Nas, born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones on September 14, 1973, is an iconic American rapper, songwriter, and actor. Hailing from Queens, New York, Nas is widely regarded as one of the greatest lyricists in hip-hop history, known for his insightful storytelling, poetic wordplay, and vivid narratives that capture the realities of inner-city life.
Nas burst onto the scene in 1994 with his critically acclaimed debut album, “Illmatic,” which is often hailed as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. The album showcased his unparalleled lyrical skills and showcased his ability to craft intricate rhymes that resonate with audiences to this day.
Throughout his career, Nas has consistently pushed the boundaries of the genre, tackling social and political issues with his thought-provoking lyrics. His discography includes numerous critically acclaimed albums such as “It Was Written,” “Stillmatic,” “God’s Son,” and “Life is Good,” all of which have cemented his legacy as a rap legend.
Beyond his music, Nas has also made strides in acting and entrepreneurship. He has appeared in films such as “Belly” and “Hype Williams Presents: The Show,” showcasing his versatility as an artist. Additionally, he has ventured into the business world, launching his own venture capital firm and investing in various tech startups.
With a career spanning over three decades, Nas continues to inspire and influence the next generation of artists, leaving an indelible mark on the world of hip-hop and beyond. His unique storytelling ability, introspective lyrics, and unwavering authenticity have solidified his position as an iconic figure in music history.
1."N.Y. State of Mind "
Nas' iconic track, "N.Y. State of Mind", takes listeners on a journey through the streets of New York City. Its raw lyrics and captivating storytelling make it one of Nas' greatest works.
1994 was the release year of this track. It was featured in his album "Illmatic" and produced by DJ Premier. It sampled "Mind Rain" by Joe Chambers, and peaked at #69 on Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.
Unmatched lyrical brilliance and delivery set Nas apart from other hip-hop artists. His poetic rhymes and sharp wordplay provide a raw glimpse into life in Queensbridge housing projects. Through personal anecdotes, he transports listeners to the heart of the city's streets.
"N.Y. State of Mind" is based on true events and experiences. Nas paints a vivid picture of the issues faced by urban communities. This song resonates with audiences worldwide and continues to be one of Nas' best creations. Its legacy cements it as a classic in hip-hop history.
2."The World Is Yours "
The second song on the list is "TheWorldIsYours". Here are the details:
- Artist: Nas
- Album: Illmatic
- Released: April 19, 1994
- It has a sample from "Message from the Inner City" by The Crusaders. This adds an interesting sound.
- Nas revealed in an interview that he got the phrase "the world is yours" from a Scarface line. It's amazing how inspiration can come from unexpected places.
- This song is often called one of the greatest hip-hop songs ever. Rolling Stone even ranked it 15th in their list of 50 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs.
- Can you imagine if Nas actually ruled the world? We'd have rap battles and free verses for all!
3."If I Ruled the World(ImagineThat)"
Nas's "If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)" is a timeless classic. Released in 1996 as part of his second studio album, "It Was Written," it continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
This iconic track features Lauryn Hill's soulful vocals, combining with Nas's lyrical prowess and insightful musings on societal issues. It provides a powerful message of hope and aspiration.
Dive deeper into the song by exploring the sampled track, "I Can Make it Better" by The Whispers, for a better understanding of its musical roots.
You were made to listen to Nas's spell-casting performance, as he drops 'Made You Look' like a mic-dropping magician.
4."Made You Look "
The iconic track, "MadeYouLook" by Nas, is a standout hit in his discography. Here are three reasons why it deserves its spot:
- The energy of the track is undeniable. From the beat to the drums, guitar riffs and soulful vocal samples, it's an unforgettable sonic experience.
- Lyrically, Nas showcases his finest wordplay and thought-provoking lyrics. Lines like, "I got numbers unlisted for all my fans, and n****s saying 'No wonder you won'…" are sure to captivate the listener.
- Most importantly, this track carries a deeper message. Nas sheds light on social issues and systemic injustices in society, making it more than just a banger.
Don't miss out – give it a listen today!
5."One Mic"
Nas's "OneMic" is a classic hip-hop anthem. It's production style, featuring a sample from Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight", and Nas's lyrical prowess make it a standout in his discography.
To appreciate it fully, pay close attention to Nas's delivery and wordplay. His intricate rhymes and clever metaphors add layers of depth to the track.
The song tackles various themes, including social issues, self-reflection and personal struggles. It resonates deeply with listeners, amplifying its impact.
Experience the brilliance of "OneMic" and understand why it's one of Nas's best songs ever!
6."The Don"
"The Don" by Nas takes the 6th spot on his greatest songs list. It's a powerful, energetic song exhibiting Nas' lyrical prowess and capacity for impactful music.
Here are some key aspects of it:
- Released: April 3, 2012
- Genre: Hip hop
- Length: 3:02
- Produced by: Salaam Remi, Da Internz
- Album: Life Is Good
"The Don" stands out with its unique mix of beats and thought-provoking lyrics. Nas' crafty delivery flows over the track, drawing listeners in with his storytelling.
This track marks a triumphant return for Nas after a brief hiatus. It showcases his growth as an artist, cementing his status as one of the greatest rappers of all time.
All in all, "The Don" will always be a fan favorite, a testament to Nas' talent and influence in hip hop. Nas brought more heat to Jay-Z with 'Ether' than a summer BBQ in the Bronx!
7."Ether"
"Ether" by Nas takes seventh place on our list of the best songs of his ever. This fiery diss track displays Nas's impressive lyrical gifts and capacity to deliver cutting blows to his adversaries.
| Album | Year | |
| Ether | Stillmatic | 2001 |
What is special about "Ether" is its raw power and ferocious dismantling of Jay-Z, who was the target of Nas's verbal attack. This song went down in hip-hop history as a renowned diss track, exhibiting Nas's command of wordplay and his expertise in destroying enemies with exactness.
Pro Tip: "Ether" demonstrates Nas's incredible wordplay and shows the power of skillfully composed disses in hip-hop battles.
Nas raps he can do anything – except maybe fix my love life.
8."I Can"
Nas' "I Can" is a classic. Its uplifting message and beat make it one of the best Nas songs ever. Here's a look at the song's details:
"I Can"
- Album: "God's Son"
- Year: 2002
- Genre: Hip-hop
- Length: 4 minutes and 14 seconds
It gets better. This track samples Beethoven's Symphony No. 7. Plus, it has empowering lyrics that motivate listeners.
Nas drew inspiration from his own life. He wanted to encourage kids, especially those from marginalized communities, to believe in themselves and go after their dreams.
A tragic yet captivating funeral march for hip hop. Nas declares its death with each word. We mourn the loss of this art form, and admire Nas' lyrical genius.
9."HipHop Is Dead"
Nas is legendary. His thought-provoking lyrics and impactful songs are iconic. "HipHopIsDead" is one of his stand-out tracks. It questions the state of hip-hop music and its quality. Nas uses powerful words to remind us the importance of keeping the genre's authenticity.
What does "HipHopIsDead" mean? Let's look at the details:
Album: Hip Hop Is Dead
Release Year: 2006
Genre: Hip-hop/rap
Producer: will.i.am
These facts give us insight into Nas' creation. The title makes us think – it challenges the current state of hip-hop. Nas speaks of how hip-hop has lost its integrity for commercial success.
He believes that true artistry comes from genuine expression and not mainstream expectations. With "HipHopIsDead," Nas encourages artists and fans to reclaim the revolutionary spirit of hip-hop. A timeout from the world, because even Nas knows life needs a break sometimes.
10."Halftime"
Nas' classic, "Halftime," demonstrates his lyrical genius and earned its place in hip-hop history. The track features clever wordplay, vivid storytelling and an engaging flow.
- This song gives us a glimpse of Nas' unparalleled style and talent.
- The lyrics explore life difficulties and social issues.
- Nas' delivery is incredible, his voice captivating the entire track.
- His words are so vivid they make listeners feel like they're in his world.
- The production perfectly accompanies Nas' rhymes, creating a memorable sound.
Moreover, "Halftime" is one of Nas' greatest songs. It previews his potential and is highly praised.
To emphasize how special this song is, here's a true story. One day, with friends in the car, this song came on the radio. Everyone rushed to turn it up and bop their heads. The energy was amazing as we all sang Nas' thought-provoking lyrics. It was a magical moment that made us appreciate hip-hop and Nas even more.
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.
