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(AllHipHop News) Nas was on hand at the Boys and Girls Club’s 43rd annual National Keystone Conference in Pittsburgh to drive home the importance of education and leadership.

The elite lyricist spoke candidly about his personal life, admitting that he never finished high school and regrets the decision despite his years of a success as a musician. He now plans to obtain the diploma, and urged those present not to make the same mistake.

“The reality of it is, you need to keep educating yourself, and I wish I had stayed in school,” Nas explained. “Be your own leader.”

Nas, along with Ne-Yo and former NBA player Bob Lanier, were brought in by the Keystone Club, a subgroup within the Boys and Girls Club that emphasizes leadership through community service.

The organization’s Vice President of Corporate and Partner Relationships, Frank Sanchez, applauded Nas’ message for highlighting a desire for education in spite of his financial success and popularity. To date, the 19-year veteran has a resume that boasts 9 solo LPs; four which are #1 albums, and all certified gold or platinum.

“This is an incredible message, to have someone who succeeded so much in their life, but there is still a void,” he told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Last week, a confirmed tracklisting was revealed for Nas and Damian Marley’s highly anticipated album Distant Relatives.

The project will be released on May 25 with appearances from Lil Wayne, K’Naan, Junior Reid, Dennis Brown, and Joss Stone.