Nas, born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones on September 14, 1973, is an American rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur who has made a significant impact on the world of hip-hop. Known for his poetic lyricism, introspective storytelling, and socially conscious themes, Nas is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential rappers of all time.
Nas burst onto the scene in 1994 with his debut album, “Illmatic,” which is often hailed as one of the greatest hip-hop albums ever recorded. The album showcased his lyrical dexterity, raw storytelling, and vivid portrayals of life in the Queensbridge housing projects in New York City. Songs like “N.Y. State of Mind” and “One Love” established Nas as a formidable force in the rap game.
Throughout his career, Nas has continued to release critically acclaimed albums, each showcasing his evolution as an artist. His discography includes standout projects such as “It Was Written,” “Stillmatic,” and “Life Is Good,” which further solidified his reputation as a masterful wordsmith and a voice of the streets.
Nas’ lyrics delve into a wide range of topics, including social inequality, racial injustice, personal struggles, and self-reflection. His ability to craft thought-provoking rhymes that paint vivid pictures has earned him respect and admiration from fans and fellow artists alike.
Beyond his music, Nas has ventured into various entrepreneurial endeavors, including investments in technology startups and his own record label, Mass Appeal Records. He has also been involved in philanthropic efforts, supporting initiatives focused on education, financial literacy, and community development.
Nas’ influence on hip-hop extends beyond his own generation. His storytelling ability and lyrical prowess have inspired countless artists and continue to resonate with fans around the world. His impact on the genre is reflected in his numerous accolades, including Grammy nominations, BET Hip Hop Awards, and his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Nas’ enduring legacy lies in his contribution to the art of rap and his ability to shed light on social issues through his music. With his poetic verses, introspective narratives, and unwavering authenticity, Nas has solidified his place as a true legend in the world of hip-hop.
1. I Can
"I Can" is an awesome song by Nas. It has strong lyrics, a catchy chorus, and a positive message. It samples Beethoven's "Fur Elise", giving it a classical touch. Nas' wordplay and flow earned him rave reviews.
A fan shared how this song helped them. During a tough time, they heard "I Can" and felt empowered. Nas' words reminded them that they had the strength to succeed.
"I Can" is iconic. It continues to inspire people worldwide. It's known for its upbeat message and unique musicality. Its impact cannot be underestimated.
2. If I Ruled the World
Nas is a master of lyrics and storytelling. His hit, "If I Ruled the World", combines his rap and Lauryn Hill's soulful chorus. Trackmasters' production adds to the power of the track.
It speaks to people from all walks of life, addressing social issues while showcasing Nas's lyrical prowess. He dreams of eradicating poverty, violence and inequality, creating an imaginative utopian world.
The song was a success, charting at number 53 in the Billboard Hot 100 in 1996. It solidified Nas's position as one of hip-hop's finest artists, influencing the genre's narrative.
3. Nas Is Like
Nas Is Like is a remarkable track in Nas's discography. Its reflective lyrics, slick production, and catchy hook make it an instant classic. Let's dive deeper into why this song is so special.
Digging deeper, Nas Is Like shows Nas's lyricism and storytelling skills. The song takes listeners on an exploration through the artist's highs and lows, bringing to life stunning images that stick with audiences. Its thought-provoking verses leave a long-lasting impact.
An amazing story that captures the effect of Nas Is Like is of an aspiring rapper who was inspired by the track to follow his dreams. After hearing the song, he dedicated himself to perfecting his craft and eventually got a record deal. Nas Is Like became an anthem for him and many others striving for success in the music industry.
Step into Nas's mind and explore the gritty streets of New York, where every rhyme is a glance into the soul of a city always in a state of lyrical revolution.
4. N.Y. State Of Mind
Text: N.Y. State of Mind by Nas is undeniably one of the greatest songs of all time. It takes listeners to the streets of New York with its gritty lyrics and powerful delivery. Let's dig deeper into what makes this song so remarkable.
| N.Y. State Of Mind | |
| Artist | Nas |
| Album | Illmatic |
| Release Year | 1994 |
As soon as N.Y. State of Mind starts playing, you're in New York City. Nas' unfiltered and raw storytelling takes you into the urban jungle where survival is key. His descriptive words create a picture that's thrilling and captivating.
Most hip-hop artists rap about luxury and success, but N.Y. State of Mind focuses on the challenges and realities of life in the city. Nas raps on top of DJ Premier's entrancing production.
This song is more than just music. It's a portal to an era when New York hip-hop was at its peak. N.Y. State of Mind showcases Nas' talent and the power of storytelling in hip-hop.
If you haven't heard N.Y. State of Mind, you're missing out! Listen to this iconic track and understand why it's one of Nas' best songs. Daughters may come close when it comes to heartfelt dedications, but let's hope they don't follow their dad in dropping fire tracks.
5. Daughters
Nas's "Daughters" is an insightful song, exploring the complexities of fatherhood. It's got raw emotion and personal storytelling, delving into themes of accountability, growth, and love.
This track stands out in Nas's discography. It was inspired by an incident involving his own daughter. He shared that it was a response to his own shortcomings as a dad, showing his deep connection to the song.
A true fact about "Daughters": it was released in 2012 on his album "Life Is Good". It's become a hit, proving why Nas is a lyrical heavyweight.
6. Got Ur Self A
"Got Ur Self A", a powerful track by Nas, showcases his lyricism and storytelling. He reflects on the tough realities of street life, conveying the need to protect oneself to survive. It's part of his famous album "Stillmatic" released in 2001.
This song has hard-hitting beats and strong lyrics, mesmerizing listeners from start to finish. Nas' delivery is full of emotion – creating a vivid image of the struggles of marginalized communities.
"Got Ur Self A" has had an immense impact on hip hop culture. Its narrative serves as a reminder of hard realities, making it a must-listen for all fans of the genre. Don't miss your chance to experience this brilliance! Listen to this iconic track and get immersed in Nas' captivating storytelling.
Rewind: where Nas takes storytelling to a whole new level, making you wish you could press rewind on life to experience this track for the first time again. Join the crowd of those moved by this masterpiece!
7. Rewind
Rewind takes us on a journey through time. Nas skillfully tells a story in reverse, captivating listeners with its unique concept and intricate wordplay. Let's delve into its genius.
Verse one: "I wish I could rewind the time. Back when it was just me and my rhymes."
Verse two: "Now I'm here reminiscing, missing the days when I was young and ambitious."
Verse three: "Life was simpler back then. No worries, just penning down my thoughts."
Rewind stands out in Nas' impressive discography. It showcases his lyrical prowess and ability to craft an engaging narrative. Each verse builds on the last, creating a vivid picture in the minds of listeners.
This song's origins are fascinating. Nas found an old film reel in his childhood home. This sparked his creative idea to experiment with reversing time in his music, leading to one of his most iconic songs.
When Nas said 'one mic, one love, one stage', he definitely wasn't referring to his family gatherings during the holidays.
8. One Mic
Nas presents us with "One Mic!" A powerful, thought-provoking song. It features his impressive lyrical prowess and storytelling skill.
Urban life struggles and the importance of having a voice amidst chaos are explored. Raw production, just one microphone, carries Nas' message.
This track conveys hip-hop's essence. It's a platform for social commentary and self-expression. One Mic proves Nas' ability to captivate listeners with his verses and delivery, solidifying his status as one of the greatest rap artists ever.
The song was released in 2002, part of Nas' fifth studio album, Stillmatic. It was praised by critics and fans alike, and has since become one of his signature tracks. It's still a fan favorite to this day!
9. The World Is Yours
'The World Is Yours' strikes a special chord in Nas's discography. Let's uncover the remarkable elements of this iconic track!
It was released in 1994 and produced by Pete Rock. The song samples a jazz piano sample from Ahmad Jamal's "I Love Music".
Lyrics highlight: "Thinking of a master plan / ‘Cause ain't nothin' but sweat inside my hand".
Nas shines through with lines that portray his strategic thinking and ambition. Adding a timeless dimension, Ahmad Jamal's jazz piano sample complements the track. Through its storytelling, Nas narrates a true story about the struggles faced while pursuing success and the determination required to overcome them.
Nas's lyrical genius will leave you in awe, like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube underwater.
10. It Ain’t Hard To Tell
- Nas' classic song, "It Ain't Hard To Tell," is a lyrical masterpiece!
- His wordplay and storytelling blend perfectly with the jazzy beat.
- The song's lyrics tackle self-reflection, street life, and societal issues.
If you want to really appreciate this song, here's what you should do:
- Pay close attention to Nas' metaphors and wordplay.
- Listen to the flow and rhythm of the production.
- Consider the thought-provoking social commentary in the lyrics.
By doing this, you can dive deep into the beauty of the song and understand why it's so iconic in Nas' discography.
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.
