Nas

Hip-Hop, the greatest story ever told, was beginning another chapter. After a long and glorious reign, rap music in New York City hit a wall at the start of the '90s. There were, of course, plenty of dope jams still being served, but many of the golden age's giants were no longer the exciting new jacks on the block. Hip-hop banked on being fresh, both figuratively and literally and the boastful Big Apple was fiending for that next superstar to revitalize the Yankees-sized pride it had for its homegrown product. There was also the matter of the West Coast Creepin' on a come-up; gangsta rap was taking over the blocks from state to state. As competitive creators of the art form. NYC tried to act like it wasn't impressed, but deep down inside it wanted its bragging rights back. Nas, the man who would be King, first entered public consciousness in the spring of '91. His rise to the throne began with the most humble of origins: an inspired cameo on a B-side posse cut, Main Source's "Live At The Barbeque." Whereas his predecessors had grown up on their parents' soul, funk, and disco vinyl, here was a young rhyme-slayer bred on Hip Hop. It was evident in his ferocious flow and cocky presence; he carried himself like he could eat up 21 MCs at the same time. He didn't rush stages; he stampeded them. Microphones melted in his grip.