Nas isn’t just a rapper—he’s a storyteller, a visionary, and one of hip-hop’s most enduring legends. From the moment he dropped Illmatic in 1994, Nas redefined what it meant to be a lyricist, blending street poetry with philosophical depth and cinematic detail. His voice became the sound of a generation trying to make sense of broken systems, urban struggle, and personal evolution. Over three decades later, his catalog remains as influential as ever, filled with anthems that have shaped the culture and inspired countless artists. Whether he’s delivering battle-tested bars, reflecting on life’s harsh realities, or dropping jewels of wisdom, Nas has always stayed true to his craft. This list dives into the Top 10 Most Popular Nas Songs of All Time—tracks that not only showcase his lyrical genius but also left a lasting mark on music history. From gritty street narratives to empowering anthems, these songs highlight the many layers of Nasir Jones. Whether you’re a longtime fan revisiting classics or a newcomer discovering his greatness, these tracks represent the very best of what Nas has to offer. Get ready to nod your head, feel the beats, and dive deep into the essence of one of hip-hop’s greatest voices.
1. N.Y. State of Mind (1994)
When Nas released “N.Y. State of Mind” in 1994, it was like opening a window into the soul of New York’s gritty underbelly. Over DJ Premier’s moody, jazz-laced boom-bap beat, Nas wastes no time—diving into his first verse with no intro, just bars: “Rappers I monkey flip ’em with the funky rhythm I be kickin’.” From there, it’s a lyrical tour-de-force. He doesn’t just rap—he narrates with the precision of a novelist and the rawness of someone who’s lived every line. The song reads like a vivid street diary, with tales of violence, poverty, and paranoia delivered in real-time. You can almost see the cracked sidewalks and feel the tension in the stairwells. This wasn’t just a standout track on Illmatic—it was a moment that shifted the lyrical landscape of hip-hop. At just 20 years old, Nas showed he could match streetwise storytelling with poetic dexterity, making “N.Y. State of Mind” a blueprint for gritty realism in rap. It wasn’t just a banger—it was a thesis, proving that hip-hop could be both high art and hard truth.
2. The World Is Yours (1994)
“The World Is Yours” is where Nas reveals a different shade of his genius—less hardened street narrator, more reflective philosopher. With Pete Rock behind the boards, the song floats on a warm, soulful beat anchored by a hypnotic piano loop and a Curtis Mayfield sample. It’s smoother and more contemplative than the rest of Illmatic, but no less impactful. Nas explores ambition, self-worth, and destiny with a quiet confidence. He doesn’t just talk about surviving—he talks about rising. “I sip the Dom P, watching Gandhi ’til I’m charged,” he raps, blending luxury, spirituality, and street smarts. The iconic chorus—“The world is yours”—isn’t just a hook, it’s a mantra for anyone fighting to claim their future. Nas doesn’t sugarcoat the struggle, but he dares to imagine more, and that’s what makes this song so enduring. It’s both hopeful and haunted, capturing the tension of a young Black man trying to make sense of his place in a chaotic world. “The World Is Yours” became an anthem not just for hip-hop heads, but for dreamers everywhere who saw themselves in Nas’s journey.
3. If I Ruled the World (Imagine That) (1996)
With “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That),” Nas stepped boldly into the mainstream spotlight while keeping his conscience intact. Released in 1996 as the lead single from It Was Written, the track pairs Nas’s vivid verses with a soulful, haunting hook by Lauryn Hill—her voice reinterpreting Kurtis Blow’s classic in a way that feels fresh and urgent. Nas imagines a world free of oppression, mass incarceration, and generational poverty, offering a blueprint for a better society with lyrical grace. “If I ruled the world and everything in it, sky’s the limit,” he declares, mixing poetic idealism with a hardened awareness of reality. The production from Trackmasters is polished yet grounded, straddling the line between radio-ready and street-smart. The song was a commercial hit, but more importantly, it showed Nas could elevate his platform without losing his message. He wasn’t just rapping for the block anymore—he was rapping for the world. This was a defining moment in his career, signaling his evolution from underground legend to globally conscious voice in hip-hop.
4. One Mic (2001)
“One Mic” is pure emotional combustion. Released in 2001 on Stillmatic, the track showcases Nas at his most introspective, most vulnerable, and most explosive. It begins in near-silence, with Nas quietly laying out his hopes and frustrations. Then, like a fuse burning toward detonation, the energy builds with every verse until it erupts into full-blown passion. The minimalist beat mirrors this arc, swelling as Nas’s voice rises. He talks about police brutality, inner-city violence, spiritual struggles, and personal redemption—all through a stream-of-consciousness style that feels both raw and carefully crafted. “All I need is one mic,” he repeats, turning that single object into a metaphor for truth, resistance, and salvation. This isn’t just a rap song—it’s a manifesto, a prayer, a scream into the void. “One Mic” was a pivotal moment in Nas’s post-Illmatic career, reminding the world that his pen was still sharp, his spirit still defiant, and his voice still essential. It’s one of those rare tracks that feels like a soul being unburdened in real time.
5. Ether (2001)
“Ether” isn’t just a diss track—it’s a scorched-earth declaration of war. Released in 2001 as Nas’s answer to Jay-Z’s “Takeover,” it became an instant classic and a defining moment in one of hip-hop’s most infamous beefs. Over a menacing beat, Nas unleashes a relentless barrage of insults, questioning Jay’s street cred, artistic originality, and personal integrity. Lines like “How much of Biggie’s rhymes gon’ come out your fat lips?” hit like body blows. But it’s not just the content—it’s the delivery. Nas sounds furious yet calculated, letting his words slice like razors. The word “ether” has since become synonymous with total lyrical annihilation, and this track is why. It wasn’t just about revenge—it was about reclaiming the narrative. After a few years in Jay’s shadow, Nas reminded everyone exactly who he was and what he was capable of. “Ether” didn’t just revive his career—it helped redefine it. Even now, decades later, fans still debate who won the battle, but one thing’s certain: “Ether” remains a gold standard in battle rap history.
6. Made You Look (2002)
With “Made You Look,” Nas stripped away any pretense and delivered a raw, no-frills banger that shook the rap world in 2002. Over Salaam Remi’s gritty flip of the classic “Apache” breakbeat, Nas sounds reenergized, locked in, and hungry. The sirens in the background set the tone—it’s a lyrical ambush, and no one is safe. This wasn’t a crossover attempt or a club record; it was a declaration of war on watered-down hip-hop. Nas raps with the authority of a general returning to the battlefield, reminding everyone that he never left. “I gave you power, I made you buck wild,” he spits, daring the next generation to measure up. “Made You Look” was more than just a hot single—it was a statement of dominance. It reaffirmed Nas’s place in the upper echelon of MCs and proved that even in a changing industry, he could still set the bar. The song became a street anthem and a fan favorite, not because it tried to fit in—but because it refused to.
7. Hate Me Now (1999)
“Hate Me Now” is Nas at his most defiant and dramatic. Released in 1999 on I Am…, the track is a thunderous anthem for anyone who’s ever faced backlash for daring to be great. With Puff Daddy on the hook and Trackmasters providing the bombastic orchestral beat, the song sounds like a war march through a coliseum. Nas doesn’t hold back—he embraces his fame, his flaws, and his critics with equal intensity. “You wanna hate me? Then hate me,” he spits, unapologetic and unrelenting. The controversial music video, which included crucifixion imagery, stirred outrage but also amplified the song’s message: greatness often comes with a cost. “Hate Me Now” wasn’t just about rap beefs or industry drama—it was about resilience, about refusing to shrink in the face of judgment. It marked a turning point in Nas’s career, showing he could mix theatrical flair with raw emotion and still deliver something timeless. Whether loved or hated, this track made sure you felt Nas.
8. Life’s a Bitch (1994)
“Life’s a Bitch” stands as one of the most powerful reflections on mortality and youth in hip-hop history. Nestled in the middle of Illmatic, the track features a stunning guest verse by AZ—his debut appearance—and a beautiful cornet solo by Nas’s father, jazz musician Olu Dara. The beat by L.E.S. is laid-back and jazzy, but the lyrics hit like gut punches. Nas and AZ explore the fleeting nature of life, the weight of survival, and the constant presence of death in their environment. “I woke up early on my born day, I’m 20, it’s a blessing,” Nas raps, with a weary optimism that feels too old for his age. AZ delivers a verse so tight and eloquent that it instantly cemented his reputation. “Life’s a Bitch” is a sobering moment on an otherwise aggressive album, reminding listeners that behind the bravado is vulnerability, behind the dreams is pain. It’s poetic, melancholic, and beautiful—hip-hop introspection at its finest.
9. Nas Is Like (1999)
“Nas Is Like” is a masterclass in lyrical dexterity and creative confidence. Released in 1999 and produced by the legendary DJ Premier, the track is built around dusty drums and chopped-up vocal samples, giving it an underground, raw feel. From the jump, Nas is in full form, weaving metaphors, religious references, and sharp observations into a seamless flow. “Nas is like the Afrocentric Asian, half-man, half-amazing”—it’s abstract, but somehow it lands perfectly. This track doesn’t have a big hook or radio appeal, and that’s the point—it’s for the heads. It’s for the people who value rhymes layered with meaning and beats that make your head nod without trying. “Nas Is Like” reaffirmed his status as one of the most gifted lyricists in the game, especially at a time when critics questioned if he could still live up to Illmatic. The answer was yes—resoundingly so. This was Nas sharpening his sword and reminding the world that he was built different.
10. I Can (2003)
“I Can” is one of the most accessible and positive songs in Nas’s catalog—a motivational anthem that aims to uplift rather than intimidate. Released in 2003 from God’s Son, it uses a familiar classical sample—Beethoven’s “Für Elise”—to create a melody that’s instantly recognizable. From the opening lines, Nas speaks directly to the youth, urging them to stay in school, avoid drugs, and believe in themselves. “I know I can, be what I wanna be,” children sing in the chorus, turning the song into something closer to a classroom pledge than a typical rap hook. Critics called it simplistic, but that was the point—it’s designed to be understood and internalized by kids, parents, and educators alike. It became a fixture in schools and community programs, showing that rap could educate as much as it entertains. “I Can” may not have the lyrical complexity of “N.Y. State of Mind,” but it has a different kind of power—the power to inspire. And that, too, is part of Nas’s legacy.
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.
