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Nas was honored with the 2026 BMI Rap Icon Award, recognizing the legendary Queens rapper for his songwriting, influence and lasting contributions to hip-hop.
During his remarks, Nas used the moment to celebrate Black creativity and the global impact of the culture.
“I appreciate you more, I’m gonna stream you more,” Nas said. “Your genius inspires me and your genius captivates the whole globe. Everybody is paying attention to Black art and Black music.”
The Grammy-winning MC also emphasized unity and positivity as he closed out his speech.
“It’s all about unification and love, death to all suckas and love to all the winners and people who believe,” Nas said. “That’s all I have to say, salute.”
The honor adds another milestone to Nas’ decades-long career. Since emerging in the early 1990s and releasing his landmark debut album Illmatic in 1994, Nas has remained one of hip-hop’s most respected lyricists and influential songwriters.
His 2026 BMI Rap Icon Award celebrates not only his catalog, but the impact his music has had on generations of artists and fans around the world.
Nas was honored last night with the 2026 BMI Award as a Rap Icon for his songwriting and what he contributed for Hip Hop:
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) August 27, 2026
"I appreciate you more, I'm gonna stream you more. Your genius inspires me and your genius captivates the whole globe. Everybody is paying attention to black… pic.twitter.com/839n2mgD2s
