Working with Ye (the artist formerly known as Kanye West) is one way to jumpstart a career in music. But in Digital Nas’ case, being under Ye’s tutelage is a byproduct of hard work and divine timing. From crafting his own records to making hits with Lil Yachty (The Lost Files), A$AP Ferg, Playboi Carti, and everyone in between, DN has made a name for himself on his own terms. Following an important milestone in his young career – Nas produced on Ye’s 10th studio album, Donda (“Remote Control,” “Junya,” “Hurricane,” “Keep My Spirit Alive”) – the rising superstar is in the wake of upward mobility, quietly becoming a genre-disruptor in his own right. However, much like his mentor, Nas is unfazed by the opinions of others: “I let people judge me.”

When fatigue strikes, even at the world’s largest hip-hop festival, you take a nap. Unless you’re Digital Nas, in which case naps are a part of your pre-show routine. After a five minute conversation with the down-to-earth beatmaker, it was made clear that he’s driven by humility. 

Here are five interesting facts about Digital Nas from our conversation. Find them below and stream his latest single, “Can’t Relate!”

1. Sonny Digital is the inspo. As a producer, rapper, songwriter, and overall badass, Digital Nas – born Nasir Pemberton – is inspired by the likes of Sonny Digital: “I was inspired by Sonny Digital so I just named myself Digital Nas.”
2. Two years with Ye. Nas was around Ye for two years straight while working on Donda and Donda 2. In fact, time spent with the artist formerly known as Kanye West made the Georgia native realize that being humble is the key to longevity.
3. Home is where the heart is. Digital Nas, the 23-year-old, Grammy-nominated super producer, still lives at home with his mom.
4. Sleep is key. Where rap’s biggest names have spent their pre-show routine making press rounds and getting their looks together, Digital Nas takes naps. Alongside meditation and prayer, he likes to mellow out to the tune of rain music.
5. Love conquers all. When legacy comes to mind, Nas aspires to, “teach the world love.”