Rapper Nas was back in his old stomping grounds this week, visiting the Queensbridge Houses where he grew up to hand out holiday gifts to kids, according to social media posts from the star and others.
The acclaimed "Illmatic" artist posted a series of photos on his Instagram account Wednesday night, which show him posing with residents and children at a toy giveaway at the Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement House on the Queensbridge Houses campus.
The event was organized by Mass Appeal, a cultural magazine where Nas — whose full name is Nasir Jones — is the associate publisher, according to a NYCHA spokesman.
Captain Hugh Bogle, head of the NYPD's Housing Bureau for Service Area 9, also tweeted a photo of the star's visit, thanking Nas for sharing "the joys of the holiday season providing toys to the kids of QueensbridgeHouses."
Thanking @Nas for share the joys of the holiday season providing toys to the kids of QueensbridgeHouses #GivingBack pic.twitter.com/KqkwEEdVP7
— NYPD Housing PSA 9 (@NYPDPSA9) December 15, 2016
The NYPD did not immediately respond to a query about the event.
A NYCHA spokesman said the housing agency was "excited" to hear of the famous rapper's visit.
"One of NYCHA's most prominent alumni, Nas' commitment to the community where he grew up is an inspiration to the residents who call Queensbridge home," spokesman Isaac McGinn said.
"NYCHA hopes to partner with Nas going forward to create more connected communities in Queens and across New York City."
► RELATED: Nas Mural in Queensbridge Pays Tribute to Rapper's Childhood Home
