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…” 

If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” (1996) is one of Nas’s most accessible hits, blending radio appeal with his signature depth. Teaming up with Lauryn Hill, whose soulful hook elevates the track, Nas reworks Kurtis Blow’s old-school gem into a vivid vision of his utopia. Featured on It Was Written, the song trades gritty realism for aspirational imagery, as Nas envisions a world reshaped by his ideals—freedom, justice, and luxury. The polished production and Hill’s radiant contribution make it a standout, balancing mainstream flair with his lyrical finesse.

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” 

“Daughters”, from the acclaimed Life Is Good, underscores Nas’s enduring relevance in Hip Hop. This introspective track reveals a tender side, resonating deeply, especially with fathers of daughters. Over a soulful beat, Nas reflects on the joys and challenges of raising his own, blending pride with vulnerability. His seasoned lyricism shines, proving his ability to evolve while staying authentic. The song’s emotional weight and relatable narrative make it a standout, showing how Nas, even decades in, remains a potent voice in the game.

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…”

“Take It in Blood” from It Was Written ranks among the finest cuts on Nas’s often-overlooked sophomore album. Over a gripping beat laced with a recognizable Ultramagnetic MCs sample, Nas delivers with ferocious precision. The track demonstrates his lyrical dexterity, weaving gritty narratives with a commanding flow that elevates the production’s dark, hypnotic vibe. Though It Was Written sometimes lingers in Illmatic’s shadow, this standout cut proves Nas’s ability to evolve while maintaining his street-poet core, making it a hidden gem in his discography.

12. Memory Lane (1994)

“I rap for listeners, bluntheads, fly ladies and prisoners…” 

“Memory Lane (Sittin’ in da Park)” from Illmatic is one of the album’s most relaxed yet poignant tracks. Over a smooth, melancholy DJ Premier beat, Nas drifts into nostalgia, painting vivid pictures of his Queensbridge youth. The laid-back vibe belies the depth of his reflections, as he recalls simpler days with a mix of warmth and wistfulness. Every cut on Illmatic is a classic, but this one’s understated brilliance—marrying Premier’s soulful production with Nas’s evocative storytelling—makes it a timeless gem in his catalog.

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…”

“One Love”, a heartfelt gem from Illmatic, transforms Nas’s verses into poignant letters to his incarcerated friend Cormega. Q-Tip’s production, with its soothing xylophone backdrop, enhances the emotional depth, his voice faintly echoing in the chorus. Nas weaves vivid, personal tales of loyalty and loss, blending raw street wisdom with tender reflection. This track emerges as an emotional high point on an already stellar album, highlighting his storytelling mastery and ability to forge a deep connection, all lifted by Q-Tip’s soulful contribution.

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…” 

“Ether” ranks among the most ferocious diss tracks in Hip Hop history. Unleashed as a blistering retort to Jay-Z’s jab in the second verse of “Takeover” from The Blueprint, Nas delivers a relentless lyrical assault. Over a stark, ominous Ron Browz beat, he dismantles his rival with surgical precision, landing blow after blow with scathing bars and biting wit. The track, from Stillmatic, reignites Nas’s fire, proving his pen remains lethal. Its raw aggression and unapologetic venom elevate it beyond mere beef, cementing its status as a legendary moment in rap battles, where Nas unequivocally claims victory.

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 wistful journey back to 1980s New York, emerging as a highlight from the stellar The Lost Tapes. Over a mellow, soul-sampled beat, Nas paints a vivid portrait of his youth—doo rags, street corners, and the cultural pulse of Queensbridge. His reflective bars drip with nostalgia, capturing the era’s essence with a blend of pride and melancholy. This track, part of a compilation of unreleased gems, underscores his knack for turning memory into art. Its laid-back vibe and evocative storytelling make it a standout, proving Nas’s depth extends beyond his mainstream hits.

8. One Mic (2001)

“All I need is one mic, one beat, one stage…”

“One Mic”, from Stillmatic, is Nas’s fervent ode to Hip Hop, a testament to his unmatched passion in the genre. Over a minimalist beat that builds into a dramatic crescendo, Nas pours his soul into every bar, reflecting on fame, struggle, and the power of his voice. The track’s intensity lies in its simplicity—just one mic to convey his truth—underscoring his raw connection to the art form. At a time when his relevance faced scrutiny, this song reaffirms his heart surpasses his peers’, delivering powerful, introspective material. Its emotional depth and lyrical potency make it a defining moment in his catalog, resonating as both personal and universal.

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” 

“The Message”, from It Was Written, remains one of Nas’s most underappreciated gems, its barbs—whether aimed at 2Pac, Biggie, or others—shrouded in speculation. Regardless of targets, the track dazzles with top-tier lyricism and intricate wordplay, Nas flexing his pen with surgical precision. The instrumental, crafted by Trackmasters, elevates it further—a slick beat paired with a brilliant interpolation of Sting’s “Shape of My Heart” guitar riff, lending a haunting edge. Opening the album, it sets a tone of gritty sophistication, blending street tales with poetic flair. Despite its brilliance, it often lingers in the shadow of Nas’s bigger hits, making it a sleeper classic in his expansive catalog that deserves louder acclaim.

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”

“The World Is Yours”, from Illmatic, is a cornerstone of Nas’s legacy, driven by a masterful Pete Rock beat. Rock’s production cleverly flips T La Rock’s “It’s Yours,” crafting a timeless backdrop of jazzy horns and crisp drums. Nas matches the instrumental’s brilliance with three potent verses, each brimming with vivid imagery and youthful ambition. Reflecting on his Queensbridge roots, he transforms struggle into a declaration of ownership, his flow effortless yet commanding. The iconic chorus—scarface-inspired—amplifies its anthemic feel, cementing its status as a Hip Hop classic. This track captures Nas at his peak, blending Pete Rock’s golden-era sound with lyrics that resonate across eras, a true jewel in his crown.

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…”

“Nas Is Like”, from I Am…, marks another flawless union of Nas and DJ Premier, a partnership that consistently yields gold. Premier’s instrumental is a marvel—layered with funky bass, sharp scratches, and a hypnotic sample, it’s a canvas of creative brilliance. Nas rises to the occasion, delivering trademark verses that blend street wisdom with poetic finesse. His flow dances over the beat, each line a testament to his lyrical supremacy, as he declares his identity with unshakable confidence. The track’s energy is infectious, balancing raw grit with a celebratory vibe, making it a standout in his late ‘90s resurgence. This collaboration captures both artists at their peak, with Premier’s production amplifying Nas’s charisma and skill. It’s a definitive cut that reaffirms his place among Hip Hop’s elite, a timeless banger that still reverberates with authenticity and swagger.

4. Life's A Bitch (1994)

“Time is Illmatic, keep static like wool fabric / Pack a 4-matic to crack your whole cabbage” 

“Life’s a Bitch” is another standout from Illmatic—a raw, soul-stirring snapshot of young Black life in ’90s New York, where survival often feels like a coin toss between death and prison. Over a silky, melancholic beat by L.E.S., Nas drops a sharp, introspective verse full of world-weary wisdom that belies his age. But it’s guest AZ who absolutely bodies the track with one of the most iconic debut verses in Hip Hop history—his rapid-fire flow and poetic bars instantly cementing his legacy. The chemistry between the two emcees is electric, making this track unforgettable.

Adding a haunting final touch is the trumpet solo by Nas’ father, Olu Dara, which closes the song with a somber, jazzy grace that elevates the whole vibe. Life’s a Bitch is a time capsule, a street sermon, and a work of art that captures the pain, hope, and complexity of coming of age in the inner city.

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…” 

“It Ain’t Hard to Tell” is a lyrical masterclass and one of the crowning jewels of Illmatic. Over an incredible Large Professor beat built around a flawlessly flipped sample of Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature,” Nas demonstrates why he was hailed as the second coming of Rakim. The instrumental is lush, layered, and full of texture—blending boom bap grit with smooth soul in a way that perfectly complements Nas’ razor-sharp delivery.

From the jump, Nas comes out swinging with bar after bar of densely packed lyricism, balancing complex wordplay with vivid street imagery. His voice cuts through the beat with effortless precision, bringing poetic clarity to the chaos of his surroundings. What really makes this track iconic, though, is how complete it feels. Between the timeless beat, Nas’ elite rhyming, and the hypnotic hook, It Ain’t Hard to Tell hits that rare sweet spot between street anthem and lyrical showcase. It’s a flawless finale to Illmatic and a defining example of Nas operating at full genius.

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 thunderous return to form—an unapologetic street banger that roars with the energy of Hip Hop’s Golden Age. As the lead single from God’s Son, it dropped in 2002 like a bombshell, reasserting Nas’ dominance after a mixed run with I Am and Nastradamus. Coming off the critically acclaimed Stillmatic and The Lost Tapes, Made You Look was the final piece in a trilogy of redemption, cementing Nas’ place once again at the top of the rap game.

Produced by Salaam Remi, the beat is raw and stripped-down, flipping the Incredible Bongo Band’s “Apache” into a hard-hitting, siren-backed soundscape. It’s a throwback vibe with modern muscle, and Nas rides it with effortless authority. His delivery is fierce and focused, packed with classic lines, turning a simple hook into an unforgettable chant.

What makes this track so powerful is its blend of nostalgia and urgency—old-school in spirit, but absolutely present in its impact. Made You Look is more than just a hit; it’s a declaration. At a time when people questioned his relevance, Nas stepped into the spotlight and reminded everyone exactly who he was.

1. N.Y. State Of Mind (1994)

“Rappers, I monkey flip ’em with the funky rhythm I be kickin’ / Musician, inflictin’ composition of pain…” 

“N.Y. State of Mind” is one of the most iconic tracks in Hip Hop history, full stop. As the second track and first full song on Illmatic, it captures everything that makes Nas great: vivid storytelling, complex rhyme schemes, and a perspective that’s as raw as it is insightful. From the opening lines—“Rappers I monkey flip ’em with the funky rhythm I be kickin’”—Nas pulls you straight into his world, a gritty landscape of New York City streets where danger lurks around every corner.

Produced by the legendary DJ Premier, the beat is dark, jazzy, and hypnotic—anchored by a haunting piano loop and thumping drums that create the perfect cinematic backdrop for Nas’ lyrical assault. The chemistry between Premo and Nas is undeniable, and “N.Y. State of Mind” might be the pinnacle of their collaborations.

What makes the track so timeless is Nas’s ability to paint detailed, almost novelistic scenes with his words. He doesn’t just rap about the streets—he puts you there, dodging gunshots, watching his back, and navigating the harsh reality of inner-city life with both fear and resolve.

This song solidified Nas’s place in the pantheon of great lyricists. It’s the quintessential Nas track—gritty, poetic, and powerful—and it set the bar not just for Illmatic, but for East Coast Hip Hop as a whole. “N.Y. State of Mind” is a cornerstone of the genre.