Nas, born Nasir Jones, is a multi-talented American rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur, and investor with a net worth of $70 million. Widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in hip-hop, Nas has built a legacy through his impactful music career, business ventures, and investments. His debut album, Illmatic (1994), is often hailed as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. The album’s intricate lyricism, complex storytelling, and innovative production helped set the stage for East Coast hip-hop in the 1990s. Illmatic ’s influence extended far beyond its release, inspiring a whole generation of artists and shaping the genre’s sound.
Following the success of Illmatic , Nas continued to deliver remarkable albums, solidifying his place in hip-hop history. His second album, It Was Written (1996), debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and featured chart-topping singles like “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” and “Street Dreams.” Nas’s music, often infused with social and political themes, resonates with African American culture and urban life. His consistent ability to tackle important issues while remaining relevant and critically acclaimed helped him maintain a successful career across multiple decades.
Nas (Image via Getty)
Apart from his success in the music world, Nas has ventured into entrepreneurship, especially in the tech industry. He co-founded Queensbridge Venture Partners, a venture capital firm that invests in emerging technology startups. Among the firm’s notable investments are companies like Dropbox, Lyft, Robinhood, Coinbase, and Ring. Nas’s business acumen has proven just as successful as his music career, with his early investment in Dropbox and Ring yielding significant returns.
Early Life and Upbringing
Nas was born on September 14, 1973, in Brooklyn, New York, to a family with deep musical roots. His father, Olu Dara, is a jazz and blues musician from Mississippi, while his mother, Fannie Ann, worked for the U.S. Postal Service and hailed from North Carolina. Nas has a brother, Jabari, who also pursued a career in rap, known professionally as Jungle. His family’s background provided a unique musical atmosphere for Nas to grow up in. At just four years old, Nas picked up a trumpet and began playing, and by the age of nine, he was introduced to the newly emerging genre of rap. His parents separated in 1985, and Nas dropped out of school after eighth grade, focusing more on his passion for music.
Music Career Beginnings
Nas’s rise to prominence in the music world began in 1991 when he appeared on Main Source’s “Live at the Barbeque.” His standout performance caught the attention of Columbia Records, and by mid-1992, Nas had signed a record deal. His debut single “Halftime” featured on the Zebrahead soundtrack, further solidified his reputation in the hip-hop community. Nas’s lyrical prowess was undeniable, earning him admiration from both fans and critics alike.
His debut album Illmatic was released in 1994 to widespread acclaim. With tracks like “It Ain’t Hard to Tell,” “One Love,” and “The World Is Yours,” Illmatic became an instant classic. It was named the best album of 1994 by The Source . Nas continued his success with It Was Written in 1996, which included hits such as “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” and “Street Dreams.” The album’s commercial success helped cement Nas as one of the most important figures in hip-hop.
Nas also formed The Firm, a supergroup consisting of Nas, AZ, Foxy Brown, and Cormega. The group released its debut album in 1997, but despite being certified platinum, it received mixed reviews, leading to the group’s dissolution shortly afterward.
Nas’s prolific output continued throughout the years with albums such as I Am… (1999), Nastradamus (1999), Stillmatic (2001), God’s Son (2002), Hip Hop Is Dead (2006), and more. His work earned him 15 Grammy nominations, along with numerous other accolades. In 2020, Nas won his first Grammy Award for King’s Disease , solidifying his place as one of the most celebrated hip-hop artists of all time.
Nas (Image via Getty)
Venture Capital Success
Nas’s investment success continued with his involvement in the cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase. Queensbridge participated in Coinbase’s Series B funding round in 2013, and when Coinbase went public in 2021, the value of Nas’s investment surged significantly. Even though Coinbase’s value fluctuated, Nas’s early involvement in the tech space has paid off handsomely. The firm’s continued investments in other companies like SeatGeek, General Assembly, and Genius further showcase Nas’s strategic approach to business.
In addition to tech ventures, Nas is a partner in the popular restaurant chain Sweet Chick, which offers a unique twist on Southern comfort food. The restaurant has locations in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Los Angeles, and London, further diversifying Nas’s business portfolio.
Nas (Image via Getty)
Nas has had a highly publicized personal life. In 1994, he welcomed his daughter Destiny, whose mother, Carmen Bryan, was his ex-fiancée. Carmen later admitted to an affair with Nas’s rival Jay-Z, which added tension to the relationship. Nas has also had brief relationships with singer Mary J. Blige and rapper Nicki Minaj.
Nas’s mother, Fannie Ann, passed away in 2002, which was a significant emotional blow for the rapper. In 2005, Nas married singer Kelis, but the couple divorced in 2010 after a tumultuous marriage. The divorce was highly publicized, especially with Kelis accusing Nas of physical and emotional abuse, and Nas countering with his own allegations. Their divorce was finalized in 2010, and they share a son, Knight.
Financial Struggles and Earnings
Despite his immense success, Nas faced financial challenges. In 2009, the IRS filed a lien against him for over $2.5 million in unpaid taxes, which eventually ballooned to over $6.4 million in 2011. He had to work to resolve these debts, which included part of his earnings being garnished.
Regarding his earnings, between 2017 and 2018, Nas earned $35 million, while from 2018 to 2019, he made $19 million. His lucrative music career, successful investments, and various business ventures have continued to ensure his financial stability.
Real Estate Investments
Nas has also made significant investments in real estate. In 2002, he bought a home in McDonough, Georgia, for $659,000, which was a sizable property in a quiet suburban area. Later, in 2007, Nas and Kelis purchased a home in Los Angeles for $1.6 million. In 2021, Nas further expanded his property portfolio with a $3.5 million home in Calabasas, California, which sits on a sprawling 10-acre property.
On October 1, 2006, a character named Dexter Morgan (played by Michael C. Hall) captured the attention of viewers worldwide. Dexter wasn’t your typical serial killer. By day, he worked as a blood spatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department, often bringing his colleagues donuts. However, by night, Dexter turned into a vigilante, hunting down killers and violent criminals who escaped justice.
Dexter quickly became one of Showtime’s most popular shows, setting viewership records. Its success sparked a wave of similar narratives in the following years, including Hannibal , Mindhunter , and True Detective . However, none of these shows quite matched the magnetic character of Dexter Morgan, who followed a unique moral code as he carried out his vigilantism.
Dexter Ending Explained
Dexter (Image via Getty)
The story behind Dexter’s dark nature starts when he was just a child. At the age of two, Dexter witnessed his mother’s brutal murder by a cartel boss, who hacked her apart with a chainsaw. This trauma seemed to shape Dexter into the person he would become. Initially, it appeared that this event set him on his path as both a forensic analyst and a serial killer.
Harry Morgan, Dexter’s adoptive father, realized early on that his son was lacking in emotional empathy, possibly even showing psychopathic tendencies. After Dexter killed neighborhood pets, Harry decided to teach him a code of conduct to prevent Dexter from getting caught. This code ensured that Dexter would only target individuals who deserved to die. Harry’s law enforcement background came in handy in evaluating these targets.
Revelations and Harry’s Role
As the series progressed, Dexter’s backstory grew even more complex. It was revealed that Harry had collaborated with criminal psychiatrist Dr. Evelyn Vogel, who had developed the code that Harry applied to Dexter. Harry’s decision to use Dexter as a test case brought a heavy burden on him, and when he discovered the monster his son had become, Harry took his own life, unable to live with the truth.
Dexter, in turn, learned the truth years later — his father’s death wasn’t from a heart attack but a suicide. Dexter would come to refer to his darker side as his Dark Passenger , a persona that he could never fully escape, no matter how much he tried.
The Psychopath’s Struggle
One of the most compelling aspects of Dexter’s character is his level of self-awareness. While Dexter lacks empathy and struggles with human emotions, he is acutely aware of these limitations. He understands what love and empathy look like in others, even though he doesn’t experience them himself. His struggle to fit in with society and emulate the emotions others feel is what makes him such a fascinating character.
Throughout the series, Dexter grows emotionally, especially in his relationships with those closest to him. This development, however, often leads to unintended harm. His emotional attachments put those around him in danger, and his attempts at justice often result in collateral damage.
Dexter (Image via Getty)
Dexter’s Role in the Criminal Justice System
Though Dexter is the central character, his story also sheds light on the flaws within America’s criminal justice system. The show reveals how criminals can escape justice through legal loopholes or expert defense attorneys. Dexter’s role as a vigilante exposes the real-world issues of underreporting and mishandling crimes, particularly in cases of sexual violence.
Dexter often targets sexual predators, such as rapists and spouse killers, highlighting how the justice system fails to bring these offenders to justice. Dexter’s actions suggest that sometimes vigilante justice is the only way for victims to get the justice they deserve. His crusade exposes the inadequacies in the system, where victims can be disbelieved, and evidence such as rape kits often go untested.
The Collateral Damage of Dexter’s Actions
While Dexter’s code aimed to limit harm, it was far from foolproof. His relationships with others—especially those closest to him—became increasingly dangerous as Dexter’s life evolved. His transformation into a family man made him more vulnerable to emotional ties, but it also led to more innocent victims.
One of the most shocking and tragic deaths in the series is that of Dexter’s wife, Rita. Rita becomes an unintended victim of the Trinity Killer, a serial killer Dexter was pursuing. The death, which was a direct result of Dexter’s involvement with the Trinity Killer, left a lasting impact on the series.
The Bay Harbor Butcher
By the second season of Dexter , the world learns about his secret identity as the Bay Harbor Butcher. Dexter had previously been meticulous in hiding his crimes, but when his dumping ground is discovered by divers, the tension surrounding his secret intensifies. Despite his attempts to control the situation, Dexter’s life spirals out of control, leading to more death and mistakes as he struggles with his Dark Passenger . The reveal of the Bay Harbor Butcher marks a turning point in Dexter’s journey, where the collateral damage caused by his vigilante justice becomes impossible to ignore.
Debra Morgan (Image via Getty)
Dexter and Revenge as Justice
Throughout the show, Dexter often uses revenge as a form of justice. His quest for justice is particularly evident when he hunts down a group of men who have brutalized women. In one instance, Dexter helps Lumen Pierce, a survivor of the gang, to hunt down the remaining men responsible for the crimes.
Dexter’s actions raise difficult questions about the nature of justice. When law enforcement fails, can revenge be justified? Dexter and Lumen’s pursuit of revenge becomes an emotional journey that highlights the complexities of morality and justice, especially for survivors of traumatic crimes.
Debra Morgan: Dexter’s Conscience
Debra Morgan, Dexter’s adopted sister, plays an essential role in his life. After their father’s death, Debra serves as Dexter’s moral compass, often reminding him of his humanity. Their complicated relationship is made even more complex when Debra discovers the truth about Dexter’s identity. In the end, her tragic fate is sealed when she chooses to protect Dexter at the cost of her own life, cementing her status as the most important woman in Dexter’s life.
Dexter’s Final Days
In the series finale, Dexter’s dream of a happy ending with his son and lover in Argentina is shattered. After causing Debra’s death, Dexter realizes he cannot live a normal life and fakes his death, retreating to a remote cabin in the woods. The ambiguous ending leaves viewers with many questions about Dexter’s future and whether or not he will continue his killing spree in isolation.
