Net Worth Ranker
What Is Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones’ Net Worth?
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, known professionally as Nas, has cultivated a substantial net worth of approximately $70 million. This financial standing is a result of his multi-faceted career, encompassing music, entrepreneurship, and strategic investments over three decades.
Early Career and Music Revenue
Nas’s journey began in Brooklyn, New York, where he was born on September 14, 1973. His initial foray into the music scene involved performing on Main Source’s “Live at the Barbeque” in 1991. This early exposure led to a record deal with Columbia Records in 1992, orchestrated by his then-manager MC Serch. Nas debuted as a solo artist with the single “Halftime” from the “Zebrahead” soundtrack, showcasing his unique rhyming skills and marking the start of his ascent in the hip-hop world.
The release of “Illmatic” in 1994 marked a pivotal moment, though initial sales were modest. Despite this, the album’s influence on hip-hop culture was profound, earning it the title of best album of 1994 by The Source. Subsequent albums, such as “It Was Written” in 1996, achieved significant commercial success, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and featuring hit singles like “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” featuring Lauryn Hill. Although specific sales figures for each album and single are not detailed, these releases significantly contributed to his earnings.
Throughout his career, Nas has released numerous albums, including “I Am…” (1999), “Nastradamus” (1999), “Stillmatic” (2001), “God’s Son” (2002), “Street’s Disciple” (2004), “Hip Hop Is Dead” (2006), “Untitled” (2008), “Life is Good” (2012), and “Nasir” (2018). His consistent output and critical acclaim have solidified his reputation and added to his financial success.
Nas secured his first Grammy award for “King’s Disease” in 2020, which was recognized as the Best Rap Album at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards. He continued this success with the release of “King’s Disease II” in 2021 and “Magic” in the same year, further enhancing his earnings and reputation.
Venture Capital Investments and Financial Gains
Beyond music, Nas has established himself as a shrewd investor and entrepreneur. As the co-founder of QueensBridge Venture Partners, he has invested in numerous technology startups. The firm typically invests between $100,000 and $500,000 in each venture and reviews over 100 pitches monthly. One of QueensBridge’s early and most notable investments was in Dropbox. The exact amount of the initial investment isn’t public, but the subsequent returns have been substantial as Dropbox became a leading cloud storage service. Similarly, investments in Lyft and Robinhood have added significantly to his financial portfolio.
QueensBridge Venture Partners also had a stake in Ring, which was acquired by Amazon in 2018 for $1.1 billion. This acquisition generated approximately $40 million for QueensBridge. In 2019, Viacom acquired Pluto TV for $340 million, further boosting the firm’s returns.
One of QueensBridge’s most lucrative investments was in Coinbase. The firm invested in Coinbase’s 2013 Series B round, which raised $25 million at a $143 million valuation. When Coinbase went public in April 2021 with a $60 billion market cap, QueensBridge’s investment was estimated to be worth between $35 million and $100 million. Although Coinbase’s market cap experienced fluctuations, this investment provided a substantial return.
Nas’s entrepreneurial interests extend beyond technology. He is a partner in the Sweet Chick restaurant chain, known for its chicken and waffle offerings. The first location was opened in 2013 by John Seymour, and Nas joined shortly after, recognizing the potential of the hip-hop-themed southern restaurant. Sweet Chick has expanded to multiple locations in New York City (Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens), as well as in Los Angeles and London, contributing to Nas’s overall income.
Earnings and Financial Milestones
In January 2006, when Jay-Z signed Nas to Def Jam, the agreement included a payment of approximately $3,000,000, which covered the recording budget for his first two albums with the label. Between September 2017 and September 2018, Nas earned $35 million, and between September 2018 and September 2019, his earnings totaled $19 million. These figures reflect his consistent income from music releases, touring, and endorsements.
Real Estate Holdings
Nas has also invested in real estate. In early 2002, he purchased a home in McDonough, Georgia, for $659,000. This 3,592-square-foot home, built in 1999, features two bedrooms, three full and one-half bathrooms, and a swimming pool. In mid-2007, Nas and his then-wife Kelis acquired a home in Los Angeles for $1.6 million. This 3,207-square-foot residence, built in 1947, includes four bedrooms and three bathrooms. More recently, in November 2021, Nas purchased a 10-acre property in Calabasas, California, for $3.5 million, reflecting his continued investment in real estate.
