Few artists in hip-hop have left a mark as deep and lasting as Nas. From the moment he stepped onto the scene with Illmatic in 1994, it was clear that a lyrical genius had arrived—one who could turn gritty street tales into poetic masterpieces. Over three decades, Nas has built a legacy defined by raw honesty, powerful storytelling, and razor-sharp lyricism. Whether he’s painting pictures of Queensbridge hustle or sparring with rap’s elite, his voice remains one of the most authentic and influential in the game. His catalog is vast, but some tracks have etched themselves into the culture, becoming timeless anthems that define not just his career, but entire eras of hip-hop. This isn’t just a list of fan favorites—it’s a celebration of the verses that shook the streets, the hooks that inspired generations, and the beats that made heads nod across the globe. From poetic reflections to explosive diss tracks, these are the songs that made Nas a legend. So sit back, press play in your mind, and dive into the top 10 most popular Nas songs of all time—each one a lyrical monument to one of rap’s greatest storytellers.

A cornerstone of Nas’s legendary Illmatic debut, “N.Y. State of Mind” is a raw, cinematic journey through the gritty streets of 1990s Queensbridge. Produced by DJ Premier and released in 1994, the track opens with a haunting piano loop and Nas diving almost immediately into vivid storytelling. His flow is relentless, painting images of survival, violence, and street wisdom with an effortless poeticism that stunned the hip-hop world. At just 20 years old, Nas delivered verses that felt like verbal documentaries, grounded in harsh realities but presented with literary finesse. The song’s atmosphere is dark and tense, yet hypnotic, showcasing Nas’s uncanny ability to match lyrical content with mood. “N.Y. State of Mind” isn’t just a song—it’s an experience, a masterclass in urban storytelling that helped solidify Nas as one of the greatest lyricists in hip-hop history.