From Mentor to Collaborator: The Relationship Between Nas and Large Professor

At the start of his career, Nasir Jones, better known as Nas, was just a teenager with dreams of becoming a successful rapper. His life changed when he crossed paths with legendary producer Large Professor. Large Professor, whose real name is William Paul Mitchell, was already an established figure in the hip-hop world, known for his work with the group Main Source and his production on albums by artists such as Eric B. & Rakim and A Tribe Called Quest.

The Early Days

Nas first met Large Professor in the early 1990s, when he was just starting to make a name for himself in the New York City rap scene. Large Professor immediately recognized Nas’s talent and took him under his wing, serving as a mentor and guiding him as he honed his skills as a lyricist. The two quickly formed a strong bond, with Large Professor offering Nas advice and support as he navigated the complex world of the music industry.

Illmatic: A Classic Collaboration

The pinnacle of Nas and Large Professor’s collaboration came in 1994 with the release of Nas’s debut album, “Illmatic.” Large Professor played a pivotal role in the creation of the album, producing several tracks and offering guidance to Nas as he crafted the lyrics that would become some of the most revered in hip-hop history. The result was a classic album that is still considered one of the greatest of all time.

The Influence of Large Professor

Large Professor’s influence on Nas extended beyond just their collaborations on “Illmatic.” He helped shape Nas’s sound and style, encouraging him to delve deeper into his personal experiences and tell his own unique story through his music. Large Professor’s production on tracks like “One Time 4 Your Mind” and “It Ain’t Hard to Tell” showcased his skill as a beatmaker and helped elevate Nas’s lyrics to new heights.

A Lasting Partnership

Though their collaborations were most prominent in the early days of Nas’s career, his partnership with Large Professor has continued to bear fruit over the years. Nas has continued to work with Large Professor on various projects, including his 2012 album “Life is Good,” which featured production from the legendary producer. The two artists have remained close friends and collaborators, with Nas often citing Large Professor as a key influence on his career.

Legacy and Impact

The relationship between Nas and Large Professor has had a lasting impact on both artists and on the hip-hop world as a whole. Nas’s early work with Large Professor helped establish him as one of the greatest lyricists in the genre, setting the stage for a career that has spanned over three decades. Large Professor’s influence on Nas’s sound and style can still be felt in his music today, serving as a testament to the power of mentorship and collaboration in the world of hip-hop.

In conclusion, the relationship between Nas and Large Professor is a testament to the power of mentorship and collaboration in the world of hip-hop. From their early days working together on “Illmatic” to their continued partnership on projects like “Life is Good,” the two artists have shared a bond that has helped shape Nas’s career and influence the course of hip-hop history. Theirs is a partnership that has stood the test of time, leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of artists for years to come.