Why Are You Ranking: Nas’s Best Beat Picks from Toe-Tapping to Fist-Pumping

Known for picking, allegedly, some of the most asinine production pieces, Nasir “Nas” Jones has collected this criticism since his inception into the rap game in 1991. But are his choices in beats really that odious?

The hip hop artist contends on his latest work, aptly titled, Nasir (2018), on the song “Simple Things” that he isn’t concerned with whether critics ridicule his taste in sound patterns. His work, namely his lyricism, is featured as a fellowship at Harvard University among other institutions of higher learning.

For anyone to claim that Nasir Jones lacks the necessary skill to choose beats to go with his dense, intelligent rhymes may be overlooking the fact that he has sold millions of units and streams based on both his lyrical prowess as well as his keen ear for production.

It must have hit him hard to realize that there existed factions within the hip hop genre that would contend that he is a poor beat picker. As he details in the song, "Simple Things," he is about the commercial side of the business, of course, but that the draw to earn him those millions of dollars is his wordplay.

From Salaam Remi to Kanye West, producers have lined up to deliver to Nas the beat that will change the minds of even the most stubborn critic. His goal is to reach people through thorough, astute lyricism that can be studied, analyzed, and yes even danced to on occasion.

So, collect your Queensbridge pendants and Mass Appeal catalogue for Why Are You Ranking: Nas’ Best Beat Picks from Toe-Tapping to Fist Pumping.

All he needs is "One Mic."

4. “Hip Hop is Dead” (2008)

In this selection, Nas uses slyness to illustrate his point. He is pointing out, here, that the notion of rap is a dead art form as far his generation is concerned.

The beats stem from The Incredible Bongo Band’s “Apache” and the rock anthem “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” which laid the track for Nas’ “Thief’s Theme” just sped up a bit.

With full irony present based simply on the fact that Nas is employing hip hop to say that it’s dead and to use samples from his past songs, he comes out as a winner in both the words and the production. Thanks to Will.I.Am, this may be one of the most meta productions ever delivered by a producer.

Rank: Toe-Tapping

He lets the crowd rap.

3. “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” (1996)

With a little singing assistance provided by Lauryn Hill, this ditty centers around Kurtis Blow’s 1985 song of the same title and is a sample of Whodini’s “Friends.” Produced by Trackmasters and Rashad Smith, this is a major example of mid-nineties sample heavy hip hop.

With an interpolation by Hill of the Delfonics hit “Walk Right up to the Sun” Nas gambled and won on the fact that a song could be packed with references to three separate songs contained within one. Though the beat is borrowed, it was updated with better acoustics and provides an excellent bed of sound to match Nas’s adept expression.

Rank: Hand-Clapping

Nas never misses a beat onstage

2. “You Know My Style” (2004)

Another sample in hip hop (who would’ve guessed it?), this dance floor ready selection is from the Run-DMC track named “Jam Master Jay.”

The hard-hitting bass and the tinkling percussion permits the listener to move their body while still allowing Nas’s words to capture their minds. One can only hope that the late Jason William Mizell (Jam Master Jay) would be proud of this rendition.

Nas settled on this Salaam Remi beat for his Street’s Disciple (2004) compilation. It fits well within the narrative of solemn rap hymns, a duet with his father, and discourses over the biography of rapper Rakim. The beat brings up to speed those who may have forgotten that Nas can still choose the right groove.

Rank: Body-Rocking

Nas addresses a supporter.

1. “Made You Look” (2002)

Among a host of samples including the Incredible Bongo Band’s “Apache,” (before it was used by the aforementioned “Hip Hop is Dead” sample) this Salaam Remi recording is a testament to true hip hop lyricism while it is married to a funky beat.

From the gunshot blast at the beginning of the track, to Nas’s nonchalant flow, the beat gives the Queens Master of Ceremonies/ Microphone Controller the ease and ability to impart “street knowledge."

Also, it allows people to get down on the sounds of the syncopated beats. Again, a go-to-guy for sonics, Nas chooses Salaam Remi to match his words with production wizardry.

Rank: Fist-Pumping