BOUT2BLOW: Nasaan

Name: Nasaan
Reppin’: Detroit, Mich.
Genre: Rap

Nasaan has a famous rap father whose best friend is considered by some to be the greatest rapper alive. But when it comes to his music career, the Detroit spitta is content with forging a path all his own.

The son of late D12 co-founder, Proof, 18-year-old Nasaan started following in his father’s footsteps in 2012, when he began posting songs to SoundCloud. Admittedly, the first tracks weren’t that good. But instead of being deterred, he was determined.

Refusing help from Uncle Shady, he continued to hone his craft in the following years dropping sporadic loosies and building his rep up on his own merit. “I’m way sharper as far as delivery and lyricism. I’ve grown exponentially,” he said in a recent interview. “It lacks today, in today’s music. I like to keep up with that, but at the same time make it sound good and appealing. Which is very hard for artists to do.”

After dropping the tracks, “Cake Now” and “Second Song,” earlier this year, Nasaan turned heads performing at SXSW. In May, he earned a spot in Fresh Empire’s The New Wave rap contest, hosted by Hot 97’s Sway Calloway. He even got a shout out from Shady during the process, who urged his fans to check out the up-and-comer’s music.

“I’m proud of what he’s becoming as a rapper,” Em commented on a throwback Instagram picture of himself and Nasaan. “Back when we took this photo a few years ago I didn’t even know he was taking music serious. Proof is somewhere real proud too!”

Despite coming in second place in the contest, Saan made a name for himself and is buzzing harder than ever with added help from new tracks “On Time” and “OK.” Now it’s time to leave his own legacy as he preps the release of his debut project.

Living proof.

Check out some of Nasaan’s latest songs below.

“OK”

“On Time”

“Flowstone Freestyle”

“The New Wave Round 2 Challenge”