Let's go back to 2005 when Nas was one of the most prominent rappers in the industry. As noted by NPR, he married singer Kelis that same year, and, given how their music complemented the other, they were automatically assigned as "hip hop royalty in the public eye." But what many saw as a match made in musical heaven was far from perfect. Kelis claimed that her marriage to Nas was fraught with tension, and she and her husband argued often. In a seemingly toxic coping tactic, Nas would reportedly get "black-out drunk before becoming violent toward" Kelis. "Literally, we would have the worst night ever and we would wake up the next day, and it's like it never happened," she told Hollywood Unlocked.
The two eventually split up after five years of what Kelis described as "tumultuous and toxic," claiming she endured both physical and emotional abuse as a result. Explaining how she had "edited" herself to fit into the role in her marriage, Kelis said that she woke up one morning and said, "Not today."
Nas has denied Kelis' allegations (via Pitchfork), saying, in part, "Everything with her is a plot and a scheme. Has no merit. No foundation."
If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic abuse, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233. You can also find more information, resources, and support at their website.
