The album 'God's Son' was released on December 13, 2002, by Columbia Records. It is Nas's sixth studio album and was dedicated to his mother, Ann Jones, who died of cancer in April 2002. The cover art depicts Nas with a crown of thorns, referencing the title.
The album debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200, selling approximately 156,000 copies in its first week. It includes the hit singles 'Made You Look', produced by Salaam Remi, and 'I Can', which samples the melody of Beethoven's 'Für Elise' and became an anthem for youth empowerment.
'God's Son' was critically acclaimed as a return to form for Nas, featuring introspective and mature lyrics. Songs like 'Dance' and 'Heaven' address the loss of his mother, while 'The Cross' and 'Get Down' showcase his lyrical skill. The album has been certified gold by the RIAA.