MasterClass Announces Nas to Teach Hip-Hop Storytelling

It’s undeniable that lyricism and storytelling are foundational within the Hip Hop arena, AND we are seeing the culture’s legends being showcased more and more as the industry and global Hip Hop culture demand a return to the roots of the culture. A resurgence of some of the most extraordinary icons in blazing hot appearances such as the one with KRS One and Big Daddy Kane on Verzus, Dipset [Verzus] Jadakiss LOL in my smartazz moments, shout out his whole crew, though. It has launched a renewed appreciation for the craft that became a culture that rapidly dominated the world music scene. The rap battle has re-emerged, getting support from the likes of Drake, who included a URL battle in his birthday party, and NOW Hip Hop wins again with the addition of one of our Grandmasters Nas in the MasterClass system…this is so good for Hip Hop! Check out the official line on the new MasterClass series with Nas below!

MasterClass, the streaming platform where anyone can learn from the world’s best across a wide range of subjects, recently announced that Nas will teach a class on Hip-Hop storytelling. Nas has been exposing truth through rhymes and vivid street poetry for more than 25 years. In his class, he shares his philosophy as a lyricist and how he uses his life experiences and emotions to create cinematic lyrics, inspiring MasterClass members to do the same. Nas’ class is now available exclusively on MasterClass, where subscribers get unlimited access to all 100+ instructors with an annual membership.

“With 14 Grammy nominations for his multi platinum albums, Nas is simply one of the greatest artists of all time,” said David Rogier, founder and CEO of MasterClass. “This class is the first time Nas breaks down his process and life story in this way. He also takes members through his writing process, literally creating a new song in real time.”

In his class, Nas dives into the origins, rise and evolution of Hip-Hop in America to showcase the artistic, poetic and political power of storytelling through music. He talks through various case studies of how he wrote some of his most iconic hits—from “N.Y. State of Mind” to “One Love“—and explains the importance of details, thinking outside the box and writing songs that make a statement or communicate societal ills. Nas also breaks down his techniques, opens up about the Hip-Hop legends who influenced him and talks about how he has evolved and matured as an artist. MasterClass members will get a firsthand, real-time view of Nas’ writing process and witness his genius in action as he creates a brand-new song—”Big Nas (Original Song from MasterClass)”—with Hit-Boy. Members will walk away from Nas’ class with the historical context, inspiration and storytelling techniques they need to expand their lyrical craft, creating music that generates a spark, elevates the conversation and dares to challenge the status quo.

“Quincy Jones told me years ago, ‘You never stop learning. You’re always a student,'” Nas said. “Going through my past works made me realize this class was something that I really wanted to do—I’m looking forward to bringing MasterClass members into my world. Whether it’s rap or any genre of music, I want people to embrace their creativity and listen to that voice inside their head. When you trust your gut and first instincts, you can’t lose.”

ABOUT MASTERCLASS:
Launched in 2015, MasterClass is the streaming platform where anyone can learn from the world’s best. With an annual membership, subscribers get unlimited access to 100+ instructors and classes across a wide range of subjects, including Arts & Entertainment, Business, Design & Style, Sports & Gaming, Writing and more. Step into Anna Wintour’s office, Ron Finley’s garden and Neil Gaiman’s writing retreat. Get inspired by RuPaul, perfect your pitch with Shonda Rhimes and discover your inner negotiator with Chris Voss. Each class features about 20 video lessons, at an average of 10 minutes per lesson. You can learn on your own terms—in bite-size pieces or in a single binge. Cinematic visuals and close-up, hands-on demonstrations make you feel like you’re one-on-one with the instructors, while the downloadable instructor guides help reinforce your learning. Stream thousands of lessons anywhere, anytime, on mobile, tablet, desktop, Apple TV®, Android™ TV, Amazon Fire TV® and Roku® players and devices.

About Nas

Actually, if I have to do an “About Nas” section in a story, I’m not talking to the right people, IJS.

Featured Image Nas: Courtesy of MasterClass

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Tags: Celebrity, Hip Hop, lyricist, MasterClass, Nas, Rap, story telling

About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.