Nas’ Go-To Inspiration When He ‘Wants to Chill’ Is Surprising, Given the Artist’s Explosive Reputation

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Nas’ Go-To Inspiration When He ‘Wants to Chill’ Is Surprising, Given the Artist’s Explosive Reputation

Nas cites Miles Davis as an inspiration for when he ‘wants to chill.’

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Oftentimes, when people think about jazz, they think of it as extremely mellow. Whether they’re thinking of classic artists like John Coltrane or Chet Baker or the contemporary Kenny G era, it’s always extremely chill.

This was how Nas would listen to a legend like Miles Davis. When writing the foreword for the reissued autobiography of the musician (captured by Rolling Stone), he noted that Davis was someone he’d play to ease his mind.

“I sometimes ask myself, ‘How did he casually make music that made the world a better place to live in?’ He’s my go-to when I want to chill. When I want to feel safe. He felt free to make the music he wanted to make. We can still........

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