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This iconic NYC rapper will be doing your subway announcements this week

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 16:50 GMT by Time Out
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New York’s Own “Illmatic” Voice Takes the Subway: How Nas Will Be Announcing Your Rides This Week

If you’re a daily commuter, you probably know the rhythm of the subway by heart: the chug‑chug of the trains, the murmur of voices, the faint echo of the “Station ahead” and “All aboard” announcements. But this week, the rhythm is getting a new beat, and it’s coming from one of the city’s most legendary voices.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced that Nas, the Brooklyn‑born rapper whose debut album Illmatic remains a cornerstone of hip‑hop history, will be lending his unmistakable baritone to the system’s automated announcements. The rapper’s involvement is part of the MTA’s broader “Stay Safe, Keep It Cute” campaign, which has been rolled out since the early days of the pandemic and is now entering a new phase of community engagement.

Why Nas? A Voice That Resonates

Nas, whose real name is Nasir Jones, grew up in the South Bronx and Brooklyn, and his lyrics capture the vibrancy and grit of those neighborhoods. Over his 30‑plus‑year career, he has become an icon not only in music but in New York culture at large. In an interview with Timeout New York—the very site that first broke the news—Nas explained that he was “excited to get back into the streets in a different way” and “to give people something to look forward to on their commutes.”

He’s not the first rapper to take to the MTA’s speakers. In 2008, the agency partnered with Jay‑Z for a one‑off “In the City” promo that paired his voice with a new announcement script. But Nas’s collaboration marks the first time an artist of his stature has signed on for a week‑long series of live‑voiced announcements.

What to Expect on the Tracks

The announcements will be recorded at a New York studio and then deployed across all subway lines. While the basic structure remains the same—informing riders of stops, providing safety reminders, and acknowledging delays—the text has been peppered with subtle nods to Nas’s career.

For example, riders traveling toward Brooklyn might hear:
> “Next stop, ‘Brooklyn: the borough that made you who you are.’ Please keep your mask on and your hands clean. Stay safe, keep it cute.”

The voice is not only playful; it’s also informative. In the middle of the line, an announcement will say:
> “You’re on the 2 train. If you’re headed to Harlem, get ready to catch your stop at 125th Street.”

The MTA’s chief communications officer, Lisa McGowan, says the intention is to keep commuters “engaged and relaxed.” She added, “We’re proud to bring a piece of New York’s cultural heritage into the daily grind. Nas’s voice adds a layer of authenticity and positivity that we hope will brighten your journey.”

The “Stay Safe, Keep It Cute” Campaign

The campaign, which began in early 2022, is an attempt to remind commuters to maintain health protocols while also adding a dash of whimsy to the underground. Each week, a different local artist or influencer takes the microphone, and the theme of “cute” is emphasized through fashion, humor, and an overall upbeat tone.

This week, Nas’s voice is paired with a small “mask‑challenge” graphic that appears on the LED screens at key stations. The graphic shows a cartoon face holding a mask and says:
> “Show us how you keep it cute—post your selfie with #MTAStayCute.”

In addition, the MTA has partnered with the New York City Department of Health to provide real‑time updates on local COVID‑19 trends. The announcements also remind commuters to “stay safe,” referencing the city’s current mask policy, which remains in effect for indoor public spaces.

How to Catch the Announcement

The announcements will be scheduled for the entire week, from Monday through Sunday. They’re set to start at 6 a.m. on the 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 lines and will play on the 6 and 7 lines as well. To find out exactly which stations will feature Nas’s voice, the MTA has provided a handy “Upcoming Voices” page on their website. For commuters on the 8‑line, the next announcement will say:
> “All aboard, the 8 train. Next stop, the Bronx.”

Nas’s voice is also available on the MTA’s mobile app, where commuters can listen to the full announcement track as they wait for their train. The app, updated yesterday, now includes a “Listen to Nas” button that streams the announcement directly to your earbuds.

What the Community Is Saying

Within hours of the announcement, the “stay safe, keep it cute” hashtag trended on Twitter. Fans of Nas and subway riders alike took to the platform, sharing clips and memes. One user tweeted, “Did the 7 train sound like Nas? 🎤🚇 #MTAStayCute.” The MTA’s own social media account replied, “Yes! Thanks for riding with us—stay safe and keep it cute.”

In addition, a local hip‑hop blog, The Daily 22, published a review of the announcements, praising the MTA for its innovation and noting that “Nas’s tone gives the subway an instant feel-good upgrade.” They also pointed out that the announcements are “a nod to the city’s artistic roots.”

Behind the Scenes

In a behind‑the‑scenes video posted on the MTA’s YouTube channel, the crew shared how the announcements were recorded. The video shows a recording booth inside a New York studio, with a microphone, headphones, and Nas himself. He joked that he was “a little nervous because I didn’t want to do it wrong and cause a traffic jam,” adding that he’s “happy to get back into the booth.”

The MTA’s public relations team confirmed that the entire process—from recording to deployment—was handled with the same safety protocols that govern all in‑person work during the pandemic. Nas, who is an outspoken advocate for health and safety, praised the MTA for their diligence:
> “I love that they’re taking the extra steps to keep everyone safe. And I love how they’re letting the city’s own voice lead the way.”

Where to Find More

For those interested in the full list of announcements, check the MTA’s “Upcoming Voices” page (https://new.mta.info/subway-voices). Nas’s full announcement track is available for download on the MTA’s App. The article on Timeout New York can be read in its entirety on the site, which also offers a “Related Stories” section linking to similar initiatives, like the MTA’s partnership with Snoop Dogg in 2015, and the 2021 “Mask Up, NYC” drive.

As the trains rumble beneath the streets of New York, the city’s most iconic rapper will be there, making sure you get your stop—and your dose of positivity. Stay safe, keep it cute, and enjoy the ride.