With two children of his own, Nas can understand the importance of a stable home environment and wants to help an unemployed Washington, D.C., father provide the same. The Queens rapper commissioned the public's help in a viral campaign to raise $50,000 for Stanley Young, a homeless father of eight.

"I am also a single father, and we don't get enough credit in this country," Nas said in a statement. "I'm committed to helping Stanley and his eight (yes, 8!) kids. Moreover, I believe and hope that we should all, as a community, come together to help our fellow American men and women when they need us in desperate situations like this."  

Two weeks ago, a fire at a neighboring store destroyed Young's home. The unemployed construction worker and his children are now staying in a hotel, but will be kicked out by Aug. 13. Young's challenge is finding both the money and a space large enough to accommodate his family. "My kids [are] my No. 1 priority," said Young. "I love my kids to death and that's why I'm trying to find the best thing for them."

Young's situation is further complicated by the death of the children's mother last year. "They're my life, they're my world," he said through tears. "Now I see what single mother's go through. It's definitely gotten harder for me."

Nas gave $10,000 of his own money, and encouraged others to "find a few dollars" to help Young "get back on his feet." More than 400 people responded, donating over $30,000 in a matter of hours.

BET.com is your #1 source for Black celebrity news, photos, exclusive videos and all the latest in the world of hip hop and R&B music.

Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

(Photo: WENN.com)