On September 14, 2023, Nas celebrated his 50th birthday with the release of Magic 3, the final album in his two critically acclaimed trilogies with producer Hit-Boy, marking the end to an incredible six albums in three years journey. This release capped off a remarkable period for Nas, who has been described as experiencing a creative renaissance in recent years. A month earlier, Nas was a prominent figure in the 50th anniversary celebrations of hip-hop, performing at Yankee Stadium alongside Ms. Lauryn Hill, and delivering a memorable performance of his iconic track “One Mic”. His 50th birthday celebration in New York also featured a surprise appearance by Kendrick Lamar, further highlighting his ongoing influence across generations.

As Nas turned 50, Magic 3 symbolized the end of an important chapter in his career. Far from slowing down, Nas has been more active than ever, with the King’s Disease and Magic series earning critical acclaim. This period signals a new era in his career, showing that Nas continues to push boundaries and remain at the forefront of hip-hop, further solidifying his legacy as one of the genre’s greatest artists and lyricists.