The celebrations for Nas' 20-year anniversary of Illmatic continue each day, as we near April 19th. We saw Nas pay a visit to HuffPost Live for an in-depth interview on the classic LP, and we've also received a stream for highlights off it. We're still anticipating Nas' upcoming documentary "Time Is Illmatic" as well as his forthcoming festival appearances where he will perform Illmatic cuts.
In promotion of the re-issue of Illmatic, Nas had a Reddit AMA and answered fan questions on Twitter. The rapper divulged some interesting facts about himself, which even the biggest Nas fan may not be aware of. We've gathered some of those questions and answers here for you to peruse.
Read below to find out things you may or may not know about the Queensbridge MC.
On his favorite book: Probably "Convictions" by Richard Pryor
On what Biggie was like in person: Class act. Also funny. Naturally funny. And he was a genius.
On the most influential records for Nas:
That's one of the only records I produced ["One Mic"]. I produced maybe 3 of my records, ever, so I appreciate that.
I gotta go with One Mic and New York State of Mind, A Queens Story.
On ghostwriting "Gettin Jiggy With It" for Will Smith:
Alright, let's clear this up once and for all.
I hung out with Will in the studio. And watched him write it. It was a fun studio session, and I said a line or two or three to him. It wasn't that serious. Will Smith wrote that song.
But seriously, I watched him have fun making that record on his own, and Will is a true MC.
On telling Jay Electronica to release his album: I tell him almost every day.
On his favorite TV shows: Modern Family, that girl, Sofia Vergara, I need her. Walking Dead. House of Cards is my shit.
On his favorite hip-hop artist to listen to right now: Favorite hip hop artist to listen to at the moment...Jay Electronica and Rick Ross, Schoolboy Q. YG. and Young Jeezy.
On a young MC he'd like to collaborate with that he hasn't yet: Bishop Nehru
On if he spit "NY State Of Mind" in one take: The first verse of NY State of Mind, I think yeah. The second verse I don't remember.
On old rap monikers: Rapper Nas, and another one that I will never tell. MC Nice was one too.
