Nas is set to make $40 million, after Amazon purchases a company he invested in for $1.2 billion

Nas to Make $40 Million from Amazon’s Acquisition of Ring

Never sleep on a hustler—that’s the lesson Nas continues to show the world. For years, the Queensbridge icon was known for his contributions to hip-hop. However, his business moves in recent years have set him apart. In the early 2000s, Nas was often compared to his then-rival, Jay-Z, especially when it came to business acumen. Jay-Z’s strategic investments were frequently highlighted, and in diss tracks, he mocked Nas for not being as financially astute. However, time has revealed Nas to be a calculated player in the business world. Thus, proving his ability to make smart investments outside of music.

Back in 2013, Nas made a pivotal decision to enter Silicon Valley and explore tech investment opportunities. His foray into this space was inspired by his growing network and business associations. From there, he built strong relationships with prominent figures like Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg and venture capitalists. Through his venture capital firm, Queensbridge Venture Partners, Nas began making investments that would soon pay off in significant ways.

The Ring Investment That Set Nas Up for Success

Among Nas’s many smart financial moves was his investment in Ring. The home security company, stands out as one of the most successful. Ring was founded by Jamie Siminoff in 2013. It offers smart doorbells and security systems. Thus, becoming a popular choice for homeowners seeking enhanced security. Nas got in early, contributing to Ring’s growth and development.

Fast forward to March 2018, and Amazon has announced its acquisition of Ring for a staggering $1.2 billion. This move is monumental for Nas. Now, his early investment is set to earn him a cool $40 million. It’s a clear indicator of how his venture into the tech world has paid dividends. Thus, allowing him to build wealth far beyond the music industry.

Nas’s Broader Business Ventures

While Nas’s $40 million payday from the Ring sale is a headline-grabber, it’s just the latest in a series of smart business decisions. In addition to his investment in Ring, Nas has been involved in a range of ventures through Queensbridge Venture Partners. His firm has invested in companies like Lyft, Dropbox, and PillPack—demonstrating his keen eye for technology-driven businesses with high growth potential.

Nas also made headlines in 2013 when he invested in Mass Appeal, a magazine dedicated to urban culture. That move allowed him to shift into the role of associate publisher. Thus, expanding his reach into media. He didn’t stop there, venturing into the world of retail by opening his own sneaker store in Las Vegas later that year. Nas’s business endeavors span industries. As a result, showing a versatility that keeps him at the forefront of both culture and commerce.

Beyond the tech investments and media, Nas also tapped into the food and beverage industry. He partnered with Sweet Chick, a soul food restaurant, in 2015, helping to expand the brand from New York to Los Angeles. In LA, a new location opened in 2017. The rapper has also partnered with Hennessy, working with the brand’s “Wild Rabbit” campaign. Additionally, he invested in LANDR, a digital audio postproduction service.

Jay-Z Comparison Fades as Nas Rises

For years, Nas was often seen in the shadow of Jay-Z when it came to business acumen. However, his recent moves have changed that narrative. Jay-Z may have had the upper hand in the early 2000s, but Nas has quietly built an empire of his own. From job placement startups like Koru to his significant contributions to the tech space, Nas has taken a more diversified approach to his business portfolio.

Nas’s $40 million haul from Ring only adds to his already growing fortune. Back in 1998, he famously turned down a number of endorsement deals in order to maintain his artistic integrity. Today, he balances his artistic and entrepreneurial sides seamlessly. As a result, continuing to release music while reaping the rewards of his investments. With an increasing number of tech startups in his portfolio, Nas is ensuring that his financial legacy extends far beyond his rap career.

Nas’s Legacy in Hip-Hop and Greatest Hits

Nas is not only known for his smart investments but also for his monumental impact on hip-hop. His debut album Illmatic is widely considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. Praised for its intricate lyricism and flawless production, Illmatic set the bar for storytelling in rap. Such tracks like “N.Y. State of Mind” and “The World is Yours” became instant classics. His ability to vividly depict life in New York’s Queensbridge projects earned Nas the respect of hip-hop heads and music critics alike.

Over the years, Nas continued to push the boundaries of lyrical storytelling. In tracks like “Rewind,” Nas masterfully tells a story in reverse. Meanwhile songs such as “I Gave You Power” see him rapping from the perspective of a gun. These innovations in his lyricism helped solidify his place as one of the most creative and thought-provoking rappers in the game. Nas’s versatility allows him to switch seamlessly between complex narratives like “Fetus” and introspective tracks like “Doo Rags” or “One Love.”

Nas’s influence can be seen in his numerous accolades. Throughout his career, Nas has maintained a signature conversational flow. As a result, it has inspired future generations of rappers. Kool Moe Dee, in There’s a God on the Mic, praised Nas for pioneering a conversational flow that broke away from traditional rap cadences.

In addition to Illmatic, albums like It Was Written and Stillmatic helped Nas cement his legacy in hip-hop, with hits like “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” and “One Mic.” His lyrical mastery has earned him comparisons to legendary lyricists like Rakim. Nas’s catalog continues to influence younger artists while maintaining timeless relevance in the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop.

What’s Next for Nas?

The sale of Ring is likely just the beginning for Nas in the tech world. As his involvement with Queensbridge Venture Partners grows, so too does his influence in the Silicon Valley community. With a keen understanding of where to place his money and a network that includes some of the biggest names in tech, Nas is well-positioned to keep winning.

In addition to his investments, fans can look forward to more projects from Nas, both musically and in business. His partnership with Hennessy continues to thrive, and his restaurant chain, Sweet Chick, is expanding rapidly. It’s clear that Nas has fully embraced the title of businessman, making waves across industries and proving that there’s no limit to what he can achieve.

With Amazon’s acquisition of Ring putting an additional $40 million in his pocket, Nas has solidified himself as one of the most astute businessmen to come from the rap world. What’s next is anyone’s guess, but one thing is clear: Nas’s story is far from over, and his legacy continues to grow.