Top 15 Nas Songs
Since his 1992 debut on Main Source’s classic posse cut “Live At The BBQ,” Queensbridge emcee Nas has been one of Hip Hop’s most prominent and respected figures. Widely regarded as one of the greatest emcees of all time, Nas is truly Hip Hop royalty.
Over more than two decades in the game, Nas has released so many exceptional tracks that creating a Top 15 list inevitably leaves out some of his best work. His 1994 debut, Illmatic, is often considered one of the most celebrated albums in Hip Hop history.
Here is HHGA’s selection of the top 15 Nas songs. If any of your favorites are missing, feel free to share them in the comments!
15. If I Ruled The World (1996)
“Imagine smoking weed in the streets without cops harassin / Imagine going to court with no trial / Lifestyle cruising blue Bahama waters / No welfare supporters, more conscious of the way we raise our daughters…”
One of Nas’ more mainstream hits, this track features a standout collaboration with Lauryn Hill and offers a fresh take on Kurtis Blow’s classic. In it, Nas imagines his ideal version of a perfect world.
14. Daughters (2012)
“They say the coolest playas and foulest heart breakers in the world / God gets us back, he makes us have precious little girls”
On this 2012 track from the acclaimed Life Is Good album, Nas demonstrates his enduring presence and significance in Hip Hop. The song is particularly moving, especially for fathers with daughters.
13. Take It In Blood (1996)
“Yo the time is wasting, I use the mind elevation / Dime sack lacing, court pen pacing / Individual, lyrical math abrasion / Psychic evaluation, the foulest nation…”
One of the standout tracks from Nas’ often-overlooked second album It Was Written, this song features Nas delivering a powerful performance over a compelling beat, with a notable sample from a classic Ultramagnetic MCs line.
12. Memory Lane (1994)
“I rap for listeners, bluntheads, fly ladies and prisoners…”
Every track on Illmatic is a classic in its own way, and this one stands out as one of the more relaxed tunes on the album. Nas reflects on the past, delivering his memories over a smooth, nostalgic beat crafted by DJ Premier.
11. One Love (1994)
“Sometimes I sit back with a Buddha sack / Mind’s in another world thinking how can we exist through the facts / Written in school text books, bibles, et cetera / Fuck a school lecture, the lies get me vexed-er…”
A poignant moment on Illmatic, this track features Nas penning heartfelt letters to his friend Cormega, who was incarcerated at the time. The soothing xylophone-infused beat is produced by Q-Tip, who also lends his voice to the chorus.
10. Ether (2001)
“Come out of my throne / I got this locked since 9-1 / I am the truest / Name a rapper that I ain’t influenced…”
Arguably one of the most brutal diss tracks in Hip Hop history, this song sees Nas delivering a fierce takedown of Jay Z in retaliation for the shots fired at him in the second verse of Jay’s “Takeover” from The Blueprint album.
9. Doo Rags (2002)
“Pushing drop-tops, Stacy Lattisaw tapes, the 80’s had us all apes / Youngest gorillas up to bat at home plate / That was an uncanny era, guns in my pants, yeah / X-Clan hair, with dreads at the top of my fade…”
“Doo Rags” offers a reflective journey back to New York in the 1980s and stands out as one of the highlights from the exceptional The Lost Tapes album.
8. One Mic (2001)
“All I need is one mic, one beat, one stage…”
“One Mic” is Nas’ heartfelt ode to Hip Hop, showcasing that even at this stage in his career, he possesses more passion and authenticity than any other rapper in the industry. A truly powerful track.
7. The Message (1996)
“Fake thug, no love / You get the slug CB4 Gusto / Your luck low, I didn’t know ’til I was drunk though”
Regardless of who the track’s jabs were aimed at (2Pac? Biggie?), this song remains one of the most underrated pieces in Nas’ extensive catalog. The lyricism and wordplay are top-tier, complemented by a solid beat and the clever use of a well-known Sting guitar riff.
6. The World Is Yours (1994)
“I’m the young city bandit hold myself down single-handed / For murder raps – I kick my thoughts alone, get remanded / Born alone, die alone, no crew to keep my crown or throne / I’m deep by sound alone, caved inside, 1,000 miles from home”
Over a timeless beat crafted by Pete Rock, which cleverly reimagines T La Rock’s old school classic “It’s Yours,” Nas delivers three flawless verses. Pure perfection.
5. Nas Is Like (1999)
“Freedom or jail, clip’s inserted, a baby’s being born / Same time a man is murdered, the beginning and end / As far as rap go, it’s only natural I explain / My plateau, and also, what defines my name…”
Another flawless collaboration between Nas and DJ Premier. Over Premier’s incredibly inventive beat, Nas delivers his signature verses.
4. Life’s A Bitch (1994)
“Time is Illmatic, keep static like wool fabric / Pack a 4-matic to crack your whole cabbage”
Another standout from Illmatic, this track vividly portrays the harsh realities faced by young Black men growing up with the constant threat of violence or imprisonment. Nas delivers a strong verse, but it’s guest AZ who truly shines with a standout performance. Fun fact: the trumpet solo at the end is played by Nas’ father, Olu Dara, adding a unique touch to this classic track.
3. It Ain’t Hard To Tell (1994)
“It ain’t hard to tell, I excel then prevail / The mic is contacted, I attract clientele / My mic check is life or death, breathing a sniper’s breath…”
An absolute gem. Large Professor’s exceptional instrumental work, rich with samples, is highlighted by the brilliant loop of Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature.” The track is packed with memorable lines, showcasing Nas at the peak of his craft.
2. Made You Look (2003)
“Now let’s get it all in perspective / For all y’all enjoyment, a song y’all can step with / Y’all appointed me to bring rap justice / But I ain’t five-O, y’all know it’s Nas, yo”
“Made You Look” is a standout street anthem with an ideal Golden Age/old school feel. It served as the lead single from God’s Son, Nas’ third album in just over a year, following Stillmatic and The Lost Tapes. These releases reinforced Nas’ status as a top-tier rapper, especially after the less well-received albums I Am and Nastradamus in 1999.
1. N.Y. State Of Mind (1994)
“Rappers, I monkey flip ’em with the funky rhythm I be kickin’ / Musician, inflictin’ composition of pain…”
An iconic Nas track and one of the greatest songs in Hip Hop history, this classic paints a vivid picture of life on the streets of NYC. It’s one of the standout collaborations between Nas and DJ Premier, possibly the most significant of their many acclaimed works together.
Credit Photo: “Nasir Jones – Orange Rockcorps London 2009” by alexander.mussard is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
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