Nas, born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, is a legendary American rapper, songwriter, and actor. Hailing from Queens, New York, Nas emerged in the early 1990s as one of the most influential voices in hip hop. His debut album, “Illmatic” (1994), is widely regarded as one of the greatest rap albums of all time, showcasing his intricate lyricism and storytelling prowess. Nas’ music often explores themes of urban life, social inequality, and personal struggles, earning him critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. With a career spanning over three decades, Nas continues to be a dominant force in hip hop, inspiring new generations of artists with his profound lyricism and musical innovation.
1. It Ain’t Hard To Tell
“It Ain’t Hard to Tell” is a track from Nas’ debut album “Illmatic,” released in 1994. The song features a sample from Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature” and is known for its smooth production and Nas’ intricate rhyme schemes. In the song, Nas showcases his lyrical prowess and storytelling skills, painting vivid pictures of his life and surroundings in Queensbridge, New York. “It Ain’t Hard to Tell” is often praised for its poetic lyricism and is considered one of Nas’ signature tracks. The song’s title suggests that understanding Nas’ message and talent as a rapper should be evident and straightforward to listeners.
2. One Mic
“One Mic” is a song by Nas from his fifth studio album, “Stillmatic,” released in 2001. The song is produced by Nas and Chucky Thompson and is known for its powerful lyrics and intense delivery. In “One Mic,” Nas raps about his inner struggles, societal issues, and the power of his voice as an artist. The title refers to the idea of having one microphone to express oneself, highlighting the raw and unfiltered nature of his message. The song’s production features a haunting piano loop and a hard-hitting beat, adding to its dramatic and emotional impact. “One Mic” is regarded as one of Nas’ most powerful and introspective tracks, showcasing his storytelling ability and lyrical depth.
3. Got Ur Self A
“Got Ur Self A…” is a track from Nas’ sixth studio album, “Stillmatic,” released in 2001. The song features a gritty production with a driving beat and aggressive lyrics. In “Got Ur Self A…,” Nas reflects on street life, survival, and the harsh realities of urban environments. The title suggests a sense of self-reliance and determination in the face of adversity, as Nas narrates his experiences and observations with vivid imagery and wordplay. The track is emblematic of Nas’ ability to blend social commentary with personal storytelling, showcasing his skill as a lyricist and storyteller in the hip hop landscape.
4. N.Y. State Of Mind
“N.Y. State of Mind” is a track from Nas’ debut album “Illmatic,” released in 1994. The song is produced by DJ Premier and is widely regarded as one of Nas’ greatest works and a classic in hip-hop history. In “N.Y. State of Mind,” Nas paints a vivid picture of life in the gritty streets of New York City, specifically Queensbridge, where he grew up. The lyrics are introspective and showcase Nas’ storytelling ability as he narrates his experiences and observations with vivid detail. The song’s production, characterized by its dark, jazzy piano loop and hard-hitting beat, perfectly complements Nas’ raw and gritty lyrics, creating a haunting and atmospheric track that has solidified its place as one of the greatest rap songs of all time.
5. If I Ruled the World
“If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” is a track from Nas’ second studio album, “It Was Written,” released in 1996. The song features R&B singer Lauryn Hill and is produced by Trackmasters. “If I Ruled the World” is a reflective and aspirational track where Nas imagines a world where he has the power to make positive changes, such as ending poverty and violence. The chorus, sung by Lauryn Hill, adds a soulful and uplifting element to the song. With its catchy hook and thoughtful lyrics, “If I Ruled the World” became one of Nas’ most commercially successful songs and is considered a hip-hop classic.
6. I Can
“I Can” is a track from Nas’ seventh studio album, “God’s Son,” released in 2002. The song is produced by Salaam Remi and contains a sample from Beethoven’s “Für Elise.” “I Can” is a motivational and uplifting track that delivers a positive message, particularly aimed at young listeners. In the song, Nas encourages listeners, especially children, to believe in themselves, pursue their dreams, and strive for greatness. The lyrics touch on themes of education, self-empowerment, and overcoming obstacles. “I Can” was well-received for its positive message and became a popular anthem, showcasing Nas’ ability to deliver meaningful and inspirational music.
7. Nas Is Like
“Nas Is Like” is a track from Nas’ third studio album, “I Am…,” released in 1999. Produced by DJ Premier, the song is known for its hard-hitting beat and Nas’ intricate lyricism. In “Nas Is Like,” Nas reflects on his life, career, and the state of hip hop at the time. The title serves as a declaration of Nas’ unique style and influence in the rap game. The track is praised for its clever wordplay and introspective lyrics, cementing Nas’ reputation as one of the greatest lyricists in hip hop history. “Nas Is Like” is considered one of Nas’ standout tracks and a classic in his discography.
8. Daughters
“Daughters” is a track from Nas’ tenth studio album, “Life Is Good,” released in 2012. The song is produced by No I.D. and features Nas reflecting on his experiences as a father, particularly his relationship with his daughter Destiny. In “Daughters,” Nas discusses the challenges of fatherhood, including his struggles to connect with his daughter and the mistakes he has made in parenting. The song’s introspective lyrics and heartfelt delivery resonated with many listeners, earning praise for its honesty and vulnerability. “Daughters” showcases Nas’ ability to delve into personal topics and add depth to his storytelling, making it a standout track on the album.
9. Rewind
“Rewind” is a unique track from Nas’ seventh studio album, “Stillmatic,” released in 2001. The song is produced by Large Professor and is known for its innovative concept. In “Rewind,” Nas tells a story in reverse, starting with the outcome and then going back through the events that led to that outcome. This storytelling technique requires careful attention from the listener, as the narrative unfolds in a reverse chronological order. “Rewind” showcases Nas’ storytelling ability and lyrical prowess, demonstrating his skill in crafting intricate and compelling narratives. The track is often praised for its creativity and is considered one of the standout tracks on “Stillmatic.”
10. The World Is Yours
“The World Is Yours” is a track from Nas’ debut album, “Illmatic,” released in 1994. Produced by Pete Rock, the song features a sample from Ahmad Jamal’s “I Love Music” and is widely regarded as one of Nas’ greatest songs. In “The World Is Yours,” Nas delivers introspective lyrics reflecting on his ambitions, struggles, and determination to succeed. The title and chorus, which sample a line from the movie “Scarface,” suggest a sense of empowerment and possibility. The song’s smooth production and Nas’ intricate rhyme schemes have contributed to its status as a hip-hop classic, highlighting Nas’ skill as a lyricist and storyteller.
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.
