Nas writes about the cross-generational connection between hip-hop and jazz in a special foreword for the Centennial Edition of the Miles Davis autobiography.
In homage to the legendary jazz trumpeter and bandleader, who would have turned 100 years old next month, the Grammy-winning rapper penned a new foreword for the Miles: The Autobiography, which was originally published in 1989.
Davis co-authored his autobiography with author Quincy Troupe. In it, he (often profanely) recounts his origins in St. Louis, the development of his music career in New York City, dropping out of Juilliard, his volatile romantic relationships, and more.
Nas’ father, jazz musician Olu Dara, ran in similar circles as Davis, who died in 1991 from a stroke, pneumonia and respiratory failure. Also contributing a foreword to the new edition of the bio is author and poet Hanif Abdurraqib.
“Many musicians were born. Miles was lightning that hit the planet on May 26, 1926,” Nas wrote, according to VIBE. “His sound — pure, harmonic human expression — is timeless. Since I first heard his name in someone’s mouth, wonder and admiration surrounded it.”
Nas added that while growing up, he was drawn to Davis’ seminal 1959 album Kind of Blue. The rap legend said that the late trumpeter and hip-hop “share the same blood, sweat, and tears.”
“Hip-hop is heavily influenced by jazz music. It’s our roots. So many of our biggest songs have jazz samples in them,” Nas added.
In the last decade, Nas has turned towards using live instrumentation in his performances, including during his medley at the 2022 Grammy Awards where he was backed by a brass section and pianist Robert Glasper. The rapper also performed at the Kennedy Center in 2014 with the National Symphony Orchestra to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his landmark debut album, Illmatic.
