When discussing the greatest hip-hop artists of all time, Nas consistently ranks among the elite. The Queens-born rapper has delivered some of the most influential and critically acclaimed tracks in rap history. From his groundbreaking debut album Illmatic to his recent releases, Nas has proven his staying power and lyrical prowess across three decades. His storytelling ability, intricate wordplay, and authentic representation of street life have earned him respect from fans and critics alike. The best Nas songs showcase not only his technical skills but also his evolution as an artist who continues to push boundaries. Whether you’re exploring different genres through our songs collection or searching for the perfect audio equipment to experience his music, Nas’s catalog offers something for every hip-hop enthusiast.
N.Y. State of Mind
“N.Y. State of Mind” stands as perhaps the most definitive Nas track ever recorded, appearing on his 1994 debut album Illmatic. The song features one of the most iconic opening lines in hip-hop history and showcases Nas’s ability to paint vivid pictures of life in Queensbridge projects. DJ Premier’s haunting piano loop and jazz-inflected production create the perfect backdrop for Nas’s gritty street narratives and complex internal rhyme schemes. This track established Nas as a master storyteller and set a benchmark for lyrical excellence that still resonates today.
If I Ruled the World
Released in 1996 on the album It Was Written, “If I Ruled the World” became one of Nas’s most commercially successful singles while maintaining artistic integrity. Featuring Lauryn Hill’s soulful hook, the track presents an idealistic vision of how Nas would reshape society if given ultimate power. The production by Trackmasters samples Kurtis Blow’s “If I Ruled the World” and Whodini’s “Friends,” creating a smooth, radio-friendly sound that didn’t compromise Nas’s message. This song demonstrated Nas’s ability to create mainstream hits without diluting his lyrical complexity or social commentary.
The World Is Yours
Another gem from Illmatic, “The World Is Yours” features production by Pete Rock and contains one of the most uplifting beats in Nas’s catalog. The song’s optimistic tone contrasts with the harsh realities described in other Illmatic tracks, showing Nas’s range as an artist. The iconic piano sample from Ahmad Jamal’s “I Love Music” combined with T La Rock’s vocal sample creates an aspirational anthem that encourages listeners to pursue their dreams. This track has become a motivational classic, frequently referenced in popular culture and sampled by countless artists.
One Mic
From the 2001 album Stillmatic, “One Mic” represents Nas at his most raw and intense, building from a whispered delivery to an explosive crescendo. The minimalist production by Chucky Thompson features a gradually intensifying arrangement that mirrors Nas’s escalating vocal performance. Lyrically, the song explores themes of power, resistance, and the revolutionary potential of words, with Nas imagining what he could accomplish with just one microphone, one pen, and one stage. The track’s dynamic structure and passionate delivery make it one of the most emotionally powerful songs in Nas’s discography.
Made You Look
“Made You Look” from God’s Son (2002) saw Nas returning to a grittier, more stripped-down sound that recalled his Illmatic era. Salaam Remi’s production cleverly samples The Incredible Bongo Band’s “Apache,” one of hip-hop’s most foundational breaks, giving the track an authentic old-school flavor. The song functions as both a boast track and a statement of Nas’s enduring relevance in hip-hop, with the rapper declaring his ability to captivate audiences without gimmicks. This track became a street anthem and reminder that Nas could still create hard-hitting rap music that resonated with core hip-hop fans.
Ether
Perhaps Nas’s most controversial and impactful track, “Ether” was released in 2001 as a response to Jay-Z’s “Takeover” during their legendary feud. The song’s aggressive bars and personal attacks became so effective that “ether” entered hip-hop lexicon as a verb meaning to decisively defeat someone in a rap battle. Ron Browz’s eerie production samples Tupac’s “F**k Friendz,” adding an extra layer of intensity to Nas’s scathing verses. While controversial, “Ether” demonstrated Nas’s battle rap skills and reminded the industry why he’s considered one of the greatest lyricists in hip-hop history.
Get Down
Featured on God’s Son (2002), “Get Down” showcases Nas’s ability to create club-ready tracks while maintaining lyrical substance. The song interpolates James Brown’s classic “Get on the Good Foot” and features production that bridges the gap between street credibility and mainstream appeal. Nas reflects on his journey from the projects to success while maintaining his connection to the streets that shaped him. The track’s energetic vibe and catchy hook made it a fan favorite and demonstrated Nas’s versatility as an artist who could navigate different styles.
I Can
“I Can” from God’s Son became one of Nas’s most socially conscious and youth-oriented tracks, built around a sample of Beethoven’s “Für Elise.” The song delivers an empowering message to young people, particularly those in underserved communities, encouraging them to pursue education and believe in their potential. Salaam Remi’s production transforms the classical composition into an uplifting hip-hop anthem that’s both accessible and meaningful. This track showed Nas’s growth as an artist willing to use his platform for positive messaging without sacrificing his street credibility.
Patience
“Patience” featuring Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley from Distant Relatives (2010) represents Nas’s willingness to experiment with different sounds and collaborate across genres. The reggae-influenced track addresses themes of perseverance, social justice, and the struggles facing marginalized communities globally. The collaboration between Nas and Marley creates a powerful fusion of hip-hop and reggae that feels organic and purposeful. This song demonstrates Nas’s artistic evolution and his ability to create meaningful music that transcends traditional genre boundaries.
Nas Is Like
From the 1999 album I Am…, “Nas Is Like” features DJ Premier’s signature boom-bap production and contains some of Nas’s most quotable bars. The track opens with a powerful simile-driven hook that became instantly memorable and showcased Nas’s poetic approach to rap. Premier’s scratched samples and crisp drums provide the perfect canvas for Nas to deliver intricate metaphors and vivid imagery. This collaboration between two legends resulted in a track that exemplifies Golden Age hip-hop aesthetics while remaining timeless.
Hate Me Now
“Hate Me Now” featuring Puff Daddy became one of Nas’s most defiant and commercially successful singles from I Am… (1999). The song’s grandiose production and bold lyrics address the criticism and jealousy that accompanies success, with Nas embracing his controversial status. The expensive music video, which featured crucifixion imagery, sparked controversy but also demonstrated Nas’s willingness to push boundaries. This track represents a more aggressive, unapologetic side of Nas that resonated with fans who appreciated his refusal to be humble about his achievements.
The Message
Released on It Was Written (1996), “The Message” showcases Nas’s storytelling abilities through a narrative about a friend caught in the criminal justice system. The song’s poignant lyrics explore themes of incarceration, broken friendships, and the harsh realities of street life with emotional depth. Trackmasters’ production creates a melancholic atmosphere that perfectly complements Nas’s reflective verses. This track demonstrates Nas’s ability to create socially conscious rap that doesn’t preach but instead invites listeners into authentic human experiences.
Life’s a Bitch
Featuring AZ and Amine’s trumpet playing, “Life’s a Bitch” from Illmatic remains one of the most philosophical tracks in Nas’s catalog. The song contemplates mortality, the fleeting nature of life, and the pursuit of meaning in difficult circumstances with remarkable maturity for a 19-year-old artist. AZ’s guest verse is often cited as one of the greatest features in hip-hop history, creating perfect chemistry with Nas’s introspective bars. The jazz-influenced production by L.E.S. gives the track a sophisticated sound that elevated hip-hop’s artistic possibilities.
I’m Gonna Be Alright
From the 2004 album On the 6 / I Love, “I’m Gonna Be Alright” featuring Alicia Keys or Jennifer Lopez (depending on the version) became a mainstream crossover hit. The song’s uplifting message and melodic hook contrasted with some of Nas’s darker material while maintaining his lyrical integrity. The production incorporates soul and R&B elements that broadened Nas’s appeal without alienating his core fanbase. This track showed Nas’s ability to collaborate with mainstream artists and create radio-friendly music that still felt authentic.
Street Dreams
“Street Dreams” from It Was Written (1996) explores the aspirations and harsh realities of inner-city life with cinematic detail. The song interpolates The Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams,” transforming the synth-pop classic into a gritty hip-hop meditation on success and survival. Nas paints vivid pictures of the drug trade, materialism, and the American Dream as viewed from the streets of Queens. The remix featuring R. Kelly became even more commercially successful, demonstrating the song’s crossover appeal.
Affirmative Action
This posse cut from It Was Written features The Firm (AZ, Foxy Brown, and Cormega) and showcases Nas’s ability to hold his own alongside talented collaborators. The song’s mafioso theme and Trackmasters production exemplified mid-90s East Coast hip-hop’s fascination with crime narratives presented with cinematic flair. Each artist delivers strong verses, but Nas’s opening sets the tone and demonstrates why he’s considered one of the greatest to ever touch the microphone. The track’s success led to further collaborations and cemented Nas’s position as a leader in East Coast rap.
Take It in Blood
Another standout from It Was Written, “Take It in Blood” features some of Nas’s most violent and intense imagery over haunting production. The song’s dark atmosphere and aggressive lyrics showcase Nas’s ability to create cinematic street narratives that feel like scenes from a crime thriller. The production’s ominous strings and hard drums create tension that perfectly matches Nas’s vivid storytelling. This track appeals to fans who appreciate Nas’s raw, unfiltered approach to describing street life’s brutal realities.
On My Soul
From the recent album Transformers: Rise of the Beasts soundtrack (2023), “On My Soul” demonstrates that Nas continues to create relevant music decades into his career. The song features modern production while maintaining the lyrical complexity that defines Nas’s work. This track shows Nas’s ability to adapt to contemporary sounds without compromising his artistic identity, proving his relevance across generations. The inclusion of newer material on this list highlights how Nas remains creatively vital rather than relying solely on past glories.
Define My Name
Released in 2024 on the album Define My Name, this track showcases Nas’s continued evolution and refusal to be boxed into past achievements. The song addresses his legacy while simultaneously pushing forward, with production that feels contemporary yet true to Nas’s aesthetic. Lyrically, Nas reflects on his career, influence, and the meaning of his name in hip-hop history with the wisdom of an elder statesman. This recent release proves that Nas remains one of hip-hop’s most relevant and respected artists even as he approaches his fourth decade in the game.
Blue Benz
From King’s Disease (2020), “Blue Benz” exemplifies Nas’s Grammy-winning late-career renaissance under Hit-Boy’s production. The song combines nostalgic references with contemporary flows, showing how Nas has successfully bridged generations. The production features luxurious instrumentation that matches Nas’s reflections on success, longevity, and maintaining excellence across decades. This track from the King’s Disease series demonstrates why Nas’s recent work has been celebrated as some of his best material since his classic era.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered Nas’s best song?
“N.Y. State of Mind” is widely considered Nas’s best song by critics and fans alike, though “The World Is Yours” and “One Mic” also frequently top lists. The track from Illmatic showcases Nas at his most raw and authentic, with DJ Premier’s production creating the perfect backdrop for his vivid street narratives. Different fans may have personal favorites, but “N.Y. State of Mind” consistently ranks as his most influential and technically impressive track.
Which Nas album is considered his greatest?
Illmatic (1994) is universally regarded as Nas’s greatest album and one of the best hip-hop albums ever made. The album features perfect production from legendary producers and showcases Nas’s incredible lyrical abilities at just 19 years old. Every track on Illmatic is considered essential hip-hop listening, and the album’s influence on the genre cannot be overstated.
Did Nas win any Grammy Awards?
Yes, Nas won his first Grammy Award in 2021 for Best Rap Album with King’s Disease, after receiving 14 previous nominations throughout his career. He won again in 2022 for King’s Disease II, marking a remarkable late-career recognition of his artistic excellence. These wins came decades after many felt he should have been recognized, making them particularly meaningful to longtime fans.
What makes Nas’s lyrics so special?
Nas’s lyrics are distinguished by their complex internal rhyme schemes, vivid imagery, and authentic storytelling that brings listeners into his world. His ability to craft detailed narratives with cinematic quality while maintaining intricate wordplay sets him apart from many peers. Nas combines street wisdom with literary techniques, creating verses that work as both poetry and documentation of urban life.
Is Nas still making music?
Yes, Nas remains actively creating music and has experienced a creative renaissance in recent years with the King’s Disease series produced by Hit-Boy. His recent albums have received critical acclaim and commercial success, proving his continued relevance. Nas continues to tour, release new projects, and collaborate with contemporary artists while maintaining the quality that defined his classic work.
How did Nas get his stage name?
Nas originally went by “Kid Wave” and then “Nasty Nas” before shortening it to simply “Nas.” The name derives from his given name Nasir and was partly inspired by his brother’s nickname “Jungle.” Nas has also used the alias “Nas Escobar” and referred to himself as “Nasty” in his early work.
What is Nas’s most commercially successful song?
“If I Ruled the World” featuring Lauryn Hill is one of Nas’s most commercially successful singles, reaching number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Hate Me Now” featuring Puff Daddy and “I Can” also achieved significant commercial success. While Nas is known more for critical acclaim than chart dominance, these tracks demonstrated his ability to create mainstream hits.
Who are Nas’s biggest musical influences?
Nas has cited Rakim, Kool G Rap, and his father Olu Dara (a jazz musician) as major influences on his style. He’s also mentioned being inspired by writers like William Shakespeare and Donald Goines. The combination of hip-hop pioneers and literary figures shaped Nas’s unique approach to rap as both street documentation and high art.