Nas, the legendary rapper from Queens, New York, has carved out a permanent place in hip-hop history with his intricate lyricism, storytelling prowess, and profound social commentary. With a career spanning over three decades, Nas has consistently delivered powerful and introspective music that resonates with audiences worldwide. From his debut album “Illmatic,” widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time, to his more recent releases, Nas has remained a dominant force in the rap game. In this article, we’ll dive into the top 10 most popular and critically acclaimed songs from Nas’s illustrious career. These tracks not only showcase his exceptional talent as a wordsmith but also highlight his ability to address complex themes such as urban life, social inequality, and personal growth. Join us as we explore the best of Nas’s discography, celebrating the artistry and impact of one of hip-hop’s greatest storytellers.
Table of Contents
1. One
“One Mic” is widely regarded as one of Nas’ greatest achievements, showcasing his lyrical prowess and storytelling ability. Released in 2002 as part of his album “Stillmatic,” the song is a powerful and introspective track that delves into themes of self-reflection, perseverance, and the struggles of inner-city life. The track’s minimalist production, featuring only a sample from Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight,” allows Nas’ lyrics to take center stage, as he delivers poignant verses with raw emotion and vivid imagery.
“One Mic” is celebrated for its clever wordplay, intricate rhyme schemes, and thought-provoking lyrics, making it a standout in Nas’ discography. The song’s music video, directed by Chris Robinson, further enhances its impact, visually capturing the intensity and passion of Nas’ performance.
Beyond its critical acclaim, “One Mic” has also resonated with audiences, becoming a fan favorite and a staple in Nas’ live performances. Its enduring popularity and cultural significance have solidified its place as one of the best Nas songs of all time, a testament to the rapper’s talent and influence in the world of hip-hop.
2. It Ain’t Hard to Tell
“It Ain’t Hard to Tell” is a timeless classic that solidified Nas’ status as one of hip-hop’s greatest lyricists. Released in 1994 as the final single from his debut album “Illmatic,” the song is celebrated for its smooth production, courtesy of Large Professor, and Nas’ intricate rhymes and vivid imagery.
The track samples Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature” and features Nas delivering clever wordplay and complex metaphors that showcase his lyrical prowess. “It Ain’t Hard to Tell” was praised for its poetic lyricism and insightful commentary on life in the inner city, highlighting Nas’ ability to paint vivid pictures with his words.
The song’s music video, directed by Ralph McDaniels, further enhanced its appeal, featuring Nas in various urban settings, rapping effortlessly to the camera. “It Ain’t Hard to Tell” received widespread critical acclaim and has since been hailed as one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time.
With its timeless production and Nas’ impeccable flow, “It Ain’t Hard to Tell” remains a standout track in Nas’ discography and a testament to his skill as a wordsmith.
3. Life’s a Bitch
“Life’s a Bitch” is a poignant track from Nas’ debut album “Illmatic,” released in 1994. Featuring guest vocals from AZ, the song reflects on the struggles and harsh realities of life in the streets, offering a glimpse into the complexities of urban life.
The track is celebrated for its soulful production, sampling “Yearning for Your Love” by The Gap Band, and its introspective lyrics. Nas and AZ both deliver verses that are both introspective and philosophical, exploring themes of mortality, existentialism, and the pursuit of success in the face of adversity.
“Life’s a Bitch” is praised for its poetic lyricism and insightful social commentary, showcasing Nas’ ability to craft intricate rhymes and thought-provoking verses. The song’s chorus, which famously declares, “Life’s a bitch and then you die,” has become one of Nas’ most iconic lines, resonating with listeners and capturing the essence of the song’s message.
With its soulful production and profound lyrics, “Life’s a Bitch” stands as one of the standout tracks from “Illmatic” and a testament to Nas’ skill as a storyteller and lyricist.
4. The World Is Yours
“The World Is Yours” is a standout track from Nas’ debut album “Illmatic,” released in 1994. Produced by Pete Rock, the song is celebrated for its jazzy production, featuring a sample from Ahmad Jamal’s “I Love Music,” and Nas’ introspective lyrics.
The track is widely regarded as one of Nas’ greatest achievements, showcasing his lyrical prowess and storytelling ability. In the song, Nas reflects on his upbringing in the Queensbridge projects and expresses his determination to rise above his circ*mstances and achieve success.
“The World Is Yours” is praised for its poetic lyricism and insightful social commentary, with Nas delivering verses that are both introspective and motivational. The song’s chorus, which declares, “Whose world is this? The world is yours, the world is yours,” has become one of Nas’ most iconic lines, resonating with listeners and inspiring them to pursue their dreams.
With its timeless production and profound lyrics, “The World Is Yours” remains one of the standout tracks from “Illmatic” and a classic in Nas’ discography.
5. N.Y. State of Mind
“N.Y. State of Mind” is a seminal track from Nas’ debut album “Illmatic,” released in 1994. Produced by DJ Premier, the song is celebrated for its gritty, atmospheric production and Nas’ vivid storytelling.
The track is often cited as one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time, showcasing Nas’ unparalleled lyricism and his ability to paint vivid pictures with his words. In “N.Y. State of Mind,” Nas offers a raw and unfiltered portrayal of life in the Queensbridge projects, where he grew up, highlighting the challenges and dangers of urban life.
The song is praised for its complex rhyme schemes, intricate wordplay, and vivid imagery, with Nas delivering verses that are both introspective and evocative. The track’s opening lines, “I don’t know how to start this, yo,” immediately draw listeners in and set the tone for the rest of the song.
With its dark and moody production, coupled with Nas’ impeccable flow and lyrical dexterity, “N.Y. State of Mind” stands as one of the most iconic tracks in hip-hop history, solidifying Nas’ reputation as one of the greatest MCs of all time.
6. If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)
“If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” is a standout track from Nas’ second studio album “It Was Written,” released in 1996. The song features guest vocals from Lauryn Hill and is known for its positive and uplifting message.
Produced by Trackmasters, the track samples the 1985 song “Friends” by Whodini and features a catchy hook sung by Lauryn Hill. In the song, Nas reflects on his aspirations and dreams, imagining a world where he has the power to make positive changes and uplift his community.
“If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” is celebrated for its melodic production, infectious hook, and Nas’ introspective lyrics. The song’s chorus, which declares, “If I ruled the world, imagine that, I’d free all my sons,” resonated with listeners and became one of Nas’ most popular songs.
With its positive message and infectious energy, “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” remains one of Nas’ most iconic tracks and a classic in hip-hop history.
7. One Love
“One Love” is a poignant track from Nas’ debut album “Illmatic,” released in 1994. Produced by Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest, the song is a heartfelt letter to a friend in prison, offering words of encouragement and support.
The track is celebrated for its smooth production, featuring a sample from the Heath Brothers’ “Smilin’ Billy Suite Part II,” and Nas’ introspective lyrics. In the song, Nas shares stories from the neighborhood and reflects on the struggles and hardships faced by those caught up in the cycle of violence and incarceration.
“One Love” is praised for its storytelling and vivid imagery, with Nas delivering verses that are both empathetic and insightful. The song’s chorus, which declares, “One love, one love, you’re lucky just to have just one love,” underscores the importance of friendship and support in the face of adversity.
With its soulful production and heartfelt lyrics, “One Love” remains one of the standout tracks from “Illmatic” and a testament to Nas’ skill as a storyteller and lyricist.
8. I Can
“I Can” is a motivational track from Nas’ seventh studio album “God’s Son,” released in 2002. The song is produced by Salaam Remi and features a sample from Beethoven’s “Für Elise,” giving it a classical and inspirational vibe.
“I Can” is celebrated for its positive and uplifting message, encouraging listeners, especially young people, to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams. The song’s lyrics focus on self-empowerment, education, and overcoming obstacles, with Nas delivering verses that are both motivational and thought-provoking.
The track’s chorus, which repeats the phrase “I know I can be what I wanna be, if I work hard at it, I’ll be where I wanna be,” has become an anthem for many, inspiring them to strive for greatness despite challenges they may face.
With its inspirational message and catchy beat, “I Can” remains one of Nas’ most popular songs and a favorite among fans. The song’s positive vibes and empowering lyrics showcase Nas’ versatility as an artist and his ability to connect with listeners on a personal level.
9. Hate Me Now
“Hate Me Now” is a powerful track from Nas’ third studio album “I Am…,” released in 1999. The song features guest vocals from Puff Daddy and is produced by Diddy, Nashiem Myrick, and D-Moet.
The track is known for its intense and dramatic production, featuring a choir and orchestral elements that give it an epic feel. Lyrically, Nas delivers verses that are confrontational and defiant, addressing his critics and asserting his resilience in the face of adversity.
“Hate Me Now” is praised for its raw energy and aggressive delivery, with Nas and Puff Daddy both delivering passionate performances. The song’s chorus, which repeats the phrase “Hate me now, congratulate me later,” has become one of Nas’ most iconic lines, encapsulating the song’s message of perseverance and self-belief.
Despite some controversy surrounding the music video, which depicted Nas and Puff Daddy being crucified, “Hate Me Now” remains one of Nas’ most popular and enduring tracks. Its powerful message and intense production make it a standout in Nas’ discography.
10. Made You Look
“Made You Look” is a standout track from Nas’ sixth studio album “God’s Son,” released in 2002. Produced by Salaam Remi, the song is celebrated for its energetic production and Nas’ aggressive delivery.
The track features a sample from the Incredible Bongo Band’s “Apache” and is known for its catchy hook and infectious beat. Lyrically, Nas delivers verses that are braggadocious and assertive, showcasing his lyrical prowess and confident flow.
“Made You Look” is praised for its gritty and raw energy, with Nas delivering one of his most memorable performances. The song’s chorus, which repeats the phrase “Made you look, you a slave to a page in my rhyme book,” is delivered with swagger and attitude, further adding to the song’s appeal.
With its hard-hitting production and Nas’ fiery delivery, “Made You Look” remains one of Nas’ most popular songs and a fan favorite. Its timeless appeal and undeniable energy make it a standout track in Nas’ discography.
