With the 60th annual Grammy Awards coming back to NYC Sunday for the first time in 15 years, it’s only fitting that the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) would honor native New Yorker, Nasir “Nas” Jones, with a Spotlight Award for his contributions to the genre of hip hop. (It’s worth noting that despite his 13 nominations, the iconic musician has never won a Grammy.) Media and Entertainment Commissioner Julie Menin will present Nas with the award during Sir Lucian Grainge’s 2018 Artist Showcase, hosted by Universal Music Group.
“As a musician, Nas has made his name known worldwide, helping to put New York City on the map,” said Menin. “But beyond that, he’s a role model for the next generation of young artists. He leads by example through philanthropic efforts to combat poverty in Africa, and his pioneering business savvy companies.” True, there are few artists as New York as Nas.
As Menin noted, “His roots run deep in our city: from Brooklyn to Queens, he is a product of New York City public housing and exemplifies what it means to give back.” Nas said he is “really honored” by the accolade. “Anyone who knows me, know what New York City means to me and this is special because of that connections.”
MOME’s Spotlight Awards are dedicated to highlighting excellence in film, TV, music, publishing, digital content, and advertising. Nas will be the third Spotlight award recipient. He is preceded by Late Night host Seth Meyers and podcasting duo Greg Young and Tom Meyers.
