Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, better known by his stage name Nas, is an American rapper, songwriter, and actor who is widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time. Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1973, Nas began his music career in the early 1990s and quickly gained recognition for his skillful rhymes and socially conscious lyrics.
Nas’ music is characterized by his vivid storytelling, introspective lyrics, and powerful delivery. He is known for his hits such as “N.Y. State of Mind,” “The World is Yours,” and “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That).” His music often deals with issues such as poverty, racism, and social inequality.
Throughout his career, Nas has released over a dozen albums and won numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is also known for his collaborations with other musicians, including Jay-Z and Kanye West.
In addition to his music career, Nas has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts, particularly those related to education and youth empowerment.
Nas’ music and legacy continue to inspire and influence generations of rappers and hip-hop fans. He remains one of the most respected and revered figures in the history of hip-hop, and his contributions to the genre will be felt for generations to come.
1. It Ain’t Hard To Tell
This Nas classic, renowned for its smooth jazz sample, is a lyrically dense track that features the Queens native at his lyrical peak. The song showcases how seamlessly he is able to weave together complex internal rhymes with vivid imagery and cultural references. The delivery on this track demonstrates Nas’ unique ability to portray vulnerability while still maintaining an overall sense of confidence and strength through his storytelling. It Ain't Hard To Tell remains one of the greatest examples of Nas’ ability to take listeners on an intricate journey through his experiences.
In addition to its iconic status in Hip Hop, fans love this track for its well-crafted lyrics, which feature a series of illusive metaphors and a mesmerizing flow. The track manages to sound both epic and introspective at once, making it an essential part of any Nas fan’s playlist.
Moreover, it's not surprising that some even consider It Ain't Hard To Tell as the most skilled display of lyricism Hip Hop has ever seen. The production by Large Professor perfectly complements Nas’ voice by using horns and piano samples over beats that give the song a powerful feel.
For those seeking insightful music from one of the best poets emcees in hip hop – with a groove that you just can't get out of your head – it would be prudent to listen repeatedly. Overall, It Ain’t Hard To Tell proves that Nas in peak form is transcendent.
Listeners beware, with 'The World Is Yours' on repeat, you may start feeling like the Godfather of Hip Hop.
2. The World Is Yours
This Nas classic, known for its iconic sample of the opening theme song from Scarface, is a true representation of the rapper's storytelling abilities. In the song, he reflects on his past struggles and how he overcame them to reach success. Each line is delivered with raw emotion and draws listeners in with its vivid imagery of the streets of New York City. The World Is Yours became an instant staple in hip hop culture and remains one of Nas' most memorable tracks.
One cannot ignore the impact that this song had on popular culture – it has been sampled countless times by other artists across different genres. It's no surprise that The World Is Yours has stood the test of time and continues to be appreciated by hip hop enthusiasts all over the world.
Outlining Nas' prowess at painting vivid pictures through his lyrics, this track delivers a sense of nostalgia while also inspiring listeners to overcome their own struggles. Its message encourages audiences to pursue their dreams and make their mark on the world.
If you haven't yet experienced this masterpiece by Nas, put it on your must-listen list – it's not just a song but an immersive experience that will linger on in your mind long after it ends.
Jay-Z said it best, "One Mic, one life, one chance", and Nas took that chance to deliver a timeless masterpiece.
3. One Mic
This Nas song pours out life experiences through a single mic, delivering the raw and unfiltered version of him. Its heart-wrenching lyrics speak about oppression and powerlessness in the society of modern times. The pulsating beat with an intermittent choir amplifies the intensity even further.
Let's rewind back to a time when Nas ruled the hip-hop scene and MP3 players were still a thing.
4. Rewind
Rewind, ranked at #4 among the best Nas songs of all time, is an iconic track from Nas' debut album Illmatic. This song's storytelling prowess takes us on a journey through Nas' childhood memories and experiences growing up in Queensbridge, New York City.
Here is a 6-Step Guide to understanding the essence of 'Rewind':
- Listen and decipher the song's lyrics carefully.
- Notice the unique story-telling style of Nas.
- Observe how the verses are played in reverse order.
- Understand how this creative technique adds depth to the narrative.
- Recognize how this song resonates with Nas' life experiences and message.
- Appreciate how Rewind has become one of the most enduring tracks in hip hop history, cementing its place among the genre's greatest hits.
Moreover, Rewind presents a stark contrast to contemporary hip hop's traditional themes by focusing instead on introspection, social commentary, and storytelling. Interestingly, the track also highlights Nas’ ability to use complex rhyme schemes while still maintaining his lyrical flow.
Pro Tip: To appreciate the full impact of Rewind, listen carefully to each line’s last words as they lead you back over their respective previous lines for an immersive listening experience.
Got Ur Self A reminder that Nas still reigns supreme in the world of rap with this iconic track.
5. Got Ur Self A
This Nas track showcases his storytelling abilities. 'Got Ur Self A' tells a story of an individual amidst the turmoil of inner-city life and their survival instincts leading to daily struggles. Nas masterfully conveys the message of perseverance through hardships with his lyrics and delivers it through a hard-hitting beat.
Furthermore, 'Got Ur Self A' was part of the album "Stillmatic," which is seen as a revival for Nas by his fans and critics alike. The song's production by Megahertz adds an element of grittiness that truly compliments Nas's raw lyrics.
In addition, this track serves as a snapshot of Nas's controversial career, incorporating elements from various stages of his life with vivid storytelling techniques.
Don't miss out on this classic track that solidifies Nas's position in hip hop history, delivering both powerful lyrics and memorable beats.
Daughters might be the only Nas song that could make you cry more than a chopped onion.
6. Daughters
This Nas song highlights the struggles and joys of raising daughters. The lyrics flawlessly capture the complexities of fatherhood while paying homage to his own daughter. Nas' storytelling skills are unmatched in this emotional tribute to a father's love for his child.
Throughout the song, Nas shares his experiences as a father, from worrying about his daughter's upbringing to watching her grow up too quickly. He tackles serious topics such as society's expectation for women and the dangers they face, all while examining the precious bond between a father and daughter.
One unique aspect of "Daughters" is its use of direct quotes from his daughter's social media accounts. This adds authenticity to the song, making it even more powerful.
Listening to "Daughters" allows for an intimate look into Nas' personal life that few other songs provide. It is a heartwarming ode to the love shared between fathers and daughters everywhere, making it one of Nas' best songs of all time.
If you don't feel a sense of gritty determination pulsing through your veins after listening to "N.Y. State Of Mind", you might want to check your pulse for signs of life.
7. N.Y. State Of Mind
This Nas Classic Immortalizes the essence of Big Apple
Through one of the most profound flows in Hip Hop history, this masterpiece captures the grit and grim of New York in early 90s. This lyrical journey takes listeners through a walk down memory lane as Nas illustrates personal experiences that depict the everyday struggles living in Queensbridge projects.
Nas's rap-beat symphony simulates an unforgettable aura, where both dark and happy times become intertwined creating a hauntingly beautiful experience for listeners. The song is an anthem to the undeniable zeal that lies within every New Yorker, regardless of how hard life gets.
The track "N.Y. State Of Mind" epitomizes a time when hip-hop was at its finest hour as it portrayed life experiences and street knowledge skillfully.
Did you know that Nas initially wrote this track after listening to Rakim's "My Melody?" It went on to become one of the most significant releases from his 'Illmatic' album released on April 19th, 1994, cementing his status as one of NYC's most exceptional emcees.
If Nas is like a lyrical surgeon, then 'Nas Is Like' is the scalpel that carves out his place as one of the best in the game.
8. Nas Is Like
Nas's music has always been a true reflection of his experiences. 'Nas Is Like' is one of his best songs that demonstrates nascentity, authenticity, and raw energy. This rap classic highlights Nas's songwriting ability as he paints vivid pictures with his lyrics and provides social commentary on the state of hip-hop. His wordplay is top-notch, and his voice conveys the message with precision.
The song features a catchy sample from "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" by Iron Butterfly, which adds another dimension to the track. Nas uses this beat to create a head-nodding rhythm that complements his lyrics perfectly. He speaks about various subjects such as the rap game, street life, and pop culture in typical intricate Nas form.
Nas delivers lines like "I never sleep 'cause sleep is the cousin of death" that continues to be quoted by fans today. The overall feel of 'Nas Is Like' is underground yet commercial-appealing, making it an excellent example of Nas's skills as both an artist and lyricist.
If you haven't heard 'Nas Is Like,' you're missing out on a crucial part of hip-hop history. Listen to it now to witness why many considered it one of the best rap songs ever recorded.
If Nas ruled the world, we'd all have to step up our game in the rap department.
9. If I Ruled the World
Nas’ timeless classic, centered on individual power and social influence, is an expression of the rapper’s vision of a perfect world. In this song, he attempts to impose his political and social reform ideas which include total equality and economic freedom onto society through his own leadership. Nas features his esteemed colleague, Lauryn Hill in the song adding to its universal appeal. The beat also features reggae-styled guitar riffs drawn from the original version sung by Whodini.
One of Nas' greatest hits is 'If I Ruled the World,' arguably one of his most popular tracks to date. The lyrics and beats make it a timeless classic that transcends generations despite it being recorded over two decades ago. In the track, Nas paints a picture where he's in charge and uses his position to make reforms towards more equality and liberty for people all over the world.
While many critics praise 'If I Ruled the World' for its ingenious blend of different music styles, a lesser-known fact is that it was first released as part of a soundtrack for an action movie called ‘Street Dreams’ before featuring in his 1996 album titled “It Was Written.” Initially meant only as an accompaniment to an action blockbuster scene, Nas’ transforming fan base turned it into one of his most significant songs with laudable praise yet up to date.
Listening to 'I Can' is like getting a lyrical pep talk from Nas himself, reminding you that you can achieve anything despite the odds stacked against you.
10. I Can
This track finds Nas delivering an inspirational message to listeners. His flow is impeccable, and the lyrics are raw and honest, making it a standout song in his catalog. The message of overcoming obstacles and persevering through adversity resonates with fans worldwide.
In "I Can," Nas urges young listeners, particularly children of color, to believe in themselves and their abilities despite the challenges they may face. He encourages them to focus on education and hard work as keys to success. It's a powerful anthem that has stood the test of time as one of Nas' best tracks.
An interesting aspect of this song is its use of a children's choir in the chorus, which emphasizes the importance of inspiring young people. The track's sample from Beethoven's "Für Elise" gives it a unique sound that sets it apart from other hip-hop tracks.
Don't miss out on experiencing Nas' incredible message in "I Can." This iconic track is sure to leave you feeling empowered and motivated to overcome any obstacle in your path.