Nas Is Like

Nas

About Nas Is Like

"Nas Is Like" is the first single from Nas' third album I Am.... The song is the sixth collaboration between Nas and producer DJ Premier. It was well received by critics as it was a change from the more commercial and pop-oriented singles from It Was Written and Nas, Foxy Brown, AZ, and Nature Present The Firm: The Album. The song contains a combination of braggadocios and introspective lyrics over a choppy string sample.


Year:
2004
202 
#2

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"Nas is" [Repeats]

Freedom or jail, clips inserted, a baby's being born
Same time my 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
First it was Nasty, but times have changed
Ask me now, I'm the artist, but hardcore, my science for pain
I spent time in the game, kept my mind on fame
Saw fiends shoot up, and do lines of cocaine
Saw my close friends shot, flat-line am I sane?
That depends, carry Mac-10's to practice my aim
On rooftops, tape CD covers to trees
Line the barrel up with your weak picture then squeeze
Street scriptures for lost souls, in the crossroads
To the corner thugs hustling for cars that cost dough
To the big dogs living large, taking it light
Pushing big toys, getting nice, enjoying your life
is what you make it, suicide, few try to take it
Belt tied around they neck in jail cells naked
Heaven and hell, rap legend, presence is felt
And of course N-A-S are the letters that spell
NAS, NAS

[Chorus: x2]
"Nas is like life or death.. I'm a rebel"
"My poetry's deep, I never fell"
"Nas is like, half man half amazing"
"No doubt"

"Nas is like.."  Earth Wind & Fire, rims and tires
Bulletproof glass, inside is the realest driver
Planets in orbit, line em up with the stars
Tarot cards, you can see the pharaoh Nas
"Nas is like.."  Iron Mike, messiah type
Before the Christ, after the death
The last one left, let my cash invest in stock
Came a along way from blasting, techs on blocks
Went from Seiko to Rolex, owning acres
From the projects with no chips, to large cake dough
Dimes, giving fellatio, siete zeros
Bet my nine spit for the pesos
But what's it all worth, can't take it when you under this Earth
Rich men died and tried, but none of it worked
They just rob your grave, I'd rather be alive and paid
Before my number's called, history's made
Some'll fall, but I rise, thug or die
Makin choices, that determine my future under the sky
To rob steal or kill, I'm wondering why
It's a dirty game, is any man worthy of fame?
Much to success to ya, even if you wish me the opposite
Sooner or later we'll all see who the prophet is

[Chorus]

"Nas is like.."  Sex to a nympho, but nothing sweet
I'm like beef, busting heat through your windows
I'm like a street sweeper, greenleaf reaper
Like Greeks in Egypt, learning something deep from they teachers
I'm like crime, like your nine, your man you would die for
Always got you, I'm like Pop Duke you would cry for
I'm like a whole lot of loot, I'm like crisp money
Corporate accounts from a rich company
I'm like ecstasy for ladies, I'm like all races
combined in one man; like the '99 summer jam
Bulletproof Hummer man
I'm like being locked down around new faces, and none of em fam'
I'm the feeling of a millionaire spending a hundred grand
I'm a poor man's dream, a thug poet
Live it, and I write down and I watch it blow up
Y'all know what I'm like, y'all play it your system every night
Now

[Chorus]

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Nas

Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones ( /nɑːˈsɪər/; born September 14, 1973), better known mononymously as Nas ( /ˈnɑːz/), is an American rapper and actor. He is also the son of jazz musician Olu Dara. Nas has released eight consecutive platinum and multi-platinum albums since 1994, four of which topped the Billboard charts upon release and has sold over thirteen-million records in the United States alone. Nas was also part of the hip hop supergroup The Firm, which released one album under Dr. Dre's record label Aftermath. Aside from rapping, Nas is also an occasional actor and has appeared in feature films such as Hype Williams' directorial debut Belly, Ticker and In Too Deep and the television show Hawaii Five-0. more »

4 fans

Written by: NASIR JONES, CHRISTOPHER E MARTIN, PAUL MITCHELL

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Information
"Nas is Like" is the first single from Nas' third studio album, 'I Am...' The song was released in 1999 and is considered one of Nas' most popular tracks.
Music Production
The song was produced by DJ Premier, who is often lauded for his hip-hop production work. It features a blend of string arrangements and a sample from "Why Can't People Be Colors Too?" by The Whatnauts.
Lyrics
The lyrics of the song reflect upon Nas' persona and his life experiences. The verses encapsulate various complex dimensions in life, society, the struggle in the streets, wisdom, and kindred spirit.
Critical Reception
The song received critical acclaim for Nas' lyricism and the production by DJ Premier. It is often cited as one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time.
Music Video
The music video for "Nas is Like" features Nas rapping in various locations in New York City, including his hometown neighborhood of Queensbridge.
Charts
"Nas Is Like" peaked at number 86 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 12 in the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks, and topped the Hot Rap Singles track.
Artistic Style
The song stands out in Nas' discography for its intense lyricism and distinctive use of metaphorical language, representing his poetic style and intricate wordplay.
Cultural Significance
"Nas is Like" is often referred to in the wider culture, appearing in movies, television programs, and covered or sampled by other artists, further attesting to its enduring influence.
Live Performances
Nas often performs this song in his concerts and live shows, acknowledging the popularity of the track among his fans.
Legacy
Even after more than two decades, "Nas is Like" remains a benchmark in conscious rap and is regularly cited as one of the greatest rap songs ever recorded.

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    Nas Is Like

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1999

    Billboard #86


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