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Nas
The essential Nas records, ranked — where to start and what to reach for next.
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1IllmaticNasStart here
Illmatic
Ten tracks, no filler, widely held to be the greatest rap album ever made. Nas's vivid Queensbridge storytelling sits over production from Premier, Pete Rock, Q-Tip and Large Professor. The benchmark every lyricist measures against.
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2It Was WrittenNasClassic
It Was Written
A glossier, commercially bigger follow-up to Illmatic, home to 'If I Ruled the World'. Polished and assured. A strong second act.
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3StillmaticNasClassic
Stillmatic
A focused, lyrical comeback, home to the famous 'Ether'. Sharp and acclaimed. A return to form.
Essential Nas tracks
- N.Y. State of Mind from Illmatic · on Best Songs of the 1990s, Best Hip-Hop Songs of All Time, Best 1990s Hip-Hop Songs
- It Ain't Hard to Tell from Illmatic · on Best 1990s Hip-Hop Songs
Tracks we've featured in our best-of lists — tap a title to find it on Amazon Music.