When it comes to lyrical mastery and streetwise storytelling, Nas stands in a league of his own. Bursting onto the scene in 1994 with the groundbreaking Illmatic, Nas quickly became the voice of a generation—an MC who could paint vivid pictures of life in Queensbridge with poetic precision and raw authenticity. Over three decades, he’s evolved into one of hip-hop’s most respected and enduring icons, consistently delivering thought-provoking bars, sharp social commentary, and timeless beats that resonate far beyond the streets.
This list of the top 10 most popular Nas songs of all time is more than just a collection of hits—it’s a curated journey through the mind of a lyrical genius. From gritty tales of survival to introspective meditations on fame, legacy, and Black identity, these tracks showcase why Nas is hailed as one of the greatest rappers to ever touch a mic. Whether you’re a day-one fan or just discovering the depth of his discography, these songs represent the core of Nas’ influence and brilliance. Get ready to revisit the rhymes that changed the game, inspired generations, and proved that hip-hop could be both streetwise and deeply intellectual—because when Nas speaks, the world listens.
1. The World Is Yours – Illmatic (1994)
A cornerstone of Illmatic, “The World Is Yours” is a reflective, empowering anthem produced by Pete Rock. Released in 1994, it showcases a more introspective Nas, balancing street wisdom with philosophical thought. The jazzy, soulful beat, combined with Nas’s poignant lyrics—“I’m out for dead presidents to represent me”—resonated with a generation striving for more than their environment allowed. It’s a motivational call to claim one’s destiny, delivered with the calm confidence of a poet who knows his worth. This track helped define the golden era of hip-hop and remains a timeless voice of ambition and resilience.
2. N.Y. State of Mind – Illmatic (1994)
Released in 1994 on his iconic debut Illmatic, “N.Y. State of Mind” is a gritty, cinematic plunge into the heart of Queensbridge, New York. Over DJ Premier’s haunting piano loop and boom-bap drums, Nas paints vivid pictures of street life, crime, and survival with a level of lyrical dexterity that was nearly unheard of from a 20-year-old newcomer. The opening line, “Rappers I monkey flip ’em with the funky rhythm I be kickin’,” sets the tone for a track that blends raw realism with poetic brilliance. It’s not just a song—it’s a masterclass in storytelling that cemented Nas as one of hip-hop’s greatest lyricists from the very beginning.
3. If I Ruled the World (Imagine That) – It Was Written (1996)
With its smooth Lauryn Hill hook and lush production from Trackmasters, “If I Ruled the World” debuted in 1996 as the lead single from It Was Written. It marked Nas’s transition from underground prodigy to mainstream star. The track’s concept is both utopian and deeply political—Nas envisions a world free of oppression, mass incarceration, and poverty. Yet his delivery is cool and calculated, balancing optimism with realism. Lauryn’s haunting chorus lifts the song into anthem territory, making it not only a chart success but a cultural statement, imagining justice and freedom through the lens of hip-hop.
4. One Mic – Stillmatic (2001)
“One Mic” is perhaps one of Nas’s most emotionally powerful songs, released in 2001 on Stillmatic. It starts as a whisper before building into a passionate storm, mirroring the increasing intensity of Nas’s verses. The structure alone was groundbreaking—quiet, introspective verses swell into explosive declarations of pain, frustration, and hope. Nas uses the metaphor of needing “one mic” to express everything—rage, love, truth. Backed by a sparse yet dramatic instrumental, the song underscores his ability to channel raw emotion into controlled, poetic fury. It’s a testament to his maturity as an artist and his refusal to be silenced.
5. Ether – Stillmatic (2001)
When “Ether” dropped in 2001, it shook the hip-hop world to its core. Released during Nas’s heated feud with Jay-Z, this brutal diss track appeared on Stillmatic and immediately reignited Nas’s career. Over a dark, aggressive beat, he dismantled his rival with razor-sharp insults and masterful wordplay. Yet beyond the beef, “Ether” showcased Nas’s competitive fire and lyrical prowess. It’s confrontational, biting, and unapologetically personal—everything a legendary diss track should be. “Ether” didn’t just win a battle; it became a cultural moment, solidifying Nas’s reputation as one of rap’s fiercest and most intelligent voices.
6. Made You Look – God’s Son (2002)
“Made You Look” is pure hip-hop adrenaline. Released in 2002 on God’s Son, it’s a throwback to the genre’s rugged roots, built around a loop from the Incredible Bongo Band’s “Apache.” Nas sounds reinvigorated here, spitting bar after bar with venom and confidence. Lines like “I gave you fair warning, beware” echo the MC battle spirit, and the beat knocks hard enough to rattle walls. This track reminded fans that Nas wasn’t just a poet—he could be a street general too. “Made You Look” is raw, unfiltered energy, and one of his most electrifying performances on record.
7. Hate Me Now (feat. Puff Daddy) – I Am… (1999)
Released in 1999 on I Am…, “Hate Me Now” is a defiant anthem of resilience and self-assurance. With a dramatic orchestral beat and a fiery guest appearance from Puff Daddy, Nas declares his refusal to be broken by critics or industry politics. The song’s energy is theatrical, almost operatic, matching the tone of Nas’s unapologetic verses. “Hate me now, but I won’t stop now” became a mantra for anyone fighting against the odds. Controversial for its bombastic video and brash tone, the song nonetheless became one of Nas’s most recognized and fiercely motivational tracks.
8. Life’s a Bitch (feat. AZ) – Illmatic (1994)
“Life’s a Bitch” is a melancholic meditation on mortality and hardship, released in 1994 on Illmatic. Featuring an unforgettable guest verse from AZ and a smooth cornet outro by Nas’s father, Olu Dara, the track blends street realism with jazz-infused elegance. AZ’s opening verse alone is widely hailed as one of the best debut features in hip-hop history. Nas follows with a reflective verse about coming of age in a harsh world, ending on the sobering line: “Life’s a bitch and then you die.” It’s a song that captures the fragile beauty and pain of existence with poetic clarity.
9. Memory Lane (Sittin’ in da Park) – Illmatic (1994)
Closing out this iconic list is “Memory Lane,” another gem from Illmatic released in 1994. Produced by DJ Premier, the track is a nostalgic stroll through Nas’s upbringing in Queensbridge, filled with vivid imagery and heartfelt recollections. The title and hook evoke simpler times, but the verses are anything but romanticized. Nas recalls violence, camaraderie, and the evolution of his environment with laser focus. The dusty sample and hypnotic beat create a reflective atmosphere that perfectly complements Nas’s storytelling. It’s a soulful, introspective track that captures the essence of why Illmatic remains a pillar of hip-hop history.
10. Nas Is Like – I Am… (1999)
“Nas Is Like,” released in 1999, is a lyrical showcase produced by DJ Premier that reminded fans exactly why Nas was considered a top-tier MC. Built on chopped vocal samples and dusty drums, the track is pure boom-bap brilliance. Nas delivers line after line of abstract metaphors, punchlines, and philosophical musings, reaffirming his status as a street prophet and lyrical architect. Every bar is calculated and dense, demanding close listening. It’s not just a song—it’s a statement of identity, a mission statement for an artist who refuses to be boxed in. “Nas Is Like” is vintage, cerebral hip-hop at its finest.
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.
