Few artists have shaped the sound and soul of hip-hop like Nas. From the gritty stairwells of Queensbridge to global stages, Nas has delivered storytelling with surgical precision, poetic depth, and an unmatched lyrical legacy. Since bursting onto the scene with Illmatic in 1994, he’s stayed a fixture in rap’s upper echelon—unafraid to evolve, challenge the norm, or speak truth to power. Whether he’s painting vivid portraits of street life, dropping knowledge with finesse, or sparking legendary rap battles, Nas has proven time and again that he’s more than just a rapper—he’s a cultural cornerstone.
In this countdown, we’re diving into the top 10 most popular Nas songs of all time—tracks that not only defined his career but also left a permanent mark on the genre. These aren’t just fan favorites; they’re timeless records that continue to inspire new generations of artists and listeners alike. From raw boom-bap classics to polished anthems that lit up the charts, this list celebrates the milestones, the moments, and the masterpieces that make Nas one of the greatest MCs to ever bless a mic. Ready to revisit some of the finest verses in hip-hop history? Let’s take it back to where it all began.
1. N.Y. State of Mind (1994)
From the moment the brooding piano loop drops and DJ Premier’s boom-bap drums kick in, “N.Y. State of Mind” announces itself as a hip-hop masterpiece. Released in 1994 on Illmatic, it’s a raw, cinematic journey through the gritty streets of Queensbridge, with Nas serving as your unflinching tour guide. At just 20 years old, Nas delivered verses with the insight of a seasoned storyteller and the precision of a master craftsman. His lyrics read like snapshots from a documentary—gunshots in the night, crumbling stairwells, and quiet moments of paranoia. “Rappers I monkey flip ’em with the funky rhythm I be kickin’” sets the tone for a relentless barrage of sharp metaphors and vivid imagery. What sets this track apart is the way it captures both chaos and poetry. Nas doesn’t just report on street life—he elevates it to art. Every bar is packed with internal rhyme and wordplay, showing that intelligence and street sensibility aren’t mutually exclusive. As the second track on Illmatic, it made an early and unforgettable statement: Nas wasn’t just another rapper. He was the poet laureate of New York’s underground, and “N.Y. State of Mind” was his first masterpiece.
2. If I Ruled the World (Imagine That) (1996)
With “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That),” Nas transitioned from the raw edges of Illmatic into a more polished yet equally powerful soundscape. Released in 1996 on It Was Written, the song features a dreamy hook from Lauryn Hill, whose voice adds a soulful grace to Nas’s bold vision. Here, he dares to imagine a world where injustice is erased, mass incarceration is ended, and communities flourish instead of suffer. His verses flow with poetic clarity, as he conjures an alternative reality where peace and progress are the norm, not the exception. The song’s sample—borrowed from Kurtis Blow’s 1985 hit—takes on new life through Hill’s haunting interpretation. Nas strikes a balance between idealism and realism; he doesn’t ignore the struggle but dares to dream beyond it. With this track, he expanded his audience without diluting his message. It was political, aspirational, and undeniably catchy. “If I Ruled the World” proved that conscious hip-hop could be radio-friendly, inspiring without preaching. It marked a significant moment in Nas’s career—when he showed the world that he wasn’t just documenting reality. He was reimagining it.
3. One Mic (2002)
“One Mic” is one of Nas’s most powerful and emotionally charged songs. Released in 2002 on Stillmatic, the track is a slow-burning crescendo of passion, pain, and protest. It starts in a near whisper, with Nas reflecting on the power of a single voice, a single truth. As the song builds, so does his fury, peaking in an explosive final verse that feels like a release of years of frustration and hope. The structure is genius—quiet introspection morphing into righteous rage, mirroring the emotions of a man fed up with the violence and inequities surrounding him. The minimalist production leaves space for his words to shine, reinforcing the idea that one mic is all he needs. Nas uses the song to tackle deep themes—poverty, war, injustice, ambition—while still grounding his message in personal experience. It’s part sermon, part street soliloquy. “One Mic” isn’t just about music—it’s about expression as survival, as resistance, as transformation. In a genre often dominated by braggadocio, this track stood out for its vulnerability and sincerity. It reminded fans and critics alike why Nas was still one of hip-hop’s most vital voices.
4. The World Is Yours (1994)
A cornerstone of Illmatic, “The World Is Yours” is one of Nas’s most iconic tracks—an anthem of hope wrapped in street wisdom. Produced by Pete Rock and built on a soulful sample of Ahmad Jamal’s “I Love Music,” the track merges jazz-inflected elegance with raw lyrical substance. Released in 1994, it’s both philosophical and grounded, offering listeners a glimpse into Nas’s mindset as a young man navigating the pitfalls of his environment while dreaming of something greater. The hook—“The world is yours”—repeats like a mantra, pushing listeners to rise above their circumstances. Nas raps with a calm, assured confidence, blending reflections on crime, spirituality, and ambition into a poetic whole. Each line is meticulously crafted, revealing layers of meaning with each listen. More than just a song, it’s a mission statement for anyone trying to find light in the darkness. Decades later, it remains one of the most quoted and revered tracks in hip-hop, not just because of its timeless production but because of its unwavering message: no matter where you come from, the world can still be yours.
5. Made You Look (2002)
“Made You Look” hits like a sucker punch to the gut—in the best possible way. Released in 2002 as the lead single from God’s Son, it’s Nas in full battle mode, delivering raw, aggressive bars over a gritty, boom-bap beat built around the classic break from the Incredible Bongo Band’s “Apache.” This is hip-hop in its purest form—no flashy hooks, no trendy production, just bars and bravado. Nas comes out swinging, proving that despite changing musical landscapes, he could still dominate with nothing but a microphone and a beat. The title says it all: “Made You Look” is a challenge to listeners and competitors alike. It’s a flex, a statement of intent, and a reminder that real MCing never goes out of style. The energy is electric, the flow is relentless, and the wordplay is top-tier. At a time when rap was leaning heavily toward commercial polish, Nas doubled down on the fundamentals. And the result? One of his most beloved and impactful songs. It’s not just a banger—it’s a declaration of lyrical supremacy.
6. It Ain’t Hard to Tell (1994)
As the final track on Illmatic, “It Ain’t Hard to Tell” serves as a lyrical mic drop. Produced by Large Professor and built around a silky sample of Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature,” the track is both smooth and razor-sharp. Nas wastes no time flexing his pen, unleashing a flood of metaphors, multisyllabic rhymes, and vivid imagery. “I exhale the yellow smoke of Buddha through righteous steps” is just one of many lines that showcase his unique ability to blend spirituality, street life, and poetic finesse. Released as the album’s second single in 1994, the song sounds like a victory lap even though it’s closing a debut—proof of just how confident and complete Nas was as an artist from day one. The jazzy, soulful backdrop provides a hypnotic contrast to his precise delivery, allowing every line to land with impact. It’s not just a showcase of skill—it’s a demonstration of vision. “It Ain’t Hard to Tell” is the kind of track that hip-hop heads study line by line, and decades later, it still holds up as a masterclass in lyrical artistry.
7. Hate Me Now (1999)
“Hate Me Now” is not just a song—it’s a declaration of war against doubt, criticism, and compromise. Released in 1999 on I Am…, the track features a thunderous beat from the Trackmasters and a defiant chorus from Puff Daddy that elevates its grandiosity. From the opening horns to Nas’s first bar, the song exudes intensity and swagger. This is Nas unfiltered—bold, unapologetic, and ready to fight for his legacy. The controversial music video, featuring crucifixion imagery, sparked outrage and conversation, but it perfectly matched the song’s theme of martyrdom and resilience. Nas uses the track to call out his critics, address the pressures of fame, and cement his place as a top-tier MC. “Hate Me Now” thrives on its theatricality, but beneath the surface is a deep message about perseverance and self-worth. It’s a track for anyone who’s ever felt underestimated and chose to rise anyway. Love it or hate it, you can’t ignore it—and that’s exactly the point.
8. Life’s a Bitch (1994)
“Life’s a Bitch” is one of the most poignant moments on Illmatic, a haunting blend of youthful cynicism and unexpected beauty. Released in 1994, the track features the debut verse of AZ, whose smooth delivery and philosophical outlook steal the spotlight for many listeners. His verse is widely regarded as one of the best guest spots in hip-hop history. Nas follows with a reflection that’s equally powerful—contemplating mortality, lost time, and the fleeting nature of happiness. “Life’s a bitch and then you die” is the chorus, but within that fatalism lies deep introspection. The track ends with a surprise: a jazzy trumpet solo performed by Nas’s father, Olu Dara, adding warmth and humanity to an otherwise sobering song. This isn’t just a street tale—it’s a meditation on life, death, and everything in between. In just a few minutes, Nas and AZ capture the complexity of growing up too fast, too aware of life’s fragility. It’s emotionally rich, musically elegant, and lyrically unforgettable.
9. Ether (2001)
“Ether” dropped in 2001 and instantly changed the rules of hip-hop beef. It wasn’t just a diss track—it was an annihilation. Released on Stillmatic, Nas’s blistering response to Jay-Z’s “Takeover” stunned the hip-hop world. With venomous bars, biting insults, and surgical precision, Nas took aim at everything from Jay’s credibility to his persona. “Ether” wasn’t about slick production or catchy hooks—it was raw, unfiltered war. What made it so potent wasn’t just the personal jabs, but the tone: Nas sounded like a man who’d been pushed too far and had nothing left to lose. It was defiant, ruthless, and surprisingly introspective. The track reignited Nas’s career and shifted the balance of power in one of the most legendary rivalries in rap history. It also redefined how a diss track could impact not just reputations but entire discographies. “Ether” became more than a song—it became a verb, a cultural reference point for lyrical destruction. Whether you sided with Nas or Jay, one thing was undeniable: “Ether” was unforgettable.
10. I Can (2003)
“I Can,” released in 2003 from God’s Son, stands out in Nas’s catalog for its positivity and accessibility. Sampling Beethoven’s “Für Elise,” the beat is instantly familiar yet flipped into something unique and uplifting. Nas uses the track to speak directly to young listeners, especially kids growing up in tough environments. His message is simple but powerful: believe in yourself, stay focused, and never lose sight of your dreams. The chorus, sung by a children’s choir—“I know I can / Be what I wanna be”—became an instant rallying cry for a new generation. While some critics dismissed the track as preachy or overly simplified, fans embraced it for what it was: a rare moment of hope and inspiration in a genre often dominated by despair and bravado. Nas proved that you could deliver a socially conscious message without losing your edge. “I Can” became one of his biggest commercial hits, but more importantly, it became a source of motivation for countless listeners. In the end, the song’s greatest strength lies in its sincerity—Nas wasn’t just rapping to entertain, he was trying to change lives.
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.
