NAS at Jimmy Kimmel

This past week I was attended a NAS out-door mini concert for the Jimmy Kimmel show, right behind El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California. To be honest I didn't really know who NAS was until one of my fellow reporters with Rock the Trail, DeNishia Yearby, wrote about him on her music blog. I was intrigued to find out who he was and so I decided to go to his concert and, to my surprise, he is now one of my favorite performers. His music is inspiring and true. It is honest and catchy.

As NAS was getting ready to perform, I asked Mark Labastida, a young NAS fan, the reasons behind his interest in NAS's music. He stated that, "the reason that I like his music is because he is true to himself, he speaks the truth, and he proves he is not a sell out. He tells his audience how things are and how we should not be fooled by the entertainment industry." Mark also added, "the best part about NAS is that he is not blinded by money and that is important for me that he is true to himself and most importantly to US. His messages through his music are what grabbed my attention since the beginning."

Fans were screaming and yelling for NAS to perform his hit song "Hero." As I listened to it for the first time I realized why all these youngsters were happy to be there and see him perform. It was because he was being true to each and every one of us.

"If politicians want to reach the youth for their VOTE," another NAS fan stated, "you must be true, ya' hear."

Be You

BE YOU DESPITE THE DRAMA is the kind of attitude hip-hop artist Nas has embraced and the kind of attitude that has allowed me to voice my political concerns.

When my fellow Rock the Trail reporters asked whether or not I considered myself a political person, I didn’t hesitate to say no. They then asked me to discuss issues that I am really concerned about. When I ran through my list of high concerns - racial profiling, gang violence, the economy- I was proven that I was wrong; I AM POLITICAL!

Most of my peers have allowed the “hype” of certain political issues to define politics. They're tired of hype and they've tuned out. But politics aren't just about war, health care, and who is running for president. Politics cover all the issues that affect your well-being as a citizen of the United States-- issues that Nas points out through his music.

Nas is one of very few entertainers that sparked a political fire in me. His songs speak truth about issues America doesn’t talk about. He gives a voice to the powerless and he puts issues out there for us to grasp, educate ourselves and make a change.

To me, Nas will be remembered as an historical figure who sought change in America through rap. Yeah, that may be a very extreme or bold statement, but it’s my personal opinion. An opinion that has led me to confirm that I can voice how I feel and encourage you to do the same: despite the drama, be you.