Nas, born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones on September 14, 1973, is a highly influential American rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur. Hailing from Queensbridge, New York City, Nas is renowned for his vivid storytelling, complex lyricism, and socially conscious themes.
He burst onto the scene in 1994 with his groundbreaking debut album, “Illmatic,” which is widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. “Illmatic” showcased Nas’ unparalleled lyrical prowess and showcased his ability to paint vivid pictures of life in urban America.
Throughout his career, Nas has released numerous critically acclaimed albums, including “It Was Written,” “Stillmatic,” and “God’s Son.” He has explored a wide range of topics in his music, from social issues and political commentary to personal reflections on his own life experiences.
Nas is also known for his entrepreneurial ventures, including his record label Mass Appeal Records and investments in various tech startups.
With his profound impact on the genre of hip-hop and his status as one of the greatest lyricists in rap history, Nas has solidified his legacy as an icon in the music industry.
1. N.Y. State of Mind
“N.Y. State of Mind” is a gritty and introspective rap song by Nas, released in 1994 as part of his debut album “Illmatic.” The track’s ominous beat, produced by DJ Premier, sets the tone for Nas’ vivid lyrical portrayal of life in New York City’s Queensbridge housing projects. In the song, Nas reflects on the struggles of urban life, from poverty and violence to the daily hustle for survival. With its raw authenticity and intricate wordplay, “N.Y. State of Mind” is hailed as one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time, cementing Nas’ reputation as one of the genre’s most skilled lyricists.
2. If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)
“If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” is a classic hip-hop track by Nas, featuring Lauryn Hill, released in 1996 as part of his album “It Was Written.” The song’s uplifting melody, sampled from the 1985 track “Friends” by Whodini, provides a nostalgic backdrop for Nas’ introspective lyrics. In the song, Nas imagines a world where he has the power to bring about positive change, advocating for unity, peace, and equality. Lauryn Hill’s soulful vocals on the chorus add depth and emotion to the track. “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” remains a standout in Nas’ discography, celebrated for its thought-provoking lyrics and timeless message of hope and empowerment.
3. The World Is Yours
“The World Is Yours” is a seminal hip-hop track by Nas, released in 1994 as part of his debut album “Illmatic.” Produced by Pete Rock, the song features a jazzy sample from Ahmad Jamal’s “I Love Music” and showcases Nas’ intricate lyricism and storytelling prowess. In “The World Is Yours,” Nas reflects on the struggles and aspirations of growing up in the inner city, expressing determination to overcome adversity and seize opportunities. The track’s catchy hook, “Whose world is this? The world is yours, the world is yours,” has become an iconic mantra in hip-hop culture, resonating with listeners as a call to pursue dreams and achieve greatness.
4. One Mic
“One Mic” is a powerful and introspective song by Nas, released in 2002 as part of his album “Stillmatic.” The track features a haunting beat and poignant lyrics that delve into themes of self-reflection, inner struggles, and the power of expression.
In “One Mic,” Nas delivers emotionally charged verses that touch on personal experiences, social issues, and the complexities of life in urban America. The song’s title serves as a metaphor for the idea of having one microphone to speak out and make a difference in the world.
With its raw intensity and thought-provoking lyrics, “One Mic” is widely regarded as one of Nas’ standout tracks and a classic in hip-hop music. It showcases Nas’ exceptional storytelling ability and his talent for conveying raw emotion through his music.
5. Life’s a Bitch
“Life’s a Bitch” is a classic hip-hop song by Nas, featuring AZ, released in 1994 as part of Nas’ debut album “Illmatic.” The track is celebrated for its smooth jazz-infused beat, courtesy of producer L.E.S., and its profound and introspective lyrics.
In “Life’s a Bitch,” Nas and AZ reflect on the struggles and challenges of life in the inner city, touching on themes of poverty, crime, and the pursuit of success. Despite the hardships they face, the song emphasizes the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
With its infectious hook and memorable verses, “Life’s a Bitch” has become one of the most iconic tracks on “Illmatic” and a staple of Nas’ catalog. It showcases Nas’ poetic lyricism and storytelling prowess, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest rappers of all time.
6. Hate Me Now
“Hate Me Now” is a powerful hip-hop song by Nas, featuring Puff Daddy (now known as Diddy), released in 1999 as part of Nas’ album “I Am…”. The song’s intense beat and dramatic orchestration create a commanding backdrop for Nas’ assertive lyrics. In “Hate Me Now,” Nas addresses his critics and detractors, defiantly asserting his place in the rap game and refusing to be brought down by negativity. The song’s chorus, sung by Diddy, reinforces this message of resilience and determination, declaring, “Hate me now, but I won’t stop now, I can’t stop now.” “Hate Me Now” is celebrated for its boldness and unapologetic attitude, solidifying Nas’ reputation as one of hip-hop’s most fearless artists.
7. One Love
“One Love” is a timeless hip-hop track by Nas, released in 1994 as part of his debut album “Illmatic.” The song is produced by Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest and features a laid-back beat with smooth jazz samples.
In “One Love,” Nas narrates letters to friends in prison, offering words of encouragement and updating them on life in the streets. The track serves as a vivid portrayal of urban life and the struggles faced by individuals caught in the cycle of crime and incarceration.
With its introspective lyrics and vivid storytelling, “One Love” showcases Nas’ ability to capture the realities of life in the inner city. The song has become a classic in hip-hop, celebrated for its poignant social commentary and Nas’ impeccable flow.
8. It Ain’t Hard to Tell
“It Ain’t Hard to Tell” is a classic hip-hop song by Nas, released in 1994 as part of his debut album “Illmatic.” Produced by Large Professor, the song features a sample from Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature” and showcases Nas’ intricate rhyme schemes and lyrical prowess. In “It Ain’t Hard to Tell,” Nas delivers vivid verses filled with vivid imagery and wordplay, offering insights into his life and experiences growing up in Queensbridge, New York. The track’s infectious beat and smooth flow have made it a standout in Nas’ discography, celebrated for its timeless appeal and contribution to the golden era of hip-hop.
9. Made You Look
“Made You Look” is a high-energy hip-hop track by Nas, released in 2002 as part of his album “God’s Son.” Produced by Salaam Remi, the song features a hard-hitting beat and samples from the 1980 song “Apache” by the Incredible Bongo Band.
In “Made You Look,” Nas showcases his lyrical dexterity and bravado, delivering confident verses filled with clever wordplay and rapid-fire flows. The song’s catchy hook and infectious energy make it a standout track on “God’s Son.”
Lyrically, “Made You Look” touches on themes of street life, authenticity, and the power of perception. The title serves as a declaration of Nas’ dominance in the rap game and his ability to captivate audiences with his music.
With its gritty production and memorable lyrics, “Made You Look” has become one of Nas’ most iconic songs and a fan favorite in his extensive discography.
10. I Can
“I Can” is an uplifting hip-hop song by Nas, released in 2002 as part of his album “God’s Son.” The song’s inspirational message and positive vibes make it a standout track in Nas’ repertoire. In “I Can,” Nas delivers motivational verses aimed at empowering listeners, particularly children, to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles. The song’s catchy chorus, “I know I can, be what I wanna be, if I work hard at it, I’ll be where I wanna be,” reinforces this message of self-belief and determination. “I Can” has become a beloved anthem for resilience and ambition, resonating with audiences of all ages.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
