Nas on Nelson Medela: "He's a great inspiration and he'll be remembered forever..."

Nelson Mandela is undoubtedly the face of a nation. When we reported on his hospitalization earlier this year, we kind of figured it was only a matter of time before we would hear of his passing. He lived a full and complete life, and now he can rest well. Nas recently spoke on the freedom fighter's death. Hip Hop Wired reports:

Nelson Mandela lived a fruitful life over the last 95 years.

South Africa's most revered freedom fighter became a symbol of the country's fight for racial equality, but over the years Mandela's reach transcended that of apartheid.

The man born, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, is best known for serving 27 years in prison on charges that he attempted to overthrow the government. He was sentenced to life in prison in 1964, and was able to look at his imprisonment as an opportunity to usher in change, as he said in 1994:

"I realized the role I could play and the possibility before me as a defendant. I was the symbol of justice in the court of the oppressor. The representative of the great ideals of freedom, fairness and democracy in a society that dishonored those virtues. I realized then and there that I could carry on the flight even in the fortress of the enemy."

Mandela passed away today (Dec. 5) leaving behind a legacy as one of the globe's most influential figures in modern history, one that touched the Hip-Hop world.

Nasir Jones was the first rappers to pay his 140-character respects for the whole world to view and The305.com recently caught up with the Hip-Hop legend at the Art Basel 2013, sponsored by Hennessy and The FADER to discuss the passing of another legend.

The Grammy Award-nominated artist recalled the first time he witnessed the late freedom fighter in person. He just happened to be with another fallen angel that touched his life. His mother.

"I went to see Nelson Mandela at Yankee Stadium when he got released from prison and he came to the United States. My mom took me with her. That was a big moment in my life," he remembered.

Nas has been globetrotting across the country as of late. He recently opened up a sneaker store in Las Vegas and celebrated his birthday and was honored by Harvard University with a fellowship in his name.

"So much in his life and times...it can't be measured," Nas continued. "He's a great inspiration and he'll be remembered forever as he chills with the ancestors.