Memory Lane: Nas Moments

Take a look back at the God Son's path to stardom.

Play on Playa - When Hip Hop Is Dead did drop in 2006, Nas ruffled the feathers in many caps. Most heated: a slew of Southern rappers who claimed the title was aimed at them, with Young Jeezy, Big Boi, Ludacris and Trick Daddy, among those who criticized the QB Kid.(Photo: Courtesy Def Jam Records)
Jay Z and Nas - What initially started off as a slick exchange of words between Jay Z's right-hand man Memphis Bleek and Nas affiliate, Prodigy, grew into a full-blown beef. Jay Z spoke up first on Hot 97's Summer Jam in 2001, reciting the opening verse to "Takeover" on stage, a clear diss to Nas and Mobb Deep. Nas responded shortly thereafter with "Ether." Over the next four years comments were made both on- and off-record until the pair finally squashed the beef in 2005 when Jay brought out Nas as a surprise guest at his comeback concert, "I Declare War."(Photo: Scott Gries/Getty Images for Universal Music)
Nas and Wife Brandish the N-Word at Grammy's - Nas originally wanted to title his ninth studio album Nigger but the label wouldn't allow it and it was ultimately named Untitled. Before this decision was made, Nas and then-wife Kelis decided to promote the album's controversial title by wearing matching outfits with the N-word prominently displayed across the front and back on the red carpet at the 2008 Grammy Awards. The media had a field day over the audacious act.(Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) 

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Working Relationship - After burying the hatchet in 2005, Nas and Jay-Z went into the study to record their first song together, "Success," which was featured on Jay-Z's 2007 album, American Gangster.(Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images for Universal Music)

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