Rapper Nas spoke to 900 high school students in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Sunday (March 14), as a part of the annual National Keystone Conference for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

During his address, the rapper spoke about the importance of high school, and why he wishes he never dropped out.

Despite releasing nine successful albums over the years, beginning in 1994 with his classic Illmatic album, Nas says his goal was to receive a high school diploma, something he was never able to accomplish.

"The reality of it is, you need to keep educating yourself, and I wish I had stayed in school," he said.

Nas went on to explain that dropping out was one of the biggest mistakes of his life, before adding that he's still pursuing his diploma today.

Frank Sanchez, VP for corporate relationships for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, told Pittsburg's Post-Gazette that he was thrilled to have someone as influential as Nas stress the importance of education to the kids.

"This is an incredible message, to have someone who succeeded so much in their life, but there is still a void." he said.

Nas was just one of several other stars to speak to teens that day, as a part of the four-day conference. Ne-Yo was another.