In the vast tapestry of hip-hop history, one name stands out as a pillar of lyrical excellence and artistic brilliance: Nas. With a career spanning over three decades, Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, better known as Nas, has solidified his place as an iconic figure in the rap genre. From his impactful debut album, “Illmatic,” to his latest chart-topping releases, Nas has consistently captivated listeners with his vivid storytelling, thought-provoking lyricism, and undeniable charisma.
In this article, we embark on a journey through Nas’s discography to unveil the top ten best songs he has ever produced. Each track on this illustrious list represents a remarkable testament to Nas’s artistic prowess, showcasing his ability to seamlessly blend introspection, social commentary, and poetic finesse.
From the gritty streets of Queensbridge, New York, to the global stage, Nas’s musical legacy has left an indelible mark on the genre. With his distinct voice, impeccable flow, and lyrical dexterity, he has become a symbol of authenticity and an inspiration to countless artists who followed in his footsteps.
Prepare to delve into a comprehensive exploration of Nas’s greatest hits, where we’ll dissect the stories, themes, and cultural impact behind each track. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer seeking to uncover the essence of Nas’s artistry, this curated list is bound to leave you with a profound appreciation for one of hip-hop’s most influential figures.
Join us as we celebrate the incomparable talent of Nas and unravel the ten songs that encapsulate the very best of his illustrious career.
1. One On One
This track, about Nas's prowess in rap battles, showcases his exceptional storytelling skills and creative use of metaphors. 'One On One' is a perfect blend of old-school and modern rap beats with catchy hooks. The song has become a cult classic among hip-hop enthusiasts for its relatable lyrics and clever wordplay. Nas's effortless flow on the beat coupled with his witty rhymes creates an unparalleled listening experience that stands the test of time.
Expounding on 'One On One', it highlights Nas's artistry in weaving personal anecdotes into his lyrical verse. He masterfully uses vivid imagery to depict the competitive nature of rap battles, bringing listeners along on his journey to showcase his lyrical prowess. The song tells a story with themes related not only to Nas but also to issues that young aspiring rappers face every day, such as issues related to self-esteem. Overall, 'One On One' brilliantly showcases how Nas revolutionized hip-hop by making storytelling an integral part of the genre.
Unique nuances in 'One On One' go beyond just showcasing battle-rap swagger; it encapsulates what makes some of Nas's most-loved tracks iconic – truthful introspection and clear-cut commentary on societal inequality. It provides insight into how Nas rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most celebrated rappers of all time, through sheer determination and poetic excellence.
To best appreciate this masterpiece, listeners could analyse its lyrics more closely or trace its influence on later generations of rappers who followed him. It can also be listened to after a rigorous workout session when the adrenaline rush is high as the track can help maintain performance energy levels through inspiring lyricism and relentless rhyming ability portrayed by Nas.
Listening to 'Suspect' feels like being a fly on the wall of a crime scene, but with better beats.
2. Suspect
The second item on our list revolves around Nas' hit song 'Suspect'. In this track, Nas takes us through a narrative of his experiences with distrust and the frequent accusations that come with being in the limelight. He vividly paints a picture of a world that is full of cynicism and betrayal, where greatness almost always garners suspicion. The lyrics are raw, honest and thought-provoking, leaving listeners with an appreciation for the complexities of fame.
Moving on to our next song selection, we take a closer look at another masterpiece from Nas' discography. It's important to note that Nas has consistently demonstrated exceptional lyrical talent over the years, and 'Suspect' is no exception. This track serves as a testament to his ability to craft compelling stories while drawing from personal experiences.
It's worth mentioning that 'Suspect' played a significant role in cementing Nas' status as one of hip-hop's most influential artists. The song skillfully blends vulnerability with bravado, making it relatable yet captivating. Overall, it's easy to see why 'Suspect' deserves a place among Nas' best works.
Don't miss out on the chance to experience one of hip-hop history's most talented lyricists at his finest. Give 'Suspect' a listen and immerse yourself in Nas' world of intrigue and suspicion.
Why rob a bank when you can just listen to Nas's 'Got Ur Self A…' and feel like a boss?
3. Got Ur Self A…
In this Nas song, he gave a raw and honest account of the struggles of being a rapper and coming from the streets. The lyrics spoke of overcoming obstacles and the importance of staying true to oneself.
- Nas reflects on his journey from humble beginnings to success
- The instrumental features a sample from Iron Butterfly's "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida"
- The song was released in 2001 as part of Nas' album "Stillmatic"
- It received critical acclaim for its authenticity and powerful message.
Interestingly, Nas wrote "Got Ur Self A…" as a response to Jay-Z's diss track, "Takeover". The two rappers had a longstanding feud that ignited in the late 90s.
Don't miss out on listening to one of Nas' most iconic tracks. Give "Got Ur Self A…" a spin and soak up the insightful lyrics and compelling narrative.
Listening to 'I Can' is like getting a motivational speech from Nas himself, but with a killer beat.
4. I Can
Nas's 'I Can' discusses the power of education and the responsibility of parents to raise their children well. The song, featuring a sample from Beethoven's Symphony No. 7, is a timeless classic that urges listeners to carry on despite the hardships in life. With excellent rhyme schemes and memorable lyrics, 'I Can' remains one of Nas's most popular songs.
Moreover, what sets this track apart is its focus on educating young minds about black history and important figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Marcus Garvey. Nas encourages children to strive for excellence by reading books and learning about their culture. The song's positive message has earned it accolades from educators worldwide.
In addition, some suggest using 'I Can' as an educational tool to teach children about character-building and overcoming adversity. It can also be used as a platform for parents to communicate with their children about the importance of personal growth.
Overall, 'I Can' showcases Nas's talent for storytelling and his dedication to inspiring change through music. As one of his top hits, it continues to inspire listeners to pursue their dreams relentlessly while staying true to themselves.
Better hide your daughters, Nas is coming through with some real talk on fatherhood in this track.
5. Daughters
The fifth on the list is a soulful and introspective track in which Nas raps about his own experiences with raising a daughter. Through vivid storytelling, he addresses the challenges of parenting and imparts an important message about the importance of treating women with respect. The song carries a deep sense of emotion, allowing listeners to feel the weight of Nas's words.
Nas's poetic verses expertly navigate the complex emotions that come with parenthood while also shedding light on larger societal issues related to gender equality and misogyny. "Daughters" serves as a reminder that behind every strong and confident woman, there is often someone who has contributed to her growth and development.
Listeners are drawn into this poignant narrative through Nas's captivating delivery, which captures both vulnerability and strength. As one of his most personal tracks to date, "Daughters" stands out as a testament to Nas's lyrical talent and ability to convey important messages through music.
Interestingly, Nas revealed in an interview that he was inspired to write the song after witnessing his daughter's struggle with growing up in the public eye. This personal connection only adds to the authenticity and raw emotion conveyed in "Daughters".
If you don't feel like a badass after listening to 'N.Y. State Of Mind', you're probably just a New Yorker waiting in line for a bagel.
6. N.Y. State Of Mind
One of the most iconic tracks in Nas' discography is about his own experiences in New York City. The track, which shall be identified as '6', encapsulates the gritty, visceral realities of growing up in Queensbridge, Nas' home turf. The lyrics detail the harshness of life on the streets, depicting encounters with gangsters and criminals alike. However, Nas' lyrical skill shines through in his ability to reflect upon these experiences and provide commentary on the state of urban America at the time. This track is a testament to Nas' talent as both a rapper and a storyteller.
In '6', Nas delves into the complexities of living in a violent environment and how it can shape an individual's perspective. He recounts vivid memories from his past, describing intimate details such as carrying a gun for protection or running from police officers while they were chasing him. At its core, this song serves as an honest examination of one man's struggle against adversity.
To truly appreciate this song's impact, you must consider its historical significance. When released in 1994, it was praised by critics who found it groundbreaking with its blatant honesty concerning New York City during that era. Beyond this period though, it had an enduring cultural impact that can still be felt today.
Don't miss out on experiencing the raw energy that exudes through '6'. It is more than just a rap classic – it captures a specific moment in music history when East Coast hip-hop reigned supreme over all others. Give yourself the gift of listening to '6', and prepare to witness greatness at its finest!
They say one mic can change the world, but Nas proved it with his unforgettable rhymes.
7. One Mic
This Nas classic, with its unforgettable beats coupled with his poignant delivery, won the hearts of fans worldwide. The song conveys the struggle between hope and despair and the portrayal of raw human emotions through Nas' lyrics is simply astounding. '7. One Mic' is often regarded as one of Nas' most legendary works.
Throughout the track, Nas drops bars that resonate with listeners on a personal level, discussing themes of violence, redemption, and powerlessness. He expertly creates vivid imagery in each line to craft an incredibly emotional experience for his audience.
It's worth noting that 'One Mic' wasn't originally meant to be a single, but due to its popularity among fans, it became one of the most memorable tracks of his career and earned him critical acclaim.
Nas has previously stated that the idea for 'One Mic' came to him before he even had a beat or any kind of instrumental backing. He wanted it to be an acapella piece where he could display his vocal abilities without any distractions from production elements. Undoubtedly, this decision paid off well for him and solidified his position as an all-time great in Hip-Hop history.
"You know a Nas song is good when you feel like you need to commit a crime after listening to it" – Take It In Blood definitely delivers.
8. Take It In Blood
One of the standout tracks from Nas' discography is a song that explores themes of violence, betrayal and survival. This track, which ranks eighth on our list, takes listeners on a raw and emotional journey through gritty lyricism and haunting beats.
'Take It In Blood' showcases Nas' ability to paint vivid pictures with his words, as he tells the story of a street soldier caught up in the harsh realities of life in the inner city. With lines like "The good die young, so I've been around murderers forever," he illustrates the harsh truth that many young people face in impoverished communities.
Notably, this song also samples music from legendary jazz musician Ahmad Jamal, seamlessly blending genres and showcasing Nas' unique style.
Overall, 'Take It In Blood' stands as one of Nas' most effective songs, exploring important social issues while displaying his unparalleled skill as a wordsmith. For fans looking to dig deeper into Nas' discography or those interested in exploring the complexities of inner-city life, this track is a must-listen.
If Nas ruled the world, we'd all be bumping Illmatic on repeat and wearing bucket hats like it's '94.
9. If I Ruled The World
Nas' hit single, which features Lauryn Hill on vocals, paints a picture of a world ruled by him. The lyrics capture Nas' dream for the perfect world where he would make things right and fair for all individuals regardless of gender, race or rank. He envisions a society where love and peace reign supreme, crime rates are low and people live in harmony with each other. The message behind the song is powerful and uplifting, making this track one of Nas' most iconic works.
In 'If I Ruled The World', Nas talks about his ambition to rebuild the world as we know it today. He highlights issues such as poverty, crime and corruption that plague humanity before addressing them through his vision of an ideal society. Despite being more than two decades old, the song's message remains relevant today thanks to its timeless lyrics. Its infectious beat and melody also contribute to its widespread recognition among fans.
As an artist who has always pushed the boundaries with his music, Nas reveals a different side of himself in this track through honest storytelling that many can relate to. His lyrical prowess shines throughout while complemented by Lauryn Hill's soulful delivery on the chorus. 'If I Ruled The World' continues to be one of Nas' most successful works due to its universal appeal which transcends race, age and creed.
Fun fact: 'If I Ruled The World' won Nas his first Grammy nomination in 1997 for Best Rap Solo Performance.
Even if you hate Nas now, you'll still be blasting 'Hate Me Now' at your ex's wedding.
10. Hate Me Now
This entry on our list showcases Nas’ ability to depict his resilience amidst adversity. His song contains powerful beats and profound lyrics that convey his message with authentic style. Carefully picked samples, powerful instrumentals, and introspective rhymes make "Hate Me Now" one of Nas’ best works. Its critical success proves how much it resonated with the audience, cementing this hit as a true classic in Hip Hop culture.
In addition to its popularity, "Hate Me Now" was a statement song that made Nas' point loud and clear. The controversial video paired with his unapologetically raw vocals created an incomparable energy that left listeners enthralled. It reflects two things: resilience and determination in Nas' life but also showcases his storytelling skills.
Nas’s use of symbolism in the song is notable, which adds depth to listeners' interpretation levels. The vivid descriptions of ancient Egypt, the juxtaposition of violence and freedom plus references to religion were hit brilliantly with each verse.
Pro Tip: To get the most out of 'Hate Me Now', listen to it intently while focusing on every word said; you will catch new aspects every time you hear it.
Samuel Moore 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.
