IlladelphB]

Nas is amazing. "I dont fit in" he is nearing 40 looking 19 and he is so damn smart. wow

[@d.shereelife377]

I love that he thinks deeply before he speaks . Not just spitting what he thinks people want to hear..

[@solitary2]

Stay is not only my favorite song off LIG, not only one of my favorite hip hop songs ever, but one of my favorite songs ever period. That second verse however IS my favortie verse of all time. This interview is a timeless classic; very fitting for the character that is Nas

[@darthmadness]

The Don! Fresh ass cut. Always keeping it real. Great interview.

[@darkskinwhite]

as an emcee this is my favorite Nas interview.

[@divinemaanda5635]

When the interviewer says "easy, easy" when one of the audience shouts "ether" since he knows Nas doesn't like being asked about that song.

[@gdiggedy9]

Excellent interview. Much respect to Anthony DeCurtis. He did his homework and asked great questions. Probably the best Nas interview I've seen.

[@ec5336]

Just like his music this man is timeless. Nas is hip hop.

[@MaybackMusicGroup1]

Nas is a legend !

[@IGetBuckets98]

Finally a deep interview with Nas. Damn i could relate.

[@max.heegard]

This interview is great. Nas has always been a hero of mine as an artist, as a musician, as a man. Nas is the truth and I've been riding with him my whole life. Love this guy!

[@porshawalker5298]

ME TO I BEEN RIDING NAS EVERY SINCE I WAS A LITTLE KID IN THE 90'S AND A TEENAGE IN THE YEAR 2000'S YES I WAS BORN IN THE 80'S BUT SOMETIMES I WISH I WAS BORN IN 70'S SO HELL YEAH. NAS IS THE ONLY RAPPER IN THIS HIP HOP INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW THAT IS HUMBLE RIGHT NOW AND I L💖VE THAT OF HIM BEING HUMBLE THAT YOU HAVE TO STAY TRUTH TO YOUR SELF AND THAT WHAT NAS IS DOING RIGHT NOW 👍🏽😃

[@porshawalker5298]

I'M STILL WAITING FOR THAT NAS BIOPIC I WERE LOVE TO WATCH.👍🏽😃💖

[@enyskept]

My favorite lyricist/Emcee of all time since I was about 12 years old...He seems socially awkward and that's dope...

[@paulturndupschmidt7997]

enyskept They say i'm so low key i'm socially awkward -Nas

[@andred4473]

Same it’s so nice knowing how genuine he is and how much we can relate to him

[@g.a.m.e8126]

Ghetto Prisoners is one of my all time favs, the beat the whole vibe. Shout out to Nas for staying true to himself and putting out real music that's still relevant.

[@Hassy]

This was pure gold. Peace to the Don for sharing his wisdom. Truly inspiring. "One Of The Best Yet".

[@xPoptartz]

Mad respect and love towards this interview. Just real and you can tell that the interviewer is a fan and knows what he's talkin about..and he's an old white guy, respeccccccccct

[@hlanhlamashaba801]

Nas, Escobar, The messsiah, the MC , the prophet and Nasty NAS, to me he is unstoppable, he drops knowledge, he educates rewards(GRAMMY) or not, Nas been there since years back then and even today he still hot, i mean i like ur work man keep it up. And for some us in Africa, the collaboration with Mr Marley i feel it was for us in us in the south, keep it up man, much luv.

[@FoxtheSxy]

One of the illest lines of his, to me, was on It Ain't Hard To Tell when he said "I drink Moet with Medusa, give her shotguns in Hell from the spliff that I lift then inhale." Look up shotgun on urban dictionary and Medusa of Greek mythology to understand why that line was so dope.

[@chadricrobertson8496]

School a fool well..

[@ArabianWhiteRose]

2pac's best verse is they say it's the white man i should fear but it's my own kind doing all the killing here

[@neogenesys2012]

One of the best talks I've seen from an artist...and it would be my favorite artist at that? Priceless... In contrast, the 50 and Jay-Z talks I've seen were good; 50 always drops a gem and Jay is always confident, but Nas...yeah...he drips honesty...it's a lovely site to behold. Can't beat it.. Period.

[@vicokwaro]

this is possibly one of the best, most in depth & personal interviews of Nas i've ever seen...excellent, just excellent...

[@robg7843]

Nas is so real. You can tell his not for the industry hype. He does the music he wants to make. He's really about the music. He doesn't compromise his art and l respect him for that any other artist who did it for grammys.

[@teddybruckshut3533]

Nas is the best ever. Never thought i would meet this great man but, i did last night, backstage in London. After putting on a great show at a packed 02 arena , he was so humble and reserved. Its obvious he just loves performing and feeling the love from his fans. When that's over, he's just Nasir Jones from the bridge.

[@SimonNgoma]

Great interview, Anthony Decurtis was on point .

[@pockahantis]

I can sit and listen to Nas talk all day! He's very easy to listen to, and he makes sense! A fine mind design....and he's sexy too! #VirgoMan

[@Babyfacedblackjesus]

He's married. These hoes ain't loyal.

[@paulturndupschmidt9884]

@@Babyfacedblackjesus no he's not anymore

[@isaacfrimpongopuni7754]

The best NAS interview I've seen yet

[@observantvibes]

Awesome interview. I wish I was there. He seemed so comfortable. I'm so excited to see him letting his guard down more.

[@kimberly6200]

This man just wont age 😍

[@WASSSSUUPPPPP]

Nas is real, a man of his word. All the fake artist out there should listen to this interview. Nas defines an ultimate artist because of the pride,passion, and purpose. Nas--"make time for people who matter" and "like yourself and and the qualities you possess and you will be powerful"

[@isaacfrimpongopuni7754]

Great Interview...Nasty Nas I love this man

[@pookiewood]

I love this interview and I agree! I love that he was very knowledgeable about Nas and his catalogue.

[@queendita]

It's refreshing to have an interview about hip-hop on an intellectual level versus the naw mean, yo, yo, yo's, I feel ya, son flow. It allows your brain to take our culture more seriously.

[@djairalert422]

Nas shows so much respect for those who came before him. #thegreatest

[@krzymami]

I love Nas..very good interview!

[@rosestephen6789]

This interview is so great on so many levels.

[@MzMJ77]

Nas :-D I'm glad he's still doing his thing. Not surprised he's doing what he has to do to be a good father.

[@kambati99]

i really enjoyed how the interviewer new soo much about hip-hop, he made the interview a whole lot better

[@pinkpeony44]

That was epic. Love that man!

[@Okaaaay]

Great Interview!!

[@CodysFavorites]

this is such a good interview

[@apthephader]

Great interview,NAS is the Truth

[@chryb3r]

Good interview. Haha I love how we starts off ny state of mind like "I don't know how to start this shit" then goes tf in.

[@MrErick82]

such a great interview! Nas did it his way.

[@MzMJ77]

Wise is the best word to describe him. Most really great artists have been loners. I'm glad he's not on parole or writing songs about diamonds, sports cars, women, and jet setting. He seems so true to himself as a rapper. I hope what he said about some young up and comers who want to make an impact on Hip Hop.

[@sinemaboz4492]

One of the best interviews ever I watched it a few times before had to check it out in 2023👍🏿💯🔥

[@degeneration55]

Thank You!!

[@isiahdasilva]

amazing interview great questions great responses great artist hopefully one day i will be able to meet nas

[@rocstarskinnyjeans]

The Best Interview!!!

[@AmeereCmd7]

LOL Dude In The Crowd Screamed Out Ether .. When They Asked Nas Whats Ya Fav Song?? 101:58 ( Nas Facial Expression >>

[@lazzyboy3]

i am just absolutely delighted of this man

[@KatelinTheKat]

I really appreciate when interviewers do their research, and LISTEN TO THE MUSIC. Give that artist that respect! Nothing is worse than watching all these legends and buzz worthy new artists come into places like The Breakfast Club to be interviewed and they wind up getting straight up disrespected. You can tell those 3 never listen to nothin other than whatever they put on the radio. Then those 3 suckas just wanna gossip and shit. I just can't stand it. You know how much the true hip hop/ music fans would LOVE to be able to interview these artists!? It's just plain wrong to have these people come in trying to promote their albums and they don't even listen to their material. So respect to this dude...

[@VIPnas]

Hi I'm Tony Alvarez assistant to Nasir Jones, I am here on his behalf to select special fans who has been supporting him on social media, by posting, liking, following and promoting his content online.

[@skaterdudetanner1]

Realest interview, I can't even express how great this is. The interviewer is sick too he knew his shit haha

[@yankrob]

This was a great interview. Has just seems so real, he doesn't try to be some one or something else.

[@FaizahCyanide]

Amazing interview, really open and honest.

[@VIPnas]

Hi I'm Tony Alvarez assistant to Nasir Jones, I am here on his behalf to select special fans who has been supporting him on social media, by posting, liking, following and promoting his content online.

[@htownhomie06]

i know right! i don't even have to shake his hand. just to hear him speak live and feel his vibe like this would be enough.

[@LP640Murcielago]

"20 years in this game lookin 17" -Nas

[@Aprylbaby]

I am convinced Nas ages a year every 7 years...😆 So youthful....

[@colelamar5136]

@@Aprylbaby Dude is 4 yrs younger than my dad but he looks younger than me!

[@Curtoonstv]

Nas is a reserved, quiet brother, giving out energy every wasteful minute will age you

[@viewsonichomie]

GREAT INTERVIEW!

[@hawkakroma]

Brother Naz, you are dope. Woooooow. God bless and keep you great and strong.

[@CommonNotCommon24-7]

Probably the only Nas interview I've never seen NAS=🎙🐐

[@PopSituation]

I was 17 when I watched this interview, now I’m 24 and I can say I learn a lot from NaS

[@PopSituation]

I'm 27 now

[@MikeBeatsYours]

Damn Bro, time Passes huh? You still coming back now and then? How’s life going rn for you Brother?

[@PopSituation]

@TypeBeatzzz better and better. Negativity stays at the door when I get home, focusing on my real estate course. Wanting to make the most of the time I got left in my twenties. As the time passes, this video just makes all the more sense. How are you doing my man

[@taterbugg85]

sipping from that mug 55 mins later... i'm sure that coffee cold... lol great interview!!!

[@humbletimez]

Respect. GOAT

[@Yaminah7]

LOOOOOVEEEE NAS!!!!!!! Wow!!! Coolest Ever!

[@iluvmyboba]

Yes, Anthony DeCurtis, peel back the layers of Nas. It gets deep in there, don't it?

[@staropramen478]

fuck a grammy. nas doesnt need that and he knows it. after all the years ive listened to nas i know all he wants is to lay back and mind his own business, like he said on this interview. he is very down to earth and doesnt care about the flashy life style because he has already been there and done that. thats why ill always respect nas

[@jamilyahjean-philippe1335]

This interview is ironic to me I just watched the Amy Winehouse documentary about her life and death. And, I thought of NAS when I decided to watch it. Because I ran across a video with him honoring her at the end. And, I thought to myself there’s a connection between these two. And, it seems I learned that part of the connection is the fame part of their Music careers. They both are and were original crafts at what they do. I believe the fame is the core part of her death. It seemed to be overwhelming for her. Likewise, NAS seems to not want too much fame but recognition. He’s done a great job with balancing that out. He’s said he doesn’t concern himself with winning a Grammy however he’s glad he’s been nominated several times. He seems to want to be heard and the well deserved money is nice I’m sure. What a great interview! NAS is and will always be King! 🤴😎❤️

[@betty_bewitched8226]

Love their album together life is good

[@shonha1]

"Mental calisthenics got my mind stretching, then I release it, got my whole frame bulging under diamond pieces, take the weight of the world on my shoulders I hold it, so I consume most the pain for my niggas I roll with, cause the streets ain't no Golds gym poppy, nd if I feel it going down then my niggas will spot me." Nas Stay Chiseled.

[@BrandonQ1995]

Damn, i wish it was longer. And the white guy interviewing really surprised me, he knew exactly what he was talking about.

[@fsb-micro9897]

The World Is Yours MY favorite song by him I need to meet him too so much to talk about

[@hlanhlamashaba801]

Nas ma man. i love ur man, keep it up bro

[@epiphany373]

I appreciate the honesty.

[@Guhsteh]

Amazing interview, and Nas still looks 20 lmao. *BlackDon'tCrack*

[@TOMKHOMION]

A very good interview....

[@johnp.saavedra5256]

Nas is a thinker and an intellect he is one of the greats for sure

[@gutzam0811]

Nas. Leyenda viva del Rap maestro de maestros

[@OromoShawtyy]

Wise is the one word that describes this man, period!

[@fabulousmanner]

thank you for posting this. I wanted to go, but the tickets were sold out.

[@ybracks]

This was my best drinkChamps! The homie from the 804. VA all day baby! 😁

[@DevTech23]

That ending statement was so dope. Respect.

[@LostBoysRecordings]

Andrew I was at the show too. GREAT show. You are very lucky! I'm so jealous lol

[@ArthurVanYoung]

He didn't want to say j. Cole name because he didn't want the pressure to be on him as the next nas

[@afronubian9510]

i hear you Ameere Nas definitely even looks like he does not age - true living legend # RESPECT

[@JG0en187]

Nas voice is butter chocolate....... no homo LOL. Nas the man G.O.A.T. He most definitely inspires me to write.

[@SeanRosati]

You gotta love nas!!

[@johnathanamooamoo486]

Well done Nasir keep it up.