Nas will forever be haunted by “Illmatic.”  The album is perceived as a classic among his peers but it is also what people quickly refer to everytime he releases a new project and attempts to evolve

Nas and Jay-Z share a laugh over who is the best lyricist at the Moet Rose Lounge event at Bagatelle on July 16, 2012 in New York City.  Nas tells Jay in his ear, “You know ‘Ether’ is better than ‘Takeover’ right?”

In the week leading up to the July 17th release of his latest album, “Life Is Good,” Nas has been quite busy.  Here’s a brief summary of his promotional schedule leading up to the launch of this 10th studio album:

A PRESIDENTIAL KISS:  U.S. President Barack Obama kisses first lady Michelle Obama as daughter Malia (R) looks on, while they attend the Olympic men’s exhibition basketball game between Team USA and Brazil in Washington July 16, 2012.

”It’s not up to me,” said Carmelo Anthony on Sunday before practice with the U.S. Olympic team. ”It’s up to the organization to say they want to match that ridiculous contract that’s out there. 

Little more than a month ago, Forbes staff writer Zack O’Malley Greenburg interviewed Justin Bieber for the cover story of the magazine’s Celebrity 100 issue where the 18-year old pop icon came in third place behind Oprah Winfrey