Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper and actor. The son of jazz musician Olu Dara, he was born and raised in the Queensbridge housing projects in New York City. His debut album Illmatic, was critically acclaimed and would go on to be widely hailed a classic in the genre. Nas was part of hip-hop supergroup The Firm, which released one album. From 2001 to 2005, Nas was involved in a widely publicized feud with rapper Jay-Z; both rappers verbally attacked each other in their songs. The two formally ended their rivalry through duet performances at concerts sponsored by New York City-area hip-hop radio stations. In 2006, he was listed number five on MTV's 10 Greatest MCs of All Time. Also in 2006, he signed to Def Jam, releasing his albums Hip Hop Is Dead in 2006 and an untitled album in 2008.
Born September 14, 1973, his primary personality traits are represented by the Chinese Zodiac elemental animal sign, the Water Ox. As with the Wood Ox, the Water Ox is more likely to be at home in the meadow rather than the bull ring and is the most communicative and literary of the breed. He is often well liked and popular because he is more sensitive and flexible than others of this sign and yet retains its basic strength and sense of responsibility. Although the typical Ox is often a loner, he can be quite social.