Clash Issue 133 – Nas

Nas is the fifth face of CLASH 133.

When Nas came of age hip-hop was a young art form, a culture that existed on the fringes of mainstream pop culture. Fast forward three decades and Nas is a rap icon almost without peer, his work instantly identifiable on just about every continent.

New album Light-Years is a gift to the culture that bore him. Crafted alongside producer DJ Premier, the two align on a record that feels historic, a space for two all-out legends to create in an inspired, utterly free manner.

CLASH sits down with Nas for a very rare cover interview, and it finds the Queens icon in reflective mode. His new album honours graffiti writers and female rappers, aspects of hip-hop culture that are integral, but often overlooked. Going deep on his passion for the art, he re-affirms his creative commitments, admitting to periods of nostalgia while always remaining tethered to the moment, and the challenges that remain.

Is he puts it: Im still just an MC.

Pre-order your copy now. Magazines will be shipping out from the UK from Friday 27th March 2025, please allow sufficient time for your copy to arrive if ordering internationally.

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Words: Robin Murray

Photography:T-bone Fletcher
Fashion: Maurice Diallo

Creative Direction: Rob Meyers

Makeup: Marta Mariotti

With special thanks toThe Maritime Hotel NYC.