Nas has contributed a new foreword to the reissued edition of Miles Davis’ autobiography, Miles: The Autobiography, reflecting on the jazz legend’s enduring influence on his own musical journey and the broader connection between jazz and hip-hop. The foreword was written to commemorate what would have been Davis’ 100th birthday in 2026, as part of a special reissue released by the publisher. Nas, whose father Olu Dara is a jazz cornetist who moved in similar circles as Davis, describes the autobiographical work as “thrilling” and emphasizes the shared artistic DNA between jazz and rap music.
In his contribution, Nas reflects on first encountering Davis’ music and how it resonated with his upbringing in a household where real music was deeply valued. He writes that Davis’ sound felt like it “belonged in the background of my life” from the moment he first heard it and that seeing images of the trumpeter made sense to him as someone who embodied Black excellence and artistic fearlessness. Nas specifically notes Davis’ May 26, 1926 birthdate, describing him as “lightning that hit the planet” on that day, whose “pure, harmonic human expression” remains timeless.
The rapper highlights how Davis navigated racism throughout his career, operated within the music business with integrity, and pushed artistic boundaries through albums like Birth of the Cool, Kind of Blue, In a Silent Way, and Bitches Brew — all of which are detailed in the autobiography. Nas frames these struggles and innovations as foundational not just to jazz but to the ethos of hip-hop, stating explicitly: “It’s our roots.” This perspective aligns with his long-standing appreciation for jazz traditions, influenced by his father’s career and collaborations with jazz musicians throughout his own work.
The reissued edition of Miles: The Autobiography includes two new forewords: one by essayist and music critic Hanif Abdurraqib, and another by Nas. Originally published in 1989 and co-written with Quincy Troupe, the book chronicles Davis’ life in vivid detail, including his relationships with fellow legends like Charlie Parker, Billie Holiday, and John Coltrane, as well as his personal experiences with sex, drugs, and the evolving jazz scene. The autobiography remains one of the most celebrated music memoirs of all time for its candor and cultural insight.
Nas’ involvement in the project underscores the ongoing dialogue between generations of Black musicians who have drawn inspiration from Davis’ fearless innovation and uncompromising artistry. His reflections add a contemporary hip-hop voice to the legacy of an artist whose influence continues to shape musical expression across genres. The foreword positions Davis not only as a jazz icon but as a progenitor of artistic resistance and creative evolution that resonates in modern music.
As of April 2026, the reissued Miles: The Autobiography with the new forewords by Nas and Hanif Abdurraqib is available for purchase through major book retailers and online platforms. The release coincides with global commemorations of Miles Davis’ centennial year, including exhibitions, reissues of his seminal albums, and academic retrospectives on his impact on music, race, and American culture.
Readers interested in exploring the intersection of jazz and hip-hop through personal artistic reflection can find Nas’ full foreword in the updated edition of Miles: The Autobiography. The contribution stands as a testament to how Davis’ legacy continues to inform and inspire musicians who seek to innovate even as honoring their roots.
For updates on upcoming centennial events related to Miles Davis’ life and work, including museum exhibitions, album reissues, and scholarly publications, audiences are encouraged to follow official announcements from the Miles Davis Estate and partner cultural institutions.
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