Nas, also known as Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, is one of the most influential and respected rappers in the history of hip-hop. Over the course of his three-decade-long career, Nas has released numerous critically acclaimed albums and established himself as a lyrical powerhouse with his poignant storytelling, introspective lyrics, and vivid imagery. With his distinct voice and unique style, Nas has captivated audiences around the world, earning him a spot as one of the greatest rappers of all time. In this article, we will take a deep dive into Nas’ extensive discography and rank his top 10 best songs of all time. From classic tracks like “N.Y. State of Mind” and “The World is Yours” to more recent releases like “Daughters” and “Nas Is Like,” we will explore the songs that have helped define Nas’ legacy and solidify his place as one of the greatest artists in the history of hip-hop.
1. Got Ur Self A
“Got Ur Self A” by Nas is a powerful and introspective track that showcases the rapper’s lyrical prowess and storytelling ability. The song, which was released in 2001 as part of his album “Stillmatic,” features Nas rapping about the harsh realities of life in the inner city and the struggles he faced growing up in Queensbridge. The track’s hard-hitting beat, coupled with Nas’ insightful lyrics, makes for a powerful listening experience that is both thought-provoking and emotionally charged.
2. Rewind
“Rewind” by Nas is a unique and innovative track that tells a story in reverse. Released in 2004 as part of his album “Street’s Disciple,” the song features Nas rapping about a fictionalized encounter with a group of gangsters that ends in his own death. What makes the track so unique is that it is told in reverse, with Nas rapping the last verse first and working his way back to the beginning. This creates a surreal and disorienting listening experience that is unlike anything else in hip-hop.
3. One Mic
“One Mic” by Nas is a powerful and emotional track that showcases the rapper’s ability to convey complex emotions through his lyrics. Released in 2002 as part of his album “Stillmatic,” the song features Nas rapping about the struggles of everyday life and the need for change in society. The track’s haunting beat, coupled with Nas’ impassioned delivery, makes for a stirring listening experience that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
4. The World Is Yours
“The World Is Yours” by Nas is a classic hip-hop track that showcases the rapper’s lyrical prowess and ability to craft a catchy hook. Released in 1994 as part of his album “Illmatic,” the song features Nas rapping about his dreams of achieving success and making a better life for himself. The track’s smooth jazz sample, coupled with Nas’ confident delivery, makes for an unforgettable listening experience that has cemented the song’s status as a hip-hop classic.
5. It Ain’t Hard To Tell
“It Ain’t Hard To Tell” by Nas is a timeless hip-hop track that showcases the rapper’s lyrical skill and ability to craft a memorable hook. Released in 1994 as part of his album “Illmatic,” the song features Nas rapping about his prowess as a lyricist and his determination to succeed in the rap game. The track’s jazzy beat, coupled with Nas’ confident delivery, makes for a classic listening experience that has stood the test of time and remains one of the most beloved hip-hop tracks of all time.
6. Daughters
“Daughters” by Nas is a deeply personal and introspective track that delves into the complexities of fatherhood and the challenges of raising a daughter. Released in 2012 as part of his album “Life is Good,” the song features Nas reflecting on his own experiences as a father and the mistakes he has made along the way. The track’s emotional resonance, coupled with Nas’ poignant lyrics and introspective delivery, makes for a powerful listening experience that is both touching and thought-provoking.
7. N.Y. State Of Mind
“N.Y. State of Mind” by Nas is a classic hip-hop track that showcases the rapper’s lyrical skill and gritty street style. Released in 1994 as part of his album “Illmatic,” the song features Nas rapping about his experiences growing up in Queensbridge and the harsh realities of life in the inner city. The track’s dark, menacing beat, coupled with Nas’ confident delivery and vivid storytelling, makes for a timeless listening experience that has cemented the song’s status as one of the greatest hip-hop tracks of all time.
8. Nas Is Like
“Nas Is Like” by Nas is a standout track from his 1999 album “I Am…” that showcases the rapper’s lyrical prowess and introspective style. The song features Nas rapping about his life experiences and the challenges he has faced as an artist in the rap game. The track’s soulful sample, coupled with Nas’ smooth delivery and thought-provoking lyrics, makes for an unforgettable listening experience that is both poignant and reflective.
9. If I Ruled the World
“If I Ruled the World” by Nas featuring Lauryn Hill is a timeless hip-hop classic that showcases the rapper’s optimistic side and his vision for a better world. Released in 1996 as part of his album “It Was Written,” the song features Nas rapping about his desire to create a better world for his people and the struggles he has faced along the way. The track’s catchy hook, coupled with Nas’ confident delivery and Hill’s soulful vocals, makes for a powerful and inspiring listening experience that remains relevant to this day.
10. I Can
“I Can” by Nas is a feel-good track that encourages children to pursue their dreams and aim for greatness. Released in 2003 as part of his album “God’s Son,” the song features Nas rapping over a catchy sample from Beethoven’s “Fur Elise” and encourages children to focus on education and positive self-image. The track’s uplifting message, coupled with Nas’ smooth delivery and catchy hook, makes for a timeless listening experience that remains a favorite among hip-hop fans of all ages.
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.
