Nas Nasir Jones and Shawn Carter ended their public beef a long time ago, but Nas remains a sort of less successful, less consistent -- but just a little bit cooler -- alternate-universe version of Jay-Z. Where Jigga has interspersed a solid back catalog with a handful of good-to-great albums, Nasty Nas peaked early with one bona fide masterpiece (his 1991 debut "Illmatic"). And while both men have ditched cliched hip-hop garb of late and embraced a more sartorially aware style, where Mr. Carter favors a suave, preppy ensemble, Mr. Jones opts for a slightly more out-there, fashion-forward outfit.

For the latest stop on a career that some time ago abandoned attempts at Jay-Z-style megastardom in favor of a more low-key but quirkier road, Nas has teamed up with reggae star and Bob Marley spawn Damian Marley (who thankfully appears to have dumped his cumbersome "Junior Gong" nickname). If the stellar lead single "As We Enter" from the new record "Distant Relatives'' is anything to go by, this hip-hop/dancehall soundclash may prove a fruitful diversion in an always interesting musical journey.

Check out our interpretation of Nas' edgy, fashion-conscious apparel below.



J. Lindeberg Dante Jacket
Leather jackets don't have to black. This excellent pale brown number from J. Lindeberg captures the hip, arty inspiration of the Nas look. ($557 from Ssense.com)

Shades of Greige Blue/Ivory Miami Weis Double Layer V-Neck Tee
This layered, deep-necked T-shirt effect can be achieved two ways: either pair a plain white top with a stripey, Russian-sailor style tee or simply buy the contrasting styles pre-combined! Being lazy, we know which option we'll choose. ($62 from OakNYC.com)

Vintage Straight Jeans
Nothing fussy here, just classic, straight-legged black jeans.
($79.50 from LuckyBrand.com)

Co-op Barneys New York Distressed Leather Belt in Medium Brown
($110 from Barneys.com)

Diesel Knoty Black Triangle Scarf
A silky, dandy-ish scarf elevates this outfit from a straightforward, stylish ensemble to something a little more funky and hip. This mohawk-patterned Diesel accessory is both a bargain (30% off!) and appropriately decadent. ($21 from Ssense.com)