Nas, also known as Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, is an American rapper, songwriter, and actor. He is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential hip-hop artists of all time. Born on September 14, 1973, in Brooklyn, New York, Nas emerged on the hip-hop scene in the early 1990s and quickly gained attention for his lyrical prowess, storytelling ability, and social commentary.
Nas released his debut album, “Illmatic,” in 1994, which is widely considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. It received critical acclaim for its vivid portrayal of life in inner-city New York and its masterful lyricism. Nas’ intricate rhyme schemes, introspective lyrics, and poetic storytelling on tracks like “N.Y. State of Mind” and “One Love” solidified his reputation as a lyrical genius.
Throughout his career, Nas has continued to release acclaimed albums and collaborate with other prominent artists. His discography includes classics such as “It Was Written,” “Stillmatic,” “God’s Son,” “Hip Hop is Dead,” and “Life is Good.” He has received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including several Grammy nominations.
In addition to his music career, Nas has ventured into acting and entrepreneurship, establishing himself as a multifaceted artist and businessman. He remains a prominent figure in hip-hop culture, known for his thought-provoking lyrics, social commentary, and contributions to the genre’s artistic evolution.
1. One Mic
“One Mic” is a song by Nas, featured on his sixth studio album, “Stillmatic,” released in 2001. It’s one of Nas’ most celebrated tracks and is often regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time.
Lyrically, “One Mic” is a powerful and introspective song that delves into themes of self-expression, struggle, and perseverance. Nas’ lyrics paint a vivid picture of urban life, addressing issues such as poverty, violence, and social injustice. The song’s title, “One Mic,” symbolizes the idea of using the power of one’s voice to overcome adversity and effect change.
Musically, “One Mic” features a haunting piano riff and a sparse, minimalist beat, allowing Nas’ impassioned delivery to take center stage. The song builds in intensity as it progresses, with Nas’ flow becoming increasingly urgent and dynamic. The use of a vocal sample from Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” adds to the song’s dramatic effect.
As the song unfolds, “One Mic” becomes a tour de force of lyrical skill and emotional resonance. Nas’ delivery is raw and impassioned, conveying a sense of urgency and authenticity that resonates with listeners on a visceral level. The song’s message of empowerment and self-determination has made it a favorite among fans of conscious hip-hop and has cemented Nas’ legacy as one of the genre’s most important voices.
2. It Ain’t Hard to Tell
“It Ain’t Hard to Tell” is a song by Nas, featured on his debut studio album “Illmatic,” released in 1994. It stands as one of the standout tracks from the album and is often cited as one of Nas’ greatest works.
Lyrically, “It Ain’t Hard to Tell” showcases Nas’ exceptional talent as a wordsmith. The song’s verses are filled with intricate rhyme schemes, clever wordplay, and vivid imagery, showcasing Nas’ ability to paint pictures with his words. The lyrics touch on themes such as street life, lyrical prowess, and the pursuit of success, offering a glimpse into Nas’ worldview and experiences.
Musically, “It Ain’t Hard to Tell” features a sample from Michael Jackson’s song “Human Nature,” which forms the basis of the track’s iconic beat. Produced by Large Professor, the beat is characterized by its smooth jazz-infused melody and boom-bap drum pattern, creating a timeless backdrop for Nas’ lyricism.
As the song unfolds, Nas’ flow is smooth and effortless, seamlessly riding the beat with precision and skill. His delivery is confident and commanding, showcasing his mastery of the mic. The song’s hook, which interpolates lyrics from the Jackson sample, adds to its catchiness and memorability.
“It Ain’t Hard to Tell” serves as a showcase of Nas’ lyrical prowess and artistic vision, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest MCs in hip-hop history. It remains a fan favorite and a timeless classic, beloved for its timeless production and Nas’ unparalleled lyricism.
3. Life’s a Bitch
“Life’s a Bitch” is a song by Nas featuring AZ, included on Nas’ debut studio album “Illmatic,” released in 1994. It’s one of the standout tracks from the album and is often cited as one of Nas’ greatest songs.
Lyrically, “Life’s a Bitch” explores themes of struggle, resilience, and the harsh realities of life in inner-city New York. Nas and AZ trade verses reflecting on the challenges they face growing up in impoverished neighborhoods, including poverty, crime, and violence. Despite the adversity they encounter, both artists maintain a sense of hope and determination to rise above their circumstances.
Musically, “Life’s a Bitch” features a jazzy, laid-back beat produced by L.E.S., with a prominent trumpet sample from Gap Mangione’s “Diana in the Autumn Wind.” The smooth instrumental provides the perfect backdrop for Nas and AZ’s introspective lyrics, creating a melancholic yet soulful vibe.
As the song unfolds, Nas delivers the iconic opening verse, setting the tone for the track with his vivid storytelling and introspective rhymes. AZ follows with a standout verse of his own, showcasing his intricate flow and lyrical prowess. The song’s hook, sung by Nas, repeats the phrase “Life’s a bitch and then you die,” serving as a poignant reminder of the harsh realities of life in the streets.
“Life’s a Bitch” remains one of Nas’ most beloved songs and a classic in hip-hop history. Its timeless production, poignant lyrics, and memorable performances from Nas and AZ have solidified its status as a standout track on “Illmatic” and a favorite among fans of the genre.
4. The World Is Yours
“The World Is Yours” is a song by Nas, featured on his debut studio album “Illmatic,” released in 1994. It’s one of the standout tracks from the album and is widely regarded as one of Nas’ greatest songs.
Lyrically, “The World Is Yours” is a manifesto of ambition and determination, as Nas reflects on his dreams of success and the pursuit of greatness. The song’s verses are filled with vivid imagery and clever wordplay, showcasing Nas’ exceptional talent as a lyricist. Nas paints a picture of life in inner-city New York, addressing themes such as poverty, crime, and the struggle to rise above one’s circumstances.
Musically, “The World Is Yours” features a lush, soulful beat produced by Pete Rock, built around a sample from Ahmad Jamal’s “I Love Music.” The song’s smooth instrumental provides the perfect backdrop for Nas’ introspective lyrics, creating a mellow yet powerful vibe.
As the song unfolds, Nas delivers a standout performance, seamlessly riding the beat with his intricate flow and razor-sharp delivery. The song’s iconic hook, which repeats the phrase “The world is yours,” serves as a mantra of empowerment and self-belief, encouraging listeners to pursue their dreams and seize opportunities.
“The World Is Yours” remains a fan favorite and a timeless classic in hip-hop history. Its poignant lyrics, soulful production, and memorable performances from Nas have solidified its status as one of the standout tracks on “Illmatic” and a defining moment in Nas’ career.
5. N.Y. State of Mind
“N.Y. State of Mind” is a seminal hip-hop track by Nas, featured on his debut album “Illmatic,” released in 1994. The song is celebrated for its vivid lyricism, storytelling, and gritty portrayal of life in New York City.
In “N.Y. State of Mind,” Nas paints a vivid picture of urban life, describing the struggles and challenges faced by those living in the inner city. The lyrics delve into themes of crime, poverty, and survival, offering a raw and unfiltered perspective on the realities of street life.
The production, crafted by DJ Premier, features a dark and atmospheric beat that complements Nas’ lyrical prowess. The track is characterized by its haunting piano loop and hard-hitting drums, creating a sense of urgency and tension that mirrors the intensity of the lyrics.
“N.Y. State of Mind” is widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time and a standout track on “Illmatic,” which is often considered one of the greatest rap albums ever recorded. Nas’ intricate wordplay and vivid storytelling on the song have cemented his reputation as one of the genre’s most gifted lyricists.
The track’s impact extends beyond its critical acclaim; it has also had a significant influence on subsequent generations of hip-hop artists, who have cited it as a source of inspiration for their own work. “N.Y. State of Mind” remains a quintessential representation of East Coast hip-hop and a timeless classic in the genre’s canon.
6. If I Ruled the World
“If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” is a classic hip-hop track by Nas, featuring Lauryn Hill. It was released in 1996 as the second single from Nas’ second album, “It Was Written.”
The song is built around a sample of the 1985 song “Friends” by Whodini, and it features a lush and soulful production. Nas reflects on the challenges and injustices faced by marginalized communities, imagining a world where he has the power to bring about positive change and social justice.
In his verses, Nas explores themes of empowerment, unity, and liberation, envisioning a world where poverty, violence, and inequality are eradicated. He touches on issues such as systemic racism, economic disparity, and the struggles of inner-city life, offering a critique of the status quo while expressing hope for a better future.
Lauryn Hill provides the chorus, singing a soulful refrain that emphasizes the song’s themes of empowerment and liberation. Her vocals add depth and emotion to the track, complementing Nas’ powerful lyrics.
“If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” became one of Nas’ most popular and enduring songs, receiving critical acclaim and commercial success. It remains a beloved anthem of empowerment and social change, celebrated for its thought-provoking lyrics and soulful production.
7. One Love
“One Love” is a song by Nas, featured on his debut studio album “Illmatic,” released in 1994. It’s one of the standout tracks from the album and is highly regarded as one of Nas’ most iconic songs.
Lyrically, “One Love” is a poignant and introspective narrative that takes the form of letters written to friends who are incarcerated. Nas vividly describes life in the streets and offers words of encouragement and support to his incarcerated friends. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the struggles and realities of life in inner-city New York, addressing themes such as poverty, violence, and the criminal justice system.
Musically, “One Love” features a smooth, laid-back beat produced by Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest, built around a sample from the Heath Brothers’ “Smilin’ Billy Suite Part II.” The song’s mellow instrumental provides the perfect backdrop for Nas’ introspective lyrics, creating a contemplative and reflective vibe.
As the song unfolds, Nas delivers a masterful performance, seamlessly weaving together vivid storytelling and intricate wordplay. His delivery is smooth and effortless, drawing listeners into the narrative and evoking empathy for the characters he describes. The song’s hook, which repeats the phrase “One love,” serves as a mantra of solidarity and unity in the face of adversity.
“One Love” remains a fan favorite and a timeless classic in hip-hop history. Its poignant lyrics, soulful production, and memorable performances from Nas have solidified its status as one of the standout tracks on “Illmatic” and a defining moment in Nas’ career.
8. I Can
“I Can” is a song by Nas, released in 2003 as the second single from his album “God’s Son.” The song is notable for its positive and uplifting message, particularly aimed at empowering young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In “I Can,” Nas delivers motivational and inspirational lyrics, encouraging listeners, especially children, to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams despite the challenges they may face. The song’s chorus, “I know I can / Be what I wanna be / If I work hard at it / I’ll be where I wanna be,” reinforces the message of self-confidence and determination.
The song samples Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Für Elise” and features a soulful production that complements Nas’ introspective lyrics. Through his verses, Nas addresses various issues affecting young people, including the importance of education, self-respect, and perseverance.
“I Can” received widespread acclaim for its positive message and became one of Nas’ most successful singles, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has since become a motivational anthem, often played in schools and youth programs to inspire and uplift young people.
Beyond its commercial success, “I Can” has had a lasting impact as a testament to the power of positive thinking and self-belief. Its empowering message continues to resonate with listeners of all ages, making it a timeless classic in Nas’ repertoire.
9. Hate Me Now
“Hate Me Now” is a song by Nas featuring Puff Daddy, released as the second single from Nas’ third studio album “I Am…” in 1999. It’s one of Nas’ most well-known tracks and features a powerful and intense lyrical delivery.
Lyrically, “Hate Me Now” addresses Nas’ experiences with fame, success, and the criticism that comes with it. Nas asserts his confidence and resilience in the face of adversity, proclaiming that he will not be deterred by his detractors. The song’s lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and braggadocious lines, showcasing Nas’ lyrical prowess and ability to command attention.
Musically, “Hate Me Now” features a dramatic and orchestral beat produced by D-Moet and Diddy (then known as Puff Daddy). The beat is grandiose and cinematic, with soaring strings and pounding drums that add to the song’s sense of urgency and intensity.
The song’s chorus, performed by Puff Daddy, repeats the phrase “Hate me now, but I won’t stop now,” serving as a defiant declaration of Nas’ determination to succeed despite the haters. The chorus is powerful and anthemic, adding to the song’s impact and memorability.
“Hate Me Now” sparked controversy upon its release due to its music video, which featured scenes of Nas being crucified, drawing criticism from religious groups. Despite the controversy, the song was a commercial success and remains one of Nas’ most iconic tracks, cementing his status as one of hip-hop’s greatest artists.
10. Made You Look
“Made You Look” is a song by Nas, released as the lead single from his seventh studio album, “God’s Son,” in 2002. It’s one of Nas’ most popular and acclaimed tracks, known for its catchy hook and energetic production.
Lyrically, “Made You Look” showcases Nas’ lyrical prowess and his ability to deliver clever wordplay and punchlines. The song’s lyrics are filled with braggadocious lines and boasts of Nas’ skills as an MC, as well as references to street life and hip-hop culture. Nas’ delivery is confident and aggressive, commanding attention with his dynamic flow.
Musically, “Made You Look” features a hard-hitting beat produced by Salaam Remi, built around a sample from the Incredible Bongo Band’s “Apache.” The beat is gritty and energetic, with pounding drums and a catchy horn riff that drives the song forward. The production has a classic hip-hop feel, reminiscent of the golden era of the genre.
The song’s chorus, which repeats the phrase “Made you look,” is infectious and memorable, adding to the song’s appeal and making it a favorite among fans of Nas and hip-hop in general. “Made You Look” was a commercial success, peaking at number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and remains one of Nas’ most iconic tracks to date.