Have you been wondering what all those Sprite cans with famous rap lyrics on them are about? Sprite teamed up with The Fader and launched a new mini-documentary called Obey Your Verse. In this episode, rap legend Nas lets us in on how he obeys his thirst for hip-hop.
Nas released his first album, Illmatic, over 20 years ago but his love for hip-hop remains the same. He said, "Growing up in Queensbridge, hip-hop was the most amazing thing I ever heard. There was nothing more important to me than having a voice. I wanted to make a big impact on this art form. I wanted to kick everybody out. I wanted to open up a doorway for another generation." And that is exactly what Nas did. He has become of the most influential rappers in hip-hop.
Many of today's rappers list Nas as one of their first hip-hop inspirations. Rappers such as Kendrick Lamar, J.Cole and Vic Mensa have all expressed their respect for what Nas has brought to hip-hop. Rapper Action Bronson, also a Queens native, said, "Nas is one of my favorite rappers, period. If you want to sound like anybody you want the smoothness and lyricism of Nas. [Illmatic] is a seamless project. There's a reason why there's only ten songs on there and it's only him." Nas had some advice for all the up-and-coming rappers he's inspired. My advice for the younger dudes would be push yourself all the way. Don't obsess over what everybody else is doing."
Along with the documentary, Sprite released limited edition 16 oz. bottles and cans that feature lyrics from some of hip-hop's most legendary rhymers, such as Notorious B.I.G. and Rakim. Sprite pulled lyrics from a few of Nas' most popular songs, "If I Ruled the World," "It Ain't Hard to Tell," "My Generation," and "The World is Yours."
Take a look at Nas' Obey Your Thirst feature below.
