SXSW 2012

Queens rapper Nas, widely considered to be one of the most accomplished and talented artists to ever hit the mic, established his place amongst the hip-hop elite with the 1994 release of his debut album, Illmatic. The impact of his distinctive lyricism and thoughtful storytelling reaches far beyond hip hop culture and has earned him a global audience of millions. Throughout years of multi-platinum album sales, critical acclaim, controversies, and fame, Nas has undoubtedly solidified his position as one of the greatest rappers of all time. On the heels of his collaboration with Damian Marley, Nas is currently preparing his next studio album. In this special SXSW Interview, Nas will be joined in conversation with Steve Stoute, his former manager and longtime friend. As the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Translation, author of
The Tanning of America: How Hip-Hop Created a Culture That Rewrote the Rules of the New Economy, and former music executive, Stoute has been an instrumental figure in utilizing the power of hip-hop culture to revolutionize the way brands connect with audiences.