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..
The Second Coming
Nas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Third grade, singin Star Spandled Banner
Using proper manners, learned to handle anger
Animal behavior
Later on my block rockin wit my jocks on
Eating Bon Ton cheese popcorn, hummin a KISS rock song
Socks long to my knees
Summer breeze runnin through the leaves
Can I hang wit my little gang out?
Hearin shots rang out, heard my moms call my name out
Come upstairs, run up stairs
Take a bath, shit stained underwears
Wipe yourself wit paper
Bad little ass in my bed at 8:30
Wash my plate, ate dinner up late
Gazing at the wall, prayin basketball
Was my future for this young one
Hooping in the sun, proud to be where I come from
Later shootin guns fantasizing
Fascinated by gold rope chains
Looking back at my hood days but things ain't change
[Chorus] *all Nas samples* 2x
"Nasty-Nasty-Nasty Nas is a rebel to America"
"Lyrical professor, keep ya under pressure"
"It's like that, you know it's like that"
"Nas-Nas'll catch wreck", "You got the mad fat fluid"
[Nas]
Bumpy Johnson style, old timers, crocodile shoes
Pinky rings, bank robbers wit two's, boss of wild crews
Slacks overlapsed, apple jack hats, quarter field coats
Cadillacs wit white walls and chrome wheel spokes
They was organizing, investing in a piece of the hood
They had drugs, bettin numbers, police understood
They played the Cotton Club, red carpet, hoes on they arm
Plush minks, pimped out gangstas, civil rights wasn't won
E'ry Christmas they was Santa Claus
Nixon was the anti-christ
Bitches ass was bigger than sniffin nose candy white
Listenin to Malcom speak, talcum powder shaving cream
Layin back, barber chair, straight razor clean
Babies is born, big families started to blossom
Mad people just applied for apartments and got em
Used to be rules to this game of hustlers and dealers
From tommy guns to mac 10's
QB's new born killers (shit is changed)
Chorus 2x
[Nas]
Yo everytime I turn around, niggas shot, niggas stabbed
Winter nights, pregnant girls strugglin to get a cab
Fiends lurkin, D's searchin, pat pockets
Kids quick to bed but they heads from gats poppin
Queensbridge slingers hoppin out Benzes, don status
Dope fiends got syringes, poppin out they arms sractchin
I remember park jams
Gazelles, perfect wave shell
Adidas, smellin reefer way before purple haze
Private stock bare, niggas wit ill walks like Mark Clare
Hats tilted, wild niggas lickin shots in the air
Me and Pop was there, through the years our names would switch
Ain't nuttin changed but the names Nastradamus and Blizz
What project is this?
QB, Vernon and Tenth
12th Street, murderous pimps, hot as hell's heat
What could you tell me, nigga's seen it all in this game
When it's all said and done, just remember my name
Chorus 2x
The song "The Second Coming" by Nas is a powerful and evocative commentary on the state of America, told through the lens of Nas' own experiences growing up in Queensbridge, New York. The song opens with a nostalgic reflection on Nas' childhood, singing the Star Spangled Banner in third grade and playing with his friends on the block. However, from there, the tone quickly shifts to a darker reflection on the harsh realities of life in the projects. Nas reflects on the gunshots he heard outside his window as a child, and the drugs and violence that pervaded his community. He raps about crooked cops, gangsters, and drug dealers, painting a portrait of a society in which people are struggling to survive and thrive.
However, despite the grim subject matter, there is also a sense of hope and resilience in Nas' lyrics. He describes his own personal journey from a young boy dreaming of playing basketball to a respected and successful musician, noting that he is "proud to be where [he] come[s] from." The song also references the legacy of black icons like Malcolm X, and alludes to the civil rights movement, suggesting that even in the face of adversity, black Americans have continued to fight for their rights and their place in society.
Overall, "The Second Coming" is a powerful and thought-provoking commentary on the state of America, told through the lens of a talented artist who has lived through some of the country's most challenging moments.
Line by Line Meaning
Third grade, singin Star Spandled Banner
In my childhood, I learned to sing the national anthem in proper manner.
Using proper manners, learned to handle anger
During my upbringing, I was taught to manage my anger in a composed and polite manner.
Animal behavior
This phrase expresses the idea of uncontrolled or wild behavior.
Later on my block rockin wit my jocks on
As I grew up, I walked with my friends in the neighborhood, wearing our comfortable outfits and chilling.
Eating Bon Ton cheese popcorn, hummin a KISS rock song
During our leisure time, we were munching on Bon Ton cheese popcorn and humming the tunes of rock band KISS.
Socks long to my knees
I used to wear socks that went up to my knees, like most kids of that age.
Summer breeze runnin through the leaves
The air in the summers of my childhood was fresh and flowing through the tree leaves.
Playin freeze tag, can I stay out, please dad?
We used to play the game of freeze tag outdoors, and I would request my dad to let me stay out for more time.
Can I hang wit my little gang out?
I would ask my parents for permission to spend time with my group of friends.
Hearin shots rang out, heard my moms call my name out
Suddenly, gunshots started ringing in the surroundings, and my mother called me out by my name.
Come upstairs, run up stairs
My mother was asking me to hurry upstairs to get inside the house.
Take a bath, shit stained underwears
After coming inside, I needed to take a bath and change my underwear that had been soiled while playing outside.
Wipe yourself wit paper
To dry myself, I used to take tissue paper and wipe away the water and soap on my body.
Bad little ass in my bed at 8:30
I had my younger sibling sleeping beside me, and it was already 8:30 in the evening.
Wash my plate, ate dinner up late
I finished washing my plate after having dinner that was eaten a little late.
Gazing at the wall, prayin basketball
While staring at the wall, I had a love for basketball, and I prayed to become successful.
Was my future for this young one
Basketball was my hope for success as a youngster.
Hooping in the sun, proud to be where I come from
Playing basketball in the sun, I felt proud of my roots and where I come from.
Later shootin guns fantasizing
As I became older, I had fantasies of using guns.
Fascinated by gold rope chains
I found gold rope chains very attractive and stunning.
Looking back at my hood days but things ain't change
I look back at my life in the neighborhood, but things have not changed much there.
"Nasty-Nasty-Nasty Nas is a rebel to America"
This is a phrase from a sampling of Nas's voice that suggests he is defiant against American norms.
"Lyrical professor, keep ya under pressure"
This is another sampling of Nas's voice that describes him as a skillful rapper who keeps his listeners on edge.
"It's like that, you know it's like that"
This phrase expresses the idea that things are the way they are, and there's not much anyone can do to change them.
"Nas-Nas'll catch wreck", "You got the mad fat fluid"
These are more samplings of Nas's voice that emphasize his skillful rapping prowess.
Bumpy Johnson style, old timers, crocodile shoes
These are references to the style and fashion of the past years in Queensbridge, NY.
Pinky rings, bank robbers wit two's, boss of wild crews
These are more references to the past years of crime and gang activity in Queensbridge, NY.
Slacks overlapsed, apple jack hats, quarter field coats
These are more examples of the fashion and style popular in the past in Queensbridge, NY.
Cadillacs wit white walls and chrome wheel spokes
Cadillacs with white walls and shiny chrome wheel spokes were a symbol of style and class in the past years in Queensbridge, NY.
They was organizing, investing in a piece of the hood
People of the past were trying to develop and make their neighborhood better/more prosperous by organizing and investing in it.
They had drugs, bettin numbers, police understood
The people of the past had illegal activities like drugs and gambling, but the police were aware of it and did not take any action.
They played the Cotton Club, red carpet, hoes on they arm
These people had high status in society and were recognized; they would visit upscale venues and have women accompany them.
Plush minks, pimped out gangstas, civil rights wasn't won
Despite having wealth and status, civil rights were still not achieved in the past years in Queensbridge, NY.
E'ry Christmas they was Santa Claus
During the holiday season, people of the past would visit the neighborhood and give gifts, often dressed as Santa Claus.
Nixon was the anti-christ
This is a reference to President Nixon being seen as evil and malicious to some people in the past.
Bitches ass was bigger than sniffin nose candy white
This line is a vulgar reference to a woman's posterior being more significant than cocaine.
Listenin to Malcom speak, talcum powder shaving cream
People of the past would listen to Malcolm X speeches and use talcum powder and shaving cream as part of their grooming routine.
Layin back, barber chair, straight razor clean
Getting a haircut involved lying back in a barber chair while a straight razor provided a clean shave.
Babies is born, big families started to blossom
As the years passed, more babies were born, and people started to have more extensive families.
Mad people just applied for apartments and got em
Many people were applying for apartments, but they could quickly get one because of availability.
Used to be rules to this game of hustlers and dealers
In the past, there were specific ways of conduct while dealing drugs or engaging in other illicit activities.
From tommy guns to mac 10's
This refers to the evolution over time of the types of guns used for illegal activities.
QB's new born killers (shit is changed)
This final line of the song suggests that things have changed in Queensbridge, and new generations are different now.
Yo everytime I turn around, niggas shot, niggas stabbed
This is a description of the violence that is common in the present time in Queensbridge, NY.
Winter nights, pregnant girls strugglin to get a cab
Even pregnant women have to struggle to find transportation during cold nights in Queensbridge, NY.
Fiends lurkin, D's searchin, pat pockets
Drug addicts are lurking around, and the police are searching and patting individuals to find illegal items.
Kids quick to bed but they heads from gats poppin
Even the young ones are frequent to gunshots whose sounds can disturb their sleep at night in Queensbridge, NY.
Queensbridge slingers hoppin out Benzes, don status
Drug dealers in Queensbridge are rich and flashy, often driving Benz cars and display a high status.
Dope fiends got syringes, poppin out they arms sractchin
Drug users have syringes in their arms and are scratching themselves as they get high.
I remember park jams
This is a positive reminiscence of past times where people would gather in the park to listen to music, socialize and dance.
Gazelles, perfect wave shell
These are references to fashionable clothing and accessories of the past.
Adidas, smellin reefer way before purple haze
Adidas is another brand of trendy clothing, and smelling marijuana was more common before the strain called Purple Haze became popular.
Private stock bare, niggas wit ill walks like Mark Clare
People would often walk with a gait or swagger as they were under the influence of alcohol like Private Stock, reminiscent to the way Mark Clare, a former basketball player walked with skill and style.
Hats tilted, wild niggas lickin shots in the air
People used to wear their hats tilted, and some crazy individuals would fire gunshots in the air.
Me and Pop was there, through the years our names would switch
This line is about the artist Nas and his friend switching nicknames throughout the years while reminiscing about the past.
Ain't nuttin changed but the names Nastradamus and Blizz
Although their names changed, Nas and his friend remained friends throughout the years.
What project is this?
This is a rhetorical question regarding the current state of the neighborhood.
QB, Vernon and Tenth
12th Street, murderous pimps, hot as hell's heat
These lines are an address in Queensbridge, NY, known for having violent pimps and unbearably hot weather.
What could you tell me, nigga's seen it all in this game
This line expresses the idea that people have not been able to change an established system.
When it's all said and done, just remember my name
In the end, despite everything, Nas wants people to remember his name and legacy in the world of music.
Contributed by Grayson M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
RAakaCHI
NaS The Best To Ever Do It!
'Kids in Da PJ's' verse is a down low NaS Classic! I heard a DJ Remix just NaS verse with different beat from Original, it was Genius! Here it is The Second Coming by NaS & J.Period - https://youtu.be/FUFLiSvcDc8
"Third grade singing star spangled banner/
using proper manners/
learnt to handle anger animal behavior/
later on my block rocking with my jocks on/
eating Bon Ton chesse popcorn/
humming a KISS rock song/
socks long to my knees/
summer breeze running through the leaves playing freeze tag/
can I stay out please dad/
can I hang out with my little gang out/
hearing shots rang out/
heard my moms call my name out/
come upstairs run up stairs/
take a bath shit stained underwear/
wipe yourself with paper bad/
little ass in my bed at 8:30 wash my plate/
ate dinner up late/
gazing at the wall praying basketball/
was my future for this young one/
hooping in the sun/
proud to be where I come from/
later shooting guns fantasizing/
fascinated by gold rope chains/
looking back at my hood days/
but things aint changed/"
RAakaCHI
NaS The Best To Ever Do It!
'Kids in Da PJ's' verse is a down low NaS Classic! I heard a DJ Remix just NaS verse with different beat from Original, it was Genius! Here it is The Second Coming by NaS & J.Period - https://youtu.be/FUFLiSvcDc8
"Third grade singing star spangled banner/
using proper manners/
learnt to handle anger animal behavior/
later on my block rocking with my jocks on/
eating Bon Ton chesse popcorn/
humming a KISS rock song/
socks long to my knees/
summer breeze running through the leaves playing freeze tag/
can I stay out please dad/
can I hang out with my little gang out/
hearing shots rang out/
heard my moms call my name out/
come upstairs run up stairs/
take a bath shit stained underwear/
wipe yourself with paper bad/
little ass in my bed at 8:30 wash my plate/
ate dinner up late/
gazing at the wall praying basketball/
was my future for this young one/
hooping in the sun/
proud to be where I come from/
later shooting guns fantasizing/
fascinated by gold rope chains/
looking back at my hood days/
but things aint changed/"
RAakaCHI
NaS The Best To Ever Do It!
'Kids in Da PJ's' verse is a down low NaS Classic! I heard a DJ Remix just NaS verse with different beat from Original, it was Genius! Here it is The Second Coming by NaS & J.Period - https://youtu.be/FUFLiSvcDc8
"Third grade singing star spangled banner/
using proper manners/
learnt to handle anger animal behavior/
later on my block rocking with my jocks on/
eating Bon Ton chesse popcorn/
humming a KISS rock song/
socks long to my knees/
summer breeze running through the leaves playing freeze tag/
can I stay out please dad/
can I hang out with my little gang out/
hearing shots rang out/
heard my moms call my name out/
come upstairs run up stairs/
take a bath shit stained underwear/
wipe yourself with paper bad/
little ass in my bed at 8:30 wash my plate/
ate dinner up late/
gazing at the wall praying basketball/
was my future for this young one/
hooping in the sun/
proud to be where I come from/
later shooting guns fantasizing/
fascinated by gold rope chains/
looking back at my hood days/
but things aint changed/"
RAakaCHI
NaS The Best To Ever Do It!
'Kids in Da PJ's' verse is a down low NaS Classic! I heard a DJ Remix just NaS verse with different beat from Original, it was Genius! Here it is The Second Coming - https://youtu.be/FUFLiSvcDc8
"Third grade singing star spangled banner/
using proper manners/
learnt to handle anger animal behavior/
later on my block rocking with my jocks on/
eating Bon Ton chesse popcorn/
humming a KISS rock song/
socks long to my knees/
summer breeze running through the leaves playing freeze tag/
can I stay out please dad/
can I hang out with my little gang out/
hearing shots rang out/
heard my moms call my name out/
come upstairs run up stairs/
take a bath shit stained underwear/
wipe yourself with paper bad/
little ass in my bed at 8:30 wash my plate/
ate dinner up late/
gazing at the wall praying basketball/
was my future for this young one/
hooping in the sun/
proud to be where I come from/
later shooting guns fantasizing/
fascinated by gold rope chains/
looking back at my hood days/
but things aint changed/"
RAakaCHI
NaS The Best To Ever Do It!
'Kids in Da PJ's' verse is a down low NaS Classic! I heard a DJ Remix just NaS verse with different beat from Original, it was Genius! Here it is The Second Coming by NaS & J.Period - https://youtu.be/FUFLiSvcDc8
"Third grade singing star spangled banner/
using proper manners/
learnt to handle anger animal behavior/
later on my block rocking with my jocks on/
eating Bon Ton chesse popcorn/
humming a KISS rock song/
socks long to my knees/
summer breeze running through the leaves playing freeze tag/
can I stay out please dad/
can I hang out with my little gang out/
hearing shots rang out/
heard my moms call my name out/
come upstairs run up stairs/
take a bath shit stained underwear/
wipe yourself with paper bad/
little ass in my bed at 8:30 wash my plate/
ate dinner up late/
gazing at the wall praying basketball/
was my future for this young one/
hooping in the sun/
proud to be where I come from/
later shooting guns fantasizing/
fascinated by gold rope chains/
looking back at my hood days/
but things aint changed/"
Mike Illmatic
Beat is vicious! Nas is nasty! perfect 5/5
Near da Wu Boy (jahivre)
Beat is from IAM - Demain c'est loin (french hip hop music) ;-)
Wilhelm H.
Cant belive how dope his unreleased tracks are.
youngs1ncere
nas is the epitamy of hip hop music. gods son foreal.
Meschoui
Beat is from IAM "Demain c'est loin", one of the greatest french group
Yeeeaah
They really have the sickest hiphop beats in France
OniMasta
USA too bro'. Legends like Primo, Pete Rock, Dilla or RZA. Don't forget it.
Kingdom Enwereji
And Germany
Desmond Desouza
Appreciate you posting this unreleased track... I've been looking for this song for a while
RAakaCHI
NaS The Best To Ever Do It!
'Kids in Da PJ's' verse is a down low NaS Classic! I heard a DJ Remix just NaS verse with different beat from Original, it was Genius! Here it is The Second Coming by NaS & J.Period - https://youtu.be/FUFLiSvcDc8
"Third grade singing star spangled banner/
using proper manners/
learnt to handle anger animal behavior/
later on my block rocking with my jocks on/
eating Bon Ton chesse popcorn/
humming a KISS rock song/
socks long to my knees/
summer breeze running through the leaves playing freeze tag/
can I stay out please dad/
can I hang out with my little gang out/
hearing shots rang out/
heard my moms call my name out/
come upstairs run up stairs/
take a bath shit stained underwear/
wipe yourself with paper bad/
little ass in my bed at 8:30 wash my plate/
ate dinner up late/
gazing at the wall praying basketball/
was my future for this young one/
hooping in the sun/
proud to be where I come from/
later shooting guns fantasizing/
fascinated by gold rope chains/
looking back at my hood days/
but things aint changed/"