Author: d.lee10

Top Ten List

Top Ten List

Nas- “NY State of Mind”

“NY State of Mind” is a song by one of hip hop’s most influential artists, Nas. In 1994, Nas released his debut album, “Illmatic” and “NY State of Mind” second track in the album. What makes Nas such a legend in hip hop as well as New York City is that “Illmatic” was his debut album and at only the age of 21, he created the most influential hip hop albums of all time. In his album, many tracks reflect on the struggles he has experienced growing up in New York City. In “NY State of Mind” specifically, Nas takes on a more critical expression of New York City and the increasingly dangerous streets in which he was brought up in.

The very first verse talks about an encounter he has had with people in his neighborhood.

“Holding an M16, see with the pen I’m extreme, now Bullet holes left in my peepholes I’m suited up in street clothes, hand me a 9 and I’ll defeat foes.”

Although his lyrics are explicit and right from the beginning he raps about guns and gun violence. He also mentions how the danger and violence in New York City taught him survival skills unique to New Yorkers.

“The city never sleeps, full of villains and creeps That’s where I learned to do my hustle Had to scuffle with freaks”.

What initially attracted to me to Nas first was just listening Illmatic with the mindset that this is has influenced so many rappers and is always mentioned in any rap discussions. What also appealed to me about Nas was the fact that he was born and raised in Queens as well. Aside from the the similar background Nas has, his music itself has grown on me so quickly. The old school style in his music and the mastery in the delivery easily makes Nas my favorite hip hop artist. Nas has always been known for his storytelling and the rhyme scheme he uses in his rap music and that is definitely very apparent in this song dedicated to the city of New York.