Rap veteran Nas recently discussed his method for staying relevant after two decades in the music industry and what hip-hop album stands out the most in his head from last year.

Asked for what keeps fresh ideas churning, Nas said authenticity is key.

"Rule No. 1 is you can't be fake. If you're fake, you become a gimmick and you're selling a gimmick; a little gimmick is cool, this is entertainment. But when you base your stuff on mostly real stuff, you never run out of it because every day is a different adventure." (SF Gate)