Nas Reflects on the Timeless Influence of Miles Davis
In a new foreword for the reissued ‘Miles: The Autobiography,’ Nas explores the profound connection between jazz and hip-hop and the enduring legacy of Miles Davis.
Miles: The Autobiography, the seminal memoir by jazz legend Miles Davis and author Quincy Troupe, has returned to bookshelves to mark what would have been the trumpeter’s 100th birthday. Originally published in 1989, the book remains a definitive account of a life defined by artistic innovation, offering raw, unfiltered stories about icons like Charlie Parker, Billie Holiday, and John Coltrane, alongside the creation of masterpieces such as Kind of Blue and Bitches Brew.
The centennial reissue features new forewords, including a poignant reflection by Nas. For the hip-hop luminary, whose father, jazz cornetist Olu Dara, moved in the same creative circles as Davis, the connection is deeply personal. Nas highlights the shared DNA between jazz and rap, noting, “It’s our roots.”
The Intersection of Jazz and Hip-Hop
Nas writes that his appreciation for Davis grew over time, evolving from a childhood curiosity into a profound understanding of the trumpeter’s artistry. He credits his parents for introducing him to the music, but it was his own journey through hip-hop that allowed him to fully grasp the weight of Davis’ contributions. “Miles and hip-hop share the same blood, sweat, and tears,” Nas reflects. “The same struggles and triumphs. Hip-hop is heavily influenced by jazz music. It’s our roots.”
A Legacy of Fearlessness
Beyond the music, Nas admires how Davis navigated the complexities of the entertainment industry and the harsh realities of racism. He describes Davis as a man who “kicked his elegant shoes through racism like it was trash on the streets.” This fearlessness, combined with an uncompromising commitment to his own vision, is what Nas believes makes the memoir a “thrilling and revealing experience.”
Nas concludes his foreword by emphasizing that Davis remains a vital teacher for modern artists. “Miles was a once-in-a-lifetime talent who teaches us something new with every listen,” he writes. The reissued autobiography serves as a reminder that while the man may be gone, the lightning he brought to the planet continues to resonate.
Copyright © 1989 by Miles Davis. Foreword copyright © 2026 by Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones. From the forthcoming book MILES: The Autobiography (Centennial Edition) by Miles Davis with Quincy Troupe to be published Simon & Schuster, LLC. Printed by permission.
