Beginning with his classic debut, Illmatic, Nas has stood tall for years as one of New York City's leading rap voices, outspokenly expressing a righteous, self-empowered swagger that endeared him to critics and hip-hop purists alike. Whether proclaiming himself "Nasty Nas", "Nas Escobar", "Nastradamus" or "God's Son," the self-appointed King of New York delivers provocative rhymes, masterful flow, and a wise perspective over unforgettable beats.Beginning with his classic debut, Illmatic, Nas has stood tall for years as one of New York City's leading rap voices, outspokenly expressing a righteous, self-empowered swagger that endeared him to critics and hip-hop purists alike. Whether proclaiming himself "Nasty Nas", "Nas Escobar", "Nastradamus" or "God's Son," the self-appointed King of New York delivers provocative rhymes, masterful flow, and a wise perspective over unforgettable beats.

Ever since emerging as a member of Black Star in the late 1990s, Talib Kweli is one of the few artists making commercially viable music that matters. The Brooklyn bred rapper's hard-hitting music has been able to educate and entertain simultaneously. So it is no wonder that at the peak of their fame, both Jay-Z and 50 Cent named Talib Kweli as one of their favorite rappers.