Nas, born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones on September 14, 1973, in Brooklyn, New York, is a highly acclaimed rapper, lyricist, and influential figure in the hip-hop genre. Rising to prominence in the early 1990s, Nas has solidified his place as one of the greatest lyricists in the history of rap music.

Nas made a groundbreaking debut with his 1994 album “Illmatic,” often regarded as a hip-hop masterpiece. Known for his intricate storytelling, vivid imagery, and thought-provoking social commentary, Nas’s lyrical prowess set a new standard for the genre. Tracks like “N.Y. State of Mind” and “The World is Yours” showcased his ability to paint a vivid picture of life in the inner city.

Over his prolific career, Nas has released numerous critically acclaimed albums, exploring a range of themes from street life and inequality to personal growth and empowerment. His versatility and authenticity have earned him widespread respect, and he’s often cited as a major influence by younger generations of artists.

Beyond his impact on music, Nas has ventured into entrepreneurship, film, and activism. His enduring legacy in hip-hop is marked by a commitment to lyrical excellence and a profound influence on the evolution of the genre. Nas remains a living legend, with his words continuing to resonate in the hearts and minds of fans worldwide.

1. One Mic

“One Mic” is a powerful and introspective song by Nas, released in 2002 as part of his sixth studio album, “Stillmatic.” The track is often hailed as one of Nas’s masterpieces, showcasing his exceptional lyricism and ability to delve into profound social issues.

The lyrics of “One Mic” explore themes of personal struggle, social injustice, and the power of one’s voice to effect change. The chorus features the poignant lines: “All I need is one mic, one beat, one stage. One nigga front, my face on the front page.”

Musically, the song features a sample from Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” and a dynamic production that builds in intensity. Nas’s delivery is both passionate and contemplative, reflecting the urgency of the message he conveys.

“One Mic” has been praised for its thought-provoking lyrics and the emotional impact of Nas’s delivery. The song’s message about the strength of individual expression and the potential for positive change has resonated with audiences. It stands as a testament to Nas’s enduring influence and his ability to use his art to address complex social issues.

2. It Ain’t Hard to Tell

“It Ain’t Hard to Tell” is a classic hip-hop track by Nas, released in 1994 as the third single from his debut album, “Illmatic.” The song is widely regarded as one of Nas’s signature tracks and a standout example of his lyrical prowess.

The lyrics of “It Ain’t Hard to Tell” showcase Nas’s intricate wordplay, vivid imagery, and self-assured delivery. The chorus features the memorable lines: “It ain’t hard to tell, I excel, then prevail. The mic is contacted, I attract clientele.”

Musically, the song is built on a sample from Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature,” giving it a smooth and jazzy backdrop. The production by Large Professor complements Nas’s lyrical dexterity, creating a seamless fusion of classic hip-hop and soulful elements.

“It Ain’t Hard to Tell” received critical acclaim upon its release and has since become a quintessential track in Nas’s discography. The song’s timeless quality and Nas’s undeniable skill as a wordsmith have cemented its status as a classic in the hip-hop genre.

3. Life’s a Bitch

“Life’s a Bitch” is a poignant and reflective track by Nas, featuring AZ, from his debut album “Illmatic,” released in 1994. The song is renowned for its introspective lyrics and smooth production, capturing the essence of Nas’s storytelling prowess.

The lyrics of “Life’s a Bitch” delve into the challenges and complexities of life, exploring themes of struggle, survival, and the pursuit of success. Nas delivers thought-provoking lines, and AZ’s verse is particularly notable for its intricate rhyme schemes and philosophical insights. The chorus features the memorable lines: “Life’s a bitch and then you die, that’s why we get high, ’cause you never know when you’re gonna go.”

Musically, the song incorporates a sample from jazz musician Hubert Laws’ “Pavane,” creating a soulful and melodic backdrop. The collaboration between Nas and AZ, coupled with the smooth production, contributes to the timeless and evocative nature of the track.

“Life’s a Bitch” is often highlighted as a standout track on “Illmatic,” praised for its lyrical depth and the chemistry between Nas and AZ. The song remains a classic in hip-hop, celebrated for its authenticity and its portrayal of the harsh realities of life.

4. The World Is Yours

“The World Is Yours” is a classic hip-hop track by Nas, featured on his critically acclaimed debut album, “Illmatic,” released in 1994. This song is often regarded as one of Nas’ most iconic and influential works.

Produced by Pete Rock, “The World Is Yours” is celebrated for its jazzy and melodic sample from Ahmad Jamal’s “I Love Music.” Nas’ lyrical prowess shines through as he delivers intricate verses that touch on themes of ambition, struggle, and the pursuit of success in a challenging environment.

The title and chorus, which repeats the line “The world is yours,” encapsulate the central message of the song: the belief in one’s ability to overcome obstacles and claim one’s place in the world. The empowering and aspirational nature of the lyrics resonated with audiences and contributed to the song’s enduring popularity.

“Illmatic” is widely considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time, and “The World Is Yours” is often cited as one of its standout tracks. Nas’ impact on the genre and his ability to craft vivid narratives have solidified his status as one of the most influential figures in hip-hop history.

5. N.Y. State of Mind

“N.Y. State of Mind” is a classic hip-hop song by Nas, featured on his debut studio album “Illmatic,” released in 1994. While this song is not directly related to Stephen Stills, let’s delve into the significance of “N.Y. State of Mind.”

Produced by DJ Premier, “N.Y. State of Mind” is celebrated for its evocative storytelling, intricate lyricism, and the raw depiction of life in New York City, particularly in the Queensbridge housing projects where Nas grew up. The song opens the “Illmatic” album, setting the tone for the lyrical and musical brilliance that follows.

Nas, one of the most influential figures in hip-hop, uses “N.Y. State of Mind” to paint a vivid picture of urban struggles, survival, and the mindset needed to navigate the challenges of inner-city life. The atmospheric production by DJ Premier complements Nas’ narrative, creating a gritty and immersive listening experience.

The song has become a landmark in hip-hop history, praised for its lyrical complexity and its impact on the genre. “N.Y. State of Mind” remains a quintessential track in Nas’ discography and is often regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time.

6. If I Ruled the World

“If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” is a classic and uplifting track by Nas, featuring Lauryn Hill. The song was released in 1996 as a single from Nas’s second album, “It Was Written.” Known for its optimistic and aspirational lyrics, the track samples the 1985 song “Friends” by Whodini.

The lyrics of “If I Ruled the World” depict Nas’s vision of a utopian world where he envisions positive changes and universal harmony. Lauryn Hill’s soulful vocals on the chorus add an extra layer of depth and emotion to the track. The chorus features the iconic lines: “If I ruled the world, imagine that. I’d free all my sons, I love ’em, love ’em, baby.”

Musically, the song has a melodic and jazzy production, providing a smooth backdrop for Nas’s reflective verses. The collaboration between Nas and Lauryn Hill, both at the height of their careers, contributed to the song’s success.

“If I Ruled the World” became one of Nas’s most commercially successful songs and is considered a classic in hip-hop. Its positive message and memorable hook have resonated with audiences over the years, making it a timeless anthem.

7. One Love

“One Love” is a reggae classic by Bob Marley and the Wailers, featured on their 1977 album “Exodus.” While not directly related to Stephen Stills, let’s explore the significance of “One Love.”

The song is known for its uplifting and universal message of unity, peace, and love. It encourages people to come together despite differences and emphasizes the power of love to overcome adversity. The infectious rhythm, catchy melody, and Marley’s soulful vocals contribute to the timeless appeal of “One Love.”

Beyond its musical brilliance, the lyrics of “One Love” have made a lasting impact, resonating with listeners across generations. The call for unity and positive change aligns with Bob Marley’s commitment to using music as a force for social and political transformation.

“One Love” has become an anthem of sorts, transcending musical genres and borders. Its enduring popularity has solidified its place as one of Bob Marley’s most iconic and influential songs, contributing to his status as a global symbol of reggae music and cultural unity.

8. I Can

“I Can” is an empowering and motivational song by Nas, released in 2003 as a single from his seventh studio album, “God’s Son.” The track carries a positive message, encouraging listeners, especially young people, to believe in themselves and strive for success.

The lyrics of “I Can” emphasize the importance of education, perseverance, and self-worth. Nas addresses social issues and challenges faced by the youth while imparting words of wisdom and inspiration. The chorus features the uplifting lines: “I know I can be what I wanna be, if I work hard at it, I’ll be where I wanna be.”

Musically, the song samples the educational children’s song “ABC” by The Jackson 5, giving it a catchy and accessible vibe. The blend of Nas’s insightful lyrics with the familiar melody creates a unique and impactful track.

“I Can” received positive reviews for its positive message and became a commercial success. The song’s impact extends beyond the hip-hop genre, as it has been embraced as an anthem of empowerment and educational motivation. Nas’s commitment to delivering meaningful messages through his music is evident in this uplifting and influential track.

9. Hate Me Now

“Hate Me Now” is a hip-hop song by Nas featuring Puff Daddy (now known as Diddy). It was released in 1999 as a single from Nas’ third studio album, “I Am…”. While this song is not directly related to Stephen Stills, let’s explore the context of “Hate Me Now.”

The track is known for its intense and dramatic production, coupled with Nas’ powerful and introspective lyrics. The collaboration with Puff Daddy adds a dynamic element to the song. “Hate Me Now” addresses themes of perseverance, resilience, and the challenges that come with success in the music industry.

The accompanying music video, directed by Hype Williams, is visually striking and memorable, featuring symbolic imagery and dramatic scenes that complement the song’s themes.

Despite its commercial success, “Hate Me Now” became controversial due to its religious references and the crucifixion imagery in the music video. Nas and Puff Daddy both faced criticism, but Nas remained unapologetic about the artistic choices made in the song and video.

“Hate Me Now” remains a significant track in Nas’ discography, showcasing his ability to navigate complex subject matter through his lyrics while delivering a powerful and memorable performance.

10. Made You Look

“Made You Look” is a high-energy and assertive track by Nas, released in 2002 as a single from his sixth studio album, “God’s Son.” The song is known for its infectious beat, aggressive delivery, and Nas’s lyrical prowess.

The lyrics of “Made You Look” feature Nas addressing his position in the rap game, asserting his dominance and skills. The chorus includes the catchy lines: “Made you look, you a slave to a page in my rhyme book.”

Musically, the song has a dynamic production, driven by a sample from the Incredible Bongo Band’s “Apache.” The energetic beat and Nas’s confident flow contribute to the overall impact of the track.

“Made You Look” received acclaim for its production and Nas’s lyrical performance. It became a commercial success and is often celebrated as one of Nas’s standout tracks from the early 2000s. The song’s bold and unapologetic nature showcases Nas’s ability to command attention and make a lasting impact in the hip-hop landscape.