Nas

Lyrics

[Produced by DJ Premier]

[Intro]
Yeah, yeah
Ayo, Black—it's time, word (Word, it's time, man)
It's time, man (Aight, man, begin)
Yeah—straight out the fuckin' dungeons of rap
Where fake niggas don't make it back
I don't know how to start this shit, yo—now;
[Verse 1]
Rappers; I monkey flip 'em with the funky rhythm, I be kickin'
Musician, inflictin' composition of pain
I'm like Scarface sniffin' cocaine
Holdin' an M16, see, with the pen I'm extreme
Now, bullet holes left in my peepholes
I'm suited up with street clothes, hand me a 9 and I'll defeat foes
Y'all know my steelo, with or without the airplay
I keep some E&J, sittin' bent up in the stairway
Or either on the corner bettin' Grants with the cee-lo champs
Laughin' at base-heads, tryna sell some broken amps
G-packs get off quick, forever niggas talk shit
Reminiscin' about the last time the task force flipped
Niggas be runnin' through the block shootin'
Time to start the revolution, catch a body, head for Houston
Once they caught us off-guard, the MAC-10 was in the grass, and
I ran like a cheetah, with thoughts of an assassin
Picked the MAC up, told brothers "Back up!" — the MAC spit
Lead was hittin' niggas, one ran, I made him back-flip
Heard a few chicks scream, my arm shook, couldn't look
Gave another squeeze, heard it click, "Yo, my shit is stuck!"
Tried to cock it, it wouldn't shoot, now I'm in danger
Finally pulled it back and saw three bullets caught up in the chamber
So, now I'm jettin' to the buildin' lobby
And it was full of children, prob'ly couldn't see as high as I be
(So, what you sayin'?) It's like the game ain't the same
Got younger niggas pullin' the triggers, bringin' fame to their name
And claim some corners, crews without guns are goners
In broad daylight, stick-up kids, they run up on us
.45’s and gauges, MAC's in fact
Same niggas will catch you back-to-back, snatchin' your cracks
In black, there was a snitch on the block gettin' niggas knocked
So hold your stash 'til the coke price drop
I know this crackhead who said she gotta smoke nice rock
And if it's good, she'll bring you customers and measuring pots
But yo, you gotta slide on a vacation
Inside information keeps large niggas erasin' and their wives basin'
It drops deep as it does in my breath
I never sleep, 'cause sleep is the cousin of death
Beyond the walls of intelligence, life is defined
I think of crime when I'm in a New York State of Mind
[Chorus]
New York state of mind
New York state of mind
New York state of mind
New York state of mind

[Verse 2]
Be havin' dreams that I'm a gangsta, drinkin' Moëts, holdin' TEC's
Makin' sure the cash came correct, then I stepped
Investments in stocks, sewin' up the blocks to sell rocks
Winnin' gunfights with mega-cops
But just a nigga walkin' with his finger on the trigger
Make enough figures until my pockets get bigger
I ain't the type of brother made for you to start testin'
Give me a Smith & Wesson, I'll have niggas undressin'
Thinkin' of cash flow, Buddha and shelter
Whenever frustrated, I'ma hijack Delta
In the PJ's, my blend tape plays, bullets are strays
Young bitches is grazed, each block is like a maze
Full of black rats trapped, plus the Island is packed
From what I hear in all the stories when my peoples come back
Black, I'm livin' where the nights is jet-black
The fiends fight to get crack, I just max, I dream I can sit back
And lamp like Capone, with drug scripts sewn
Or the legal luxury life, rings flooded with stones, homes
I got so many rhymes, I don't think I'm too sane
Life is parallel to Hell, but I must maintain
And be prosperous, though we live dangerous
Cops could just arrest me, blamin' us; we're held like hostages
It's only right that I was born to use mics
And the stuff that I write is even tougher than dykes
I'm takin' rappers to a new plateau, through rap slow
My rhymin' is a vitamin held without a capsule
The smooth criminal on beat breaks
Never put me in your box if your shit eats tapes
The city never sleeps, full of villains and creeps
That's where I learned to do my hustle, had to scuffle with freaks
I'm a addict for sneakers, 20's of Buddha and bitches with beepers
In the streets I can greet ya, about blunts I teach ya
Inhale deep like the words of my breath
I never sleep, 'cause sleep is the cousin of death
I lay puzzled as I backtrack to earlier times
Nothing's equivalent to the New York state of mind
[Chorus]
New York state of mind
New York state of mind
New York state of mind
New York state of mind

[Outro: Sample]
"Nasty Nas—"

It's a well-known fact that the city of New York has served as a breeding ground for some of the most influential and talented artists in the history of hip-hop. And when it comes to capturing the essence of the city and its vibrant hip-hop scene, few have done it better than Nas with his iconic track "N.Y. State of Mind." Released in 1994 as a part of his groundbreaking debut album, "Illmatic," this song has become a timeless anthem that showcases Nas' exceptional lyricism and storytelling abilities.

What sets "N.Y. State of Mind" apart is the masterful production by DJ Premier, known for his work as a part of Gang Starr. Nas chose to rhyme over one of DJ Premier's beats, which adds a gritty and raw texture to the track. The instrumental samples a line from Rakim's "Mahogany," perfectly capturing the essence of Nas being hailed as the second coming of the God MC. The combination of Nas' lyrical prowess and DJ Premier's production creates an undeniable energy that immerses the listener in the vivid portrayal of life in the New York streets.

In an interview, Nas himself spoke about how the music of "N.Y. State of Mind" resonates with the people, saying, "The music just spoke to the people that needed to know what was in my head and what it was like in the minds of everybody in New York at that time." His lyrics paint a vivid picture of the struggles and triumphs experienced by the residents of New York City, making the song a powerful commentary on the socio-political climate of the city during the '90s.

The song opens with Nas boldly declaring, "Straight out the dungeons of rap, where fake niggas don't make it back." This line sets the tone for the rest of the track, showcasing Nas' uncompromising and unapologetic approach to his music. The intensity builds as Nas jumps into the first verse with a seamless flow and a captivating delivery. He effortlessly navigates through complex rhyme schemes and vivid wordplay, demonstrating why he is considered one of the greatest MCs of all time.

Producer DJ Premier recounts the process of creating "N.Y. State of Mind," mentioning how Nas trusted his judgment and seamlessly adapted to the New York sound. Premier described it as a collaborative effort where Nas observed him dropping the needle on the records, seeking his opinion. The result is a track that perfectly captures the essence of the New York hip-hop scene, blending seamlessly with the sounds that ran the genre at the time.

Not only has "N.Y. State of Mind" left an indelible mark on the hip-hop community, but it has also inspired other artists to pay homage to its genius. Alicia Keys, a fellow New Yorker, used DJ Premier's beat for her track "Streets of New York" in 2003, featuring verses from Nas himself and Rakim. This serves as a testament to the lasting impact and influence of Nas' original work.

The song's popularity and significance are further validated by its inclusion in Complex's list of "The 100 Greatest Hip-Hop Beats of All-Time," where it secured the number nine spot. This accolade reflects the enduring appeal of "N.Y. State of Mind" and its timeless quality that continues to resonate with listeners today.

The Legacy of "N.Y. State of Mind"

Since its release, "N.Y. State of Mind" has solidified its place as one of Nas' greatest songs and a hip-hop classic. It remains a staple in his live performances, capturing the attention and admiration of audiences worldwide. The track's raw and introspective nature, combined with Nas' unmatched storytelling abilities, allows listeners to connect with the realities of life in New York City.

Beyond its cultural impact, "N.Y. State of Mind" has also influenced aspiring artists and continues to inspire generations of musicians. The song serves as a timeless reminder of the power of authentic storytelling and the ability of music to transport listeners to a specific time and place.

As we revisit "N.Y. State of Mind" today, it serves as a vivid time capsule, allowing us to glimpse into the mind of Nas and experience the raw energy and authenticity of '90s New York. It stands as a testament to Nas' unparalleled talent and his ability to capture the essence of a time and place through his music.

So, if you're in the mood for a journey into the gritty streets of New York City, accompanied by unparalleled lyricism and captivating storytelling, look no further than "N.Y. State of Mind" by Nas. Brace yourself for an immersive experience that will have you nodding your head and soaking in the essence of one of hip-hop's greatest lyrical masterpieces.

• Release Date: April 19, 1994
• Artist: Nas