Pbs Learning Media: "n.y. State of Mind" by Nas

Multi-platinum hip hop artist Nas has a global reputation as one of the greatest emcees and lyricists in his contemporary art form, but what about within the history and canon, of American poetry? Learn alongside host Elisa New as Nas, music executive Steve Stoute, scholar Salamishah Tillett, and a chorus of hip hop heads, rappers, and fans break down the breakbeats and rhymes -- and explore the searing vision of Nas's iconic track "N.Y. State of Mind." In this video [6:01] excerpted from Poetry in America, New and guests herald the transformation of America's long tradition of urban verse by hip hop artists, and they affirm Nas as the standard bearer for contemporary poetry of the street.