Illmatic was a critically acclaimed bestseller and is widely considered one of the greatest rap albums of all time. He married R&B singer Kelis in 2005, they have one son together, and she filed for divorce on the 29th of April 2009. Nas was also a part of hip hop supergroup The Firm, which released one album.
In the years following the release of Illmatic, Nas pursued a more commercial direction, which resulted in wider success but decreased artistic credibility among critics and hip-hop purists. Furthermore, Nas' increased commercial success was accompanied by stylistic changes that fostered accusations of "selling out". Nevertheless, the LP Stillmatic is often credited for restoring Nas' credibility among fans. Since the success of Stillmatic, Nas continues to maintain a high profile within the hip hop community, and has pursued a decidedly progressive and personal aesthetic. While Nas' current artistic direction differs greatly from his most successful work, it has ensured that he remains one of the most respected and acclaimed contemporary rappers.
1973–1992: Childhood and early career
Nas was born in Brooklyn, New York, as the elder of Olu Dara and Fannie Ann Jones's two children; his brother Jabari (nicknamed "Jungle" because he was born in the Congo) is the younger of the two. The family lived for a time in Brooklyn, before moving to Queensbridge, the largest public housing project in the United States. Olu Dara left the household in 1986, when Nas was 13, and Ann Jones raised her two boys on her own. Nas dropped out of school in the eighth grade and began selling drugs on the streets of New York. He educated himself, reading about African culture and civilization, the Qur'an, the Bible and the Five Percent Nation. He also studied the origin of hip hop music, taping records that played on his local radio station. As a child, Nas had wanted to be an instrumentalist (at the age of three, Nas played his father's trumpet on the step of their Brooklyn home) and also a comic book artist. Shortly after his parents separated, Nas began to write short stories as he immersed himself deeper into hip-hop culture.
By his preteen years, he had settled on pursuing a career as a rapper, and as a teenager enlisted his best friend and upstairs neighbor Willie "Ill Will" Graham as his DJ. Nas first went by the nickname Kid Wave before adopting his more commonly known alias of Nasty Nas. Nas and Graham soon met hip-hop producer and Flushing Queens resident Large Professor, who introduced Nas to his group, Main Source. In 1991, Nas made his on-record debut with a verse on "Live at the BBQ", from Main Source's LP Breaking Atoms. Despite the substantial buzz for Nas in the underground scene, the rapper was rejected by major labels and was not signed to a recording deal. Nas and Graham continued to work together, but their partnership was cut short when Graham was shot and killed by a gunman in Queensbridge on May 23, 1992.
1992–1995: The recording and release of Illmatic
In mid-1992, Nas was approached by MC Serch of 3rd Bass, who became his manager and secured Nas a record deal with Columbia Records the same year. Nas made his solo debut on the single "Halftime" from Serch's soundtrack for the film Zebrahead. The single increased the buzz surrounding Nas and when MC Serch’s solo album is released later in the year, Nas’ standout appearance on "Back To The Grill" only intensified interest in his upcoming album, amid immense anticipation. Hailed as the second coming of Rakim, his rhyming skills attracted a significant amount of attention within the hip-hop community. However, many were concerned that Columbia, being a major label, would try to dilute his New York based style.
In 1994, Nas' debut album, Illmatic was finally released. Critically acclaimed and widely regarded as one of the premier rap albums ever created, Illmatic featured lyrics that portrayed stunning visual imagery and production courtesy of several producers . The album featured production from Large Professor, Pete Rock, Q-Tip (of A Tribe Called Quest) and DJ Premier, as well as guest appearances from Nas' friend AZ and his father Olu Dara on the song "Life's a Bitch", Illmatic was immediately hailed as a masterpiece by critics, and is still highly regarded as one of the definitive hip-hop albums of all time. Notable songs on the album included "NY State of Mind" (produced by Premier), "The World Is Yours" (produced by Pete Rock), "One Love" (produced by Q-Tip) and "It Ain't Hard To Tell" (produced by Large Professor and featuring a sample of "Human Nature" by Michael Jackson). However, due in part to extensive bootlegging, the record sales fell below expectations.
Following Illmatic, Nas appeared on AZ's Doe Or Die album, and collaborated with his Queensbridge-associates, Mobb Deep, on their album, The Infamous. One notable achievement during this period was Nas' verse on "Verbal Intercourse" on Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. After this appearance, Nas received a Source Quotable as he had the distinction of being the only non-Wu-Tang Clan member to be featured on one of the group's solo albums.
1996–1998: From It Was Written to The Firm
Columbia began to press Nas to work towards more commercial topics like the rapper The Notorious B.I.G., who had become successful by releasing street singles that still retained pop-friendly appeal. Nas traded manager MC Serch for Steve Stoute, and began preparation for his second LP, It Was Written, consciously working towards a crossover-oriented sound. It Was Written, chiefly produced by Poke and Tone of Trackmasters Entertainment, was released during the summer of 1996. Two singles, "If I Ruled The World (Imagine That)" (featuring Lauryn Hill of The Fugees) and "Street Dreams" (a remix features R. Kelly) were instant hits. These songs were promoted by big-budget music videos directed by Hype Williams, making Nas a common name among mainstream hip-hop. Other notable tracks on the album included "The Message" and "I Gave You Power," which tells a story from the perspective of a gun. It Was Written also featured the debut of The Firm, a supergroup consisting of Nas, AZ, Foxy Brown, and Cormega. The album also introduced Nas's Mafioso-inspired character "Nas Escobar", who lived more of a Scarface/Casino-esque lifestyle. On the other hand, Illmatic, which, while having numerous references to Tony Montana and the theatrical hit featuring Al Pacino, was more about Nas' life as a teenager in the projects, hustling and smoking marijuana.
The Firm signed to Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment label, and began working on their debut album. Halfway through the production of the album, Cormega was fired from the group by Steve Stoute, who had unsuccessfully attempted to force Cormega to sign a deal with his management company. Cormega therefore became one of Nas' most vocal opponents, releasing a number of underground hip-hop singles dissing Nas, Stoute, and Nature, who was Cormega's replacement in The Firm. The Firm's The Album was finally released in 1997 to mixed reviews and lackluster sales and the members of the supergroup went their separate ways.
At about this time, Nas became a spokesperson for the Willie Esco urban clothing line, but had no other connection with the clothing line. He stopped promoting Willie Esco in 2000, dissatisfied with the company's operations. During the same period, Nas co-wrote and starred in Hype Williams' 1998 feature film Belly, which also featured DMX, Taral Hicks, and T-Boz of TLC among its cast.
1998–2000: I Am... to Nastradamus
In 1998, Nas began work on a double album to be entitled I Am...The Autobiography, which he intended as the middle ground between the extremes of Illmatic and It Was Written. The album was completed in early 1999, and a music video was shot for its lead single, Nas Is Like, produced by DJ Premier and featuring vocal samples from "It Ain't Hard to Tell". However, much of the LP was leaked in MP3 format onto the Internet, and Nas and Stoute quickly recorded enough substitute material to constitute a single-disc release.
The second single for I Am was "Hate Me Now," featuring Sean "Puffy" Combs (now "Diddy"), was used as an example by Nas' critics for moving towards commercial themes. Hype Williams shot an allegorical video for the single, which featured Nas and Puffy being crucified in a manner similar to Jesus; After the video was completed, Combs, a Catholic, requested his crucifixion scene be edited out of the video. However, the unedited copy of the "Hate Me Now" video made its way to MTV, and was premiered on April 15, 1999 on TRL. A furious Combs and his bodyguards allegedly made their way into Steve Stoute's office and assaulted him, at one point apparently hitting Stoute over the head with a champagne bottle. Stoute pressed charges, but he and Combs settled out-of-court that June.
Columbia had scheduled to release the pirated material from I Am under the title Nastradamus during the latter half of 1999, but, at the last minute, decided Nas should record an entirely new album for release. Nastradamus was therefore rushed to meet a November release date. Though critics were not kind to the album, it did result in a minor hit, the Timbaland-produced "You Owe Me," featuring R&B singer Ginuwine. The only pirated track from I Am... to make it onto Nastradamus was "Project Windows," featuring Ronald Isley. A number of the other bootlegged tracks later made their way onto The Lost Tapes, a collection of underground Nas songs that was released by Columbia in September 2002. The collection saw decent sales and received glowing reviews.
2000–2001: The Nas vs. Jay-Z rivalry and Stillmatic
The highly publicized rivalry between Nas and Jay-Z began as a rivalry between Nas and Jay-Z's protege, Memphis Bleek. On his debut album Coming of Age, Bleek made a song entitled "Memphis Bleek Is", which was similar in concept to Nas' single "Nas is Like". On the same album, Bleek recorded "What You Think Of That" featuring Bleek's mentor Jay-Z, which contains the refrain, "I'ma ball 'til I fall/what you think of that?". In retaliation, "Nastradamus", the title track from Nas' second 1999 album, featured a reference to "What You Think Of That". The lyrics state, "You wanna ball till you fall, I can help you with that/You want beef? I could let a slug melt in your hat." Memphis Bleek perceived the reference on "Nastradamus" as a diss, and therefore dissed Nas on the lead single for his The Understanding LP, My Mind Right".
QB's Finest was a compilation album that featured Nas and a number of other rappers from Queensbridge, including Mobb Deep, Nature, Littles, The Bravehearts (which included Nas' younger brother Jungle among its members), and Cormega, who had briefly reconciled with Nas. The album also featured guest appearances from Queensbridge hip-hop legends Roxanne Shante, MC Shan, and Marley Marl. Shan and Marley Marl both appeared on the lead single "Da Bridge 2001", which was based on Shan & Marl's 1986 recording "The Bridge". "Da Bridge 2001" also featured a response from Nas to Memphis Bleek, in which Nas called out most of the Roc-A-Fella Records roster, including Bleek, Damon Dash, Beanie Sigel, and Jay-Z.
Jay-Z responded to Nas' songs with an onstage swipe during the 2001 Hot 97 Summer Jam concert in New York City, when he premiered his song "Takeover." Initially, the song was to only be a Mobb Deep diss, only including one line about Nas near the end. Nevertheless, Nas recorded the "Stillmatic Freestyle," an underground single which sampled Rakim and Eric B.'s "Paid in Full" beat, and attacked Jay-Z and his Roc-A-Fella label. On his 2001 album, The Blueprint, Jay-Z rewrote "Takeover," dedicating half of the song to dissing Nas, claiming that he had a "...one hot album every ten year average" record (referring to Illmatic) that his flow was weak, and that he had fabricated his past as a hustler.
Nas responded with "Ether", the track begins with gunshots and a repeated, slowed-down sample of Tupac rapping "Fuck Jay-Z." (taken from Tupac's "Fuck Friends") In "Ether," Nas accuses Jay-Z of stealing ("biting") lyrics from The Notorious B.I.G. and brown-nosing Nas and other rappers for fame. Ether was included on Nas' fifth studio album, Stillmatic, released in December 2001. Stillmatic managed to be not only a critically-acclaimed comeback album, but a commercial success as well, albeit not on the level of It Was Written and I Am...; the album debutted at #7 on the Billboard album charts and featured the singles "Got Ur Self A..." and "One Mic." In terms of commercial success, Jay's The Blueprint was certified double-platinum, while Stillmatic went platinum.
Jay-Z responded to "Ether" with a freestyle entitled "Supa Ugly." going into detail about how he had sex with Carmen Bryan, the mother of Nas' daughter Destiny. Nas dismissed the track by claiming that he was no longer with Bryan during the time the affair took place. In a recent interview, however, New York radio station Hot 97 settled the battle taking votes comparing "Ether" and "Supa Ugly," and Nas won with 58% while Jay-Z got 42% of the votes. By 2005, the two rappers had eventually ended their feud without violence or animosity. During Jay-Z's I Declare War - Power House concert, Jay-Z announced to the crowd, "It's bigger than 'I Declare War'. Let's go, Esco!" Nas then joined Jay-Z onstage, and the two then performed "Dead Presidents" together, which Jay-Z had sampled from Nas' song "The World is Yours."
2002–Present: From God's Son to Street's Disciple and beyond
In December 2002, Nas released the God's Son album. and its lead single, "Made You Look". The album debuted at #18 on the Billboard charts despite widespread internet bootlegging. Time Magazine named his album best hip-hop album of the year. Vibe Magazine gave it 4 stars and The Source gave it 4 mics. The second single, the inspirational "I Can", which reworked elements from Beethoven's "Fur Elise", became Nas' biggest hit to date during the spring and summer of 2003, garnering substantial radio airplay on urban, rhythmic, and top 40 radio stations, as well as on the MTV and VH1 music video networks. God's Son also includes several songs dedicated to memory of Nas' mother, who died of cancer in 2002. In 2003, Nas was featured on the Korn song "Play Me", from KoЯn's Take a Look in the Mirror LP.
Nas released his seventh studio album, the critically acclaimed double-disc Street's Disciple, on November 30, 2004. The album's first singles were "Thief's Theme" and "Bridging the Gap", which features his father Olu Dara on vocals. The album also includes "These are Our Heroes", which accuses prominent sports stars and actors such as Kobe Bryant, Lenny Henry, Tiger Woods, and Cuba Gooding, Jr. of neglecting their heritage and background in favour of white values. The videos for "Bridging the Gap" and "Just A Moment" received moderate airplay on MTV and BET. Although the album went platinum, its commercial profile was relatively low compared to the rapper's previous releases.
Nas was featured on Kanye West's album Late Registration on a song titled "We Major". West said the song was Jay-Z's favorite on the album, but West was unable to get Jay-Z to record a vocal for the final mix of the song. He also appeared on Damian Marley's song "Road to Zion" (which also featured newcomer The Game in the video, widening Nas' still growing universally appreciated raps) and several other songs such as "Death Anniversary" and "It Wasn't You" (featuring Lauryn Hill). In addition, Nas was most recently married to the R&B singer Kelis, who is mostly known for her work internationally, but nonetheless released great hits in the U.S. The couple wed on Jan. 8, 2005 in Atlanta, GA, after a two-year engagement.
During this time, Nas announced that his next album would be entirely self-produced and feature no other rappers, and would be titled Nasir, and later that the project would feature other producers after all and would be called Nasdaq: Dow Jones. Neither of these albums ever materialized.
At a free concert in Central Park, New York, Nas made a statement regarding the quality of 50 Cent's music. "this is the real shit, not that 50 Cent shit!" In response, 50 Cent included a stab at Nas by speaking negatively of his wife Kelis on his single "Piggy Bank," implying that Kelis was promiscuous and calling Nas a "sucker for love." Nas was quoted as saying that he feels no obligation to retaliate, remarking "[50 has] got a good five to six more albums before I can really respond to him." Nas eventually decided to retaliate, and in July 2005 released "Don't Body Ya Self (MC Burial)", a song which taunts 50 Cent and his G-Unit crew, stating that 50 was "a sucka for death if I'm a sucka for love." However, despite all of this, Nas still claims to "have a lot of love towards 50," claiming 50 didn't understand his moves when they both were together at Columbia Records.
In January 2006, Nas signed a label deal with Jay-Z's Def Jam, further emphasizing the Jay-Z/Nas truce and raising expectations for a collaboration even higher. His album due in fall of 2006 will come out in a joint deal with this imprint and Columbia Records. He recently announced to MTV News that his album is to be named, "Hip Hop is Dead...the N," the N being a play on the word the "end." The title is supposed to reflect what some would term the current low quality of rap music. The highly anticipated album is due out in December 19th, 2006.
Musical style and Technique
Nas has long been famed for his creativity and storytelling prowess, which has earned him acclaim from both the hip-hop community and critics. In his early stages, from his first appearance on the Main Source's Breaking Atoms and throughout the recording of Illmatic, he was perhaps best known for his street-oriented topics, complex lyrical schemes (which often incorporated multi-syllabic internal rhymes), and witty phrasing and imagery. As he progressed and matured, Nas began to branch out into different subjects and developed a richer voice and slower rapping technique.
Following Illmatic's release, Nas developed a penchant for hyper-visual storytelling and topical creativity. For instance, "Undying Love" (featured on I Am...) is a tale of his wife's betrayal told in first person, "Rewind" (featured on Stillmatic) is a narrative in which a story is recited backwards, while on "I Gave You Power" (featured on It Was Written), Nas assumes the role of a gun who recounts brutal tales of murder and violence. Over the years Nas' style has changed significantly. In contrast to his previous work, Nas’ most recent material is distinctively socially aware and often politically inflammatory. Songs such as "I Can" (featured on God's Son) convey moral messages of black youth empowerment, while "These Are Our Heroes (Coon Picnic)" accuses several African-American celebrities of being Uncle Toms. Furthermore, controversial songs such as "My Country" and "A Message to the Feds (Fuck The Police II)" (which are featured on Stillmatic and Street's Disciple, respectively) question the conduct of the American government. Nas' views in his lyrics throughout his career have made references to Islam and the Five Percent Nation..
Don't Hate Me Now
Nas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Poolhall making
Big bets, midsection got the 8 in
Dior Christian pimpin'
Got that penal system diction
Riffing, you don't want it you snitchin'
Spit a few at a traitor with that new AR
Try to kill me I'm the leader
Streetsweepers in that Coupé all black
Bitches want my chipped tooth back
Steel mac, so my kufi never gets smacked
Squeeze a fifth with a grip as I dip
From the paparazzi
Still playing numbers you can't stop me
Still wearing bundles, and spark weed
If I ever say "Queens get 'em"
You know they got me
Success, scandal, bone deep, personal beef
So lead by example, or get trampled
Since Hip Hop Is Dead, this is the N
Congratulations in order 'cause we
Did it again
Don't hate me now, congratulate me now
I'm still getting it and don't
Even love the doe
Don't hate me now, congratulate me now
I'm still ripping
And I don't even love the hoes
Still getting it and don't even love the doe
Steel gripping it
You know that I tug the fo'
Stay splifted 'cause you know that
I love the dro
The style is taboo, the chain's offensive
Brain on airplanes, Gucci frames are vintage
The two Tec Don in Yukon's and Benzes
Chicks who suck other chicks
Tit's like infants (wow)
The Apprentice but not Trump
I'm the nigga with Glocks and pumps
That you don't see much
Sucker free from chumps
Homes with cobblestones in front of 'em
He's got guns in cummerbunds
So understand you under son
Don't make me have you running
From a hundred guns
Don't make me grab your only son
I'm coming from
A place Tanqueray and weed's the only escape
From phonies who hate
When you rolling with papes
That's why the god party with juicy models
They mob me, Denali, Charlie Luciano - hardly
Have to tell y'all, I kill y'all
For spitting songs that involve me nigga
Original verbal assassin
Have to carve me a nigga
Don't hate me now, congratulate me now
I'm still getting it and don't
Even love the doe
Don't hate me now, congratulate me now
I'm still ripping
And I don't even love the hoes
Still getting it and don't even love the doe
Steel gripping it
You know that I tug the fo'
Stay splifted 'cause you know that
I love the dro
The song "Hate Me Now" is a collaboration between Nas and Puff Daddy, released in 1999. It starts with a catchy and confident ad-lib "Escobar Season has returned," a reference to Nas' alter ego "Nas Escobar." The song carries the theme of the two rappers asserting their success in the face of adversity and hate from their peers. The chorus "You can hate me now, but I won't stop now" is a powerful statement of their determination to keep succeeding despite the negative reactions from people who can't accept their success.
The opening verse of Nas talks about how he's always been himself and haters can't change who he is. In the second verse, he shifts focus to the people who hate him for his material success. He argues that he worked hard for everything he has accomplished, and people should focus on their own aspirations instead of criticizing him. Puff Daddy takes over in the third verse describing himself as a monster and how naysayers and enemies have only made him stronger. He compares his ascent to sitting atop the world, never to fall, forever ballin'.
Overall, the song is an anthem for anyone facing criticism and hate for their success, urging them to stay true to themselves and keep pushing forward.
Line by Line Meaning
Escobar Season has returned
Nas is back with another album, continuing his legacy as a great rapper.
It's been a long time, been a long time comin'
It's been a while since Nas last released an album, but all good things come with time.
Looks like the death of me now
People may dislike Nas for his success, but he won't let that stop him from achieving greatness.
But you know, there's no turning back now
Nas has come too far in his career to give up now, despite the hate he receives.
This is what makes me; this is what I am
Nas' success and popularity is a part of his identity and he won't let anyone take that away.
Don't hate me, hate the money I see, clothes that I buy
People who dislike Nas shouldn't direct their hate towards him, but towards his wealth and material possessions.
Ice that I wear, clothes that I try, close your eyes
Nas flaunts his expensive jewelry and fashion sense, but it's not something people should focus on when judging him.
Picture me rollin', sixes, money foldin'
Nas paints a picture of his luxurious lifestyle, but reminds listeners that it's not what defines him as an artist.
Bitches, honeys that swollen to riches, Nas get in ya
Nas' success attracts many women, but he values his artistry more than temporary pleasure.
Most critically acclaimed Pulitzer Prize winner
Nas boasts about his many accolades, including his Pulitzer Prize win and critical acclaim.
Best storyteller, thug narrator, my style's greater
Nas' unique storytelling abilities and authentic portrayal of life on the streets sets him apart as a rapper.
Model dater, big threat to a lot of you haters
Nas' success in both music and his personal life threatens those who envy him.
Commentators ringside try watchin' my paper
People are always trying to keep tabs on Nas' finances and success.
Almost a decade, quite impressive
Nas' longevity in the rap game is a testament to his talent and hard work.
Most of the best is in the essence
Nas believes that his authenticity and true self is what makes him one of the best rappers in the game.
For this rap shit that I stand for
Nas' dedication to his craft is unwavering, despite any criticism or hate he may face.
Expandin' more to the big screen, Bill Gates dreams
Nas has aspirations to expand his career into acting and becoming a successful entrepreneur.
But it seems you'd rather see me in jail with state greens
Many people would rather see Nas fail and end up in prison than succeed.
Want me off the scene fast, but good things last
People may wish for Nas to disappear from the music scene, but he won't let that bring him down.
Like your favorite MC still makin' some mean cash
Despite the hate he receives, Nas is still one of the most successful and wealthy rappers in the game.
First rapper to bring a platinum plaque back to the projects
Nas broke barriers as a rapper from the projects, achieving success and paving the way for future artists.
But you still wanna hate, be my guest, I suggest
Nas doesn't care if people dislike him, but reminds them that their hatred won't bring him down.
You wanna hate me then hate me; what can I do
Nas won't waste his time trying to please those who hate him.
But keep gettin' money, funny I was just like you
Nas remembers his struggles to make money and rise to the top, despite facing similar hate and adversity.
I had to hustle hard, never give up, until I made it
Nas' success is a result of his hard work and determination to never give up.
Now y'all sayin' "that's a clever nigga, nothin' to play with"
Nas' success now earns him respect and admiration, despite the hate he received in the past.
Hate on me, I blew but I'm the same O.G
Despite his success, Nas has remained true to himself and his roots.
People warn me, when you're on top, there's envy
Nas is aware that his success invites jealousy and envy from others.
Took my niggas out the hood, but you doubt on us
Nas helped his friends achieve success and leave the hood, but some people still doubt their success.
Sayin' we left the hood but can't get it out of us
Despite leaving the hood, Nas and his friends will always carry their experiences and roots with them.
My bad, should I step out my shoes, give 'em to you?
Nas sarcastically offers to switch places with his haters, but knows they couldn't handle his lifestyle and success.
Here's my cars and my house, you can live in that too
Nas flaunts his wealth and offers it to those who hate him, knowing that they could never attain it themselves.
Criticize when I flow for the streets, hate my dress code
Nas' critics dislike his music and fashion sense, but he won't change who he is for anyone.
Gucci this, Fendi that, what you expect, ho?
Nas is proud of his expensive clothing and accessories, and doesn't care if people judge him for it.
Nickname Esco, took this game to its threshold
Nas is a pioneer of the rap game, pushing it to new heights and setting himself apart as a legend.
Best flow, I bet the whole U.S. know
Nas' lyrical abilities are known throughout the country and he stands as one of the most talented rappers of all time.
Try to make it like you the realest, but who the illest?
Nas challenges those who claim to be the best, reminding them that he is still the greatest.
Think we all know the answer to that, cause niggas feel this right
Nas knows that his fans recognize his talent and authenticity, regardless of what his haters may say.
It's a thin line between paper and hate
Nas acknowledges that his wealth and success invite hatred and criticism from others.
Friends and snakes, nine millis and thirty-eights
Nas reflects on the danger of his lifestyle and the importance of knowing who to trust.
Hell or the pearly gates; I was destined to come
Nas believes that his success was always meant to be, whether in life or death.
Predicted, blame God, he blew breath in my lungs
Nas attributes his success to a higher power and believes that it was part of his fate.
Second to none, wicked turn wives to widows
Nas' talent and success is unrivaled, but also a reminder of the danger of his lifestyle.
Shoot through satin pillows, the desolate one
Nas doesn't shy away from his violent past and the dangerous situations that come with his lifestyle.
Took a little time to claim my spot
Nas' journey to success wasn't easy, but it was worth it to achieve his spot as one of the greatest rappers of all time.
Chairman of the board until this game stop, and I side with the Lord
Nas is a leader in the rap game and will continue to be until he decides it's time to stop. He also believes in a higher power.
Ride for the cause while drivin' niggas shot at my doors
Nas remains dedicated to his music and his lifestyle, despite the risks that come with it.
Plottin' I'm sure to catch me with they Glocks to my jaws
Nas acknowledges the danger that comes with his success and knows that people may try to harm him to take it away.
Tried stickin' me up but I flipped on these ducks
Nas outwitted those who tried to steal from him or harm him, proving that he is still in control of his own life.
Instead of me, ambulances were picking them up
Nas' enemies failed to harm him, but ended up getting hurt themselves.
Niggas fear what they don't understand, hate what they can't conquer
Nas' haters dislike him because they fear his success and can't understand or replicate it.
Guess it's just the theory of man
Nas recognizes that this is a common theme among people - to dislike and fear what they can't attain.
Became a monster, on top of the world, never fallin'
Nas' success and popularity have made him a legend and he won't let himself come down from that pedestal.
I'm as real as they come from day one, forever ballin'
Nas has always stayed true to himself and his roots, and will continue to do so even as he achieves more success.
Lyrics © JELLYBEAN MUSIC GROUP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@user-bn9es1vo6e
22 years later, if you're watching this, you're a legend.
@chrisbee9643
nah.. .you just got taste. ;) Its not if we get new material on this level of these era. :)
@prophetofhope8828
I'm a legend!!!
@samanthamcsherry6776
I'm just 16
@stevedail5948
Legend
@draganblazevski7271
Yeah and see you after 22 more sure I hope so, best regards from Macedonia
@maniversus
'People fear what they don't understand.. hate what they can't conquer, guess it's just a theory of man' - Nas. The best ever touched mic.
@ramadanslim3500
Inferior man, not theory of man.
@maniversus
@@ramadanslim3500 maybe you should listen again
@duncankomu8088
@@maniversus he's right,check the lyrics he says inferior man