When it comes to ranking the best Nas albums, the biggest hip hop heads have a lot to say. With music fans around the world voting on this list, you'll find a comprehensive evaluation of Nas's storied career. Considering only studio albums, the criteria focus on lyrical prowess, production quality, and impact. Nas, widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time, boasts an impressive discography that spans decades. This list aims to celebrate his innovative contributions to hip hop and provides a platform for fans to voice their opinions.
Sitting on top of this ranked list are albums like the iconic Illmatic, a masterpiece known for its raw storytelling and impeccable production by legends like DJ Premier and Q-Tip. It Was Written pursued a more mainstream sound, achieving a triple platinum status with hits like "If I Ruled the World." Stillmatic marked a powerful return with introspective tracks such as "Ether," sparking discussions on Nas's lyrical depth. God's Son, inspired by the loss of his mother, blends emotional vulnerability with robust beats from producers like Salaam Remi. More recently, albums like King's Disease and its sequel harken back to Nas's roots while introducing modern touches through the craftsmanship of Hit-Boy.
As the debate over the best Nas album continues, the importance of fan participation cannot be overstated. Whether you're a fan of his early work or his more contemporary releases, each vote contributes to a dynamic ranking that reflects Nas’s impact on hip hop culture. Join the by voting for your favorite Nas albums, and help shape this tribute to his remarkable legacy.
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Bursting onto the scene in 1994, Nas's debut studio album engaged critics and listeners with its depiction of inner-city life in Queensbridge, NY. Produced by legends like DJ Premier, Q-Tip, and Pete Rock, it set a high standard in hip-hop production. Tracks such as "N.Y. State of Mind" and "The World Is Yours" highlighted Nas's vivid storytelling and poetic lyricism. Though initial sales were modest, critical praise transformed Illmatic into an East Coast hip-hop masterpiece, achieving platinum status and securing a place in the Library of Congress.
Tracklist:
1. The Genesis
2. N.Y. State of Mind
3. Life's a B*tch (feat. AZ)
4. The World Is Yours
5. Halftime
6. Memory Lane (Sittin' in da Park)
7. One Love
8. One Time 4 Your Mind
9. Represent
10. It Ain't Hard to Tell- Release Date: 1994
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- Columbia
2It Was Written
Climbing to No. 1 on the US Billboard 200 upon its release in 1996, Nas’s second studio album was a shift toward a polished, mainstream sound, courtesy of the Trackmasters's production. After the modest commercial performance of Illmatic, Nas’s new direction embraced mafioso and gangsta themes, leading to mixed reactions from critics but ultimately cementing its success with over 3 million copies sold and a triple-platinum certification. The singles, such as "If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)" featuring Lauryn Hill, engaged listeners and earned a Grammy nomination. Despite accusations of Nas selling out, the record's lyrical complexity and elaborate production proved otherwise.
Tracklist:
1. Album Intro
2. The Message
3. Street Dreams
4. I Gave You Power
5. Watch Dem N***as (feat. Foxy Brown)
6. Take It in Blood
7. Nas Is Coming (feat. Dr. Dre)
8. Affirmative Action (feat. The Firm)
9. The Set Up (feat. Havoc)
10. Black Girl Lost (feat. Joel "JoJo" Hailey)
11. Suspect
12. Shootouts
13. Live N***a Rap (feat. Mobb Deep)
14. If I Ruled the World (Imagine That) (feat. Lauryn Hill)- Release Date: 1996
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- Ill Will, Columbia
3Stillmatic
Released in December 2001, Nas's fifth studio album was a powerful return to form, driven by themes of social consciousness and introspection. Born from a tumultuous period marked by a feud with Jay-Z, it rose to No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and earned a platinum certification. Critics particularly lauded tracks like "One Mic," "The Source," and the biting "Ether." With production from legends such as DJ Premier and Large Professor, and mixing raw narratives of ghetto life with American politics, it successfully revived Nas’s reputation.
Tracklist:
1. Stillmatic (The Intro)
2. Ether
3. Got Ur Self a Gun
4. Smokin'
5. You're da Man
6. Rewind
7. One Mic
8. 2nd Childhood
9. Destroy & Rebuild
10. The Flyest (feat. AZ)
11. Braveheart Party (feat. Mary J. Blige and Bravehearts)
12. Rule (feat. Amerie)
13. My Country (feat. Millennium Thug)
14. What Goes Around (feat. Keon Bryce)- Release Date: 2001
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- Ill Will, Columbia
4God's Son
God's Son, inspired by Nas's grief over losing his mother, resonated deeply with fans and critics alike. Peaking at No. 12 on the Billboard 200 and earning platinum certification, his sixth album included powerful tracks like "Made You Look" and "I Can," blending classical and funk samples with intense lyricism. Produced by heavyweights including Salaam Remi and The Alchemist, the record's soulful beats and introspective lyrics marked a poignant chapter in Nas's career. Praised for its emotional depth and nominated for various awards, it's a testament to his ability to channel personal turmoil into art.
Tracklist:
1. Get Down
2. The Cross
3. Made You Look
4. Last Real N***a Alive
5. Zone Out (feat. Bravehearts)
6. Hey Nas (feat. Claudette Ortiz and Kelis)
7. I Can
8. Book of Rhymes
9. Thugz Mansion (N.Y.) (feat. 2Pac and J. Phoenix)
10. Mastermind
11. Warrior Song (feat. Alicia Keys)
12. Revolutionary Warfare (feat. Lakey The Kid)
13. Dance
14. Heaven (feat. Jully Black)- Release Date: 2002
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- Mass Appeal
5Magic
Capping a year of prolific output, Nas's 14th album, produced by Hit-Boy, emerged on Christmas Eve 2021. Climbing to No. 27 on the Billboard 200, this nine-track release was heralded by critics for its introspective lyricism and seamless production. Hit tracks like "Wave Gods," featuring ASAP Rocky and DJ Premier, impressed listeners with their blend of styles. Despite not winning major awards, Magic received nominations and accolades from various publications, reiterating Nas’s ability to remain culturally tuned and lyrically sharp in his fifth decade of life.
Tracklist:
1. Speechless
2. Meet Joe Black
3. Ugly
4. 40-16 Building
5. Hollywood Gangsta
6. Wu for the Children
7. Wave Gods (with A$AP Rocky & DJ Premier)
8. The Truth
9. Dedicated- Release Date: 2021
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- Mass Appeal
6King's Disease II
Released in August 2021, Nas's 13th studio album, produced primarily by Hit-Boy, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album and debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 - the artist's highest-charting effort in nine years. Critics appreciated its storytelling and cohesive production, highlighting tracks like "Rare" and "Nobody" featuring Lauryn Hill. With contributions from Eminem, EPMD, and A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, King's Disease II examines the concepts of legacy, introspection, and social commentary.
Tracklist:
1. The Pressure
2. Death Row East
3. 40 Side
4. EPMD 2 (feat. Eminem & EPMD)
5. Rare
6. YKTV (feat. A Boogie Wit da Hoodie & YG)
7. Store Run
8. Moments
9. Nobody (feat. Ms. Lauryn Hill)
10. No Phony Love (feat. Charlie Wilson)
11. Brunch on Sundays (feat. Blxst)
12. Count Me In
13. Composure (feat. Hit-Boy)
14. My Bible
15. Nas is Good- Release Date: 2021
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- Mass Appeal
7King's Disease
Produced by Hit-Boy and released in August 2020, Nas's 12th studio album debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200. It earned a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album - Nas’s first Grammy win - and featured notable tracks like "Ultra Black" and "Spicy," with guest appearances from artists such as Big Sean, Don Toliver, and Lil Durk. Critics appreciated its cohesive production and introspective lyricism, viewing it as a return to form following Nas's previous release. The project successfully blends hip-hop, R&B, and trap influences.
Tracklist:
1. "King's Disease"
2. "Blue Benz"
3. "Car #85" (featuring Charlie Wilson)
4. "Ultra Black" (featuring Hit-Boy)
5. "27 Summers"
6. "Replace Me" (featuring Big Sean and Don Toliver)
7. "Til the War Is Won" (featuring Lil Durk)
8. "All Bad" (featuring Anderson .Paak)
9. "The Definition" (featuring Brucie B)
10. "Full Circle" (featuring The Firm)
11. "10 Points"
12. "The Cure"
13. "Spicy" (bonus track) (featuring Fivio Foreign and ASAP Ferg)Buy at
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- Mass Appeal
8King's Disease III
From the prolific partnership between Nas and Hit-Boy, this 15th album engaged listeners and critics, debuting at No. 10 on the Billboard 200. Nominated for Best Rap Album at the Grammy Awards, it highlights Nas's lyrical dexterity over lush, soulful beats. Tracks like "Thun" and "Michael & Quincy" display the album’s intricate storytelling and polished production. Recorded in 2021 and 2022, it incorporates Nas's reflections on legacy and societal issues, blending introspective themes with vivid soundscapes.
Tracklist:
1. "Ghetto Reporter"
2. "Legit"
3. "Thun"
4. "Michael & Quincy"
5. "30"
6. "Hood2Hood"
7. "Recession Proof"
8. "Reminisce"
9. "Serious Interlude"
10. "I'm on Fire"
11. "WTF SMH"
12. "Once a Man, Twice a Child"
13. "Get Light"
14. "First Time"
15. "Beef"
16. "Don't Shoot"
17. "Til' My Last Breath" (bonus track)Release Date: 2022
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- Def Jam
Life Is Good, released in July 2012 and recorded in studios across New York and California, Nas’s 10th studio album came during a reflective period in his life. Inspired by his divorce from singer Kelis, it sports her green wedding dress on the cover and draws parallels to Marvin Gaye's Here, My Dear. Garnering a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album, it debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and achieved gold certification. Critics praised songs like "Daughters" and "Cherry Wine" (featuring Amy Winehouse) for their introspection and soulful production by No I.D. and Salaam Remi.
Tracklist:
1. No Introduction
2. Loco-Motive (feat. Large Professor)
3. A Queens Story
4. Accident Murderers (feat. Rick Ross)
5. Daughters
6. Reach Out (feat. Mary J. Blige)
7. World's an Addiction (feat. Anthony Hamilton)
8. Summer on Smash (feat. Miguel and Swizz Beatz)
9. You Wouldn't Understand (feat. Victoria Monet)
10. Back When
11. The Don
12. Stay
13. Cherry Wine (feat. Amy Winehouse)
14. Bye Baby- Release Date: 2012
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- Columbia
10Emerging from the aftermath of a significant music leak, Nas’s third studio album, produced by a lineup including DJ Premier, Timbaland, and the Trackmasters, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, quickly achieving double-platinum status. Despite mixed reviews, standout tracks like "Nas Is Like" and "Hate Me Now" (featuring Puff Daddy) ensured its impact. The record mixes introspective storytelling with commercial appeal, balancing tough narratives of urban life with mainstream beats. Notable for its ambitious original concept as a double album, it faced the challenge of post-leak reconstruction, ultimately capturing a key transitional phase in Nas’s career.
Tracklist:
1. Album Intro
2. N.Y. State of Mind Pt. II
3. Hate Me Now (feat. Puff Daddy)
4. Small World
5. Favor for a Favor (feat. Scarface)
6. We Will Survive
7. Ghetto Prisoners
8. You Won't See Me Tonight (feat. Aaliyah)
9. I Want to Talk to You
10. Dr. Knockboot
11. Life Is What You Make It (feat. DMX)
12. Big Things
13. Pray (Cassette version) (feat. Bravehearts)
14. Nas Is Like
15. K-I-SS-I-N-G
16. Money Is My B*tch
17. Undying Love- Release Date: 1999
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- The Jones Experience, Def Jam, Columbia
Debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, Nas’s eighth studio album captured widespread attention with its provocative title and introspective content. Nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, it explores themes of industry decay and artistic revival. Produced by a stellar lineup including will.i.am, Kanye West, and Dr. Dre, its hit singles include "Hip Hop Is Dead" and "Can't Forget About You" featuring Chrisette Michele. Collaborations with Jay-Z and Snoop Dogg add depth to its narrative.
Tracklist:
1. Money Over Bullsh*t
2. You Can't Kill Me
3. Carry on Tradition
4. Where Are They Now
5. Hip Hop Is Dead (feat. will.i.am)
6. Who Killed It?
7. Black Republican (feat. Jay-Z)
8. Not Going Back (feat. Kelis)
9. Still Dreaming (feat. Kanye West and Chrisette Michele)
10. Hold Down the Block
11. Blunt Ashes
12. Let There Be Light (feat. Tre Williams
13. Play on Playa (feat. Snoop Dogg)
14. Can't Forget About You (feat. Chrisette Michele)
15. Hustlers (feat. The Game and Marsha Ambrosius)
16. Hope (feat. Chrisette Michele)- Release Date: 2006
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- Mass Appeal
12Magic 3
Released on September 14, 2023 - Nas's 50th birthday - his 17th album received widespread acclaim and marked the final collaboration with producer Hit-Boy. Debuting at No. 65 on the Billboard 200 and No. 13 on the Independent Albums chart, the project features Lil Wayne on the track "Never Die." Critics praised the record's cohesive production and Nas's introspective lyrics, highlighting songs like "Fever" and "Speechless, Pt. 2." Magic 3's tracklist reveal came just days before its release, adding to its publicity.
Tracklist:
1. "Fever"
2. "TSK"
3. "Superhero Status"
4. "I Love This Feeling"
5. "No Tears"
6. "Never Die" (featuring Lil Wayne)
7. "Pretty Young Girl"
8. "Based on True Events"
9. "Based on True Events, Pt. 2"
10. "Sitting with My Thoughts"
11. "Blue Bentley"
12. "Jodeci Member"
13. "Speechless, Pt. 2"
14. "Japanese Soul Bar"
15. "1-800-Nas&Hit"Release Date: 2023
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- Mass Appeal
13Magic 2
Produced by Hit-Boy and Rogét Chahayed, Nas's 16th album arrived with high anticipation, debuting at No. 52 on the Billboard 200. Building on themes from its predecessor, it received mostly positive reviews and included hits like "Office Hours" (featuring 50 Cent) and the bonus track "One Mic, One Gun" with 21 Savage. The recording process spanned from 2022 to 2023, resulting in a tight 31-minute runtime. Critics praised Nas's wordplay and Hit-Boy's production, though some commentary suggested a desire for more innovative beats.
Tracklist:
1. "Intro"
2. "Abracadabra"
3. "Office Hours" (featuring 50 Cent)
4. "Black Magic"
5. "Motion"
6. "Bokeem Woodbine"
7. "Earvin Magic Johnson"
8. "What This All Really Means"
9. "Slow It Down"
10. "Pistols on Your Album Cover"
11. "One Mic, One Gun" (with 21 Savage; bonus track)Release Date: 2023
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- Universal Republic, Def Jam
14Distant Relatives (w/ Damian Marley)
Featuring a fusion of hip-hop and reggae, Nas and Damian Marley's 2010 collaborative project charted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and received generally positive reviews from critics. Produced by the Marleys and recorded in Los Angeles and Miami, it had a blend of live instrumentation and African musical samples, weaving together themes of poverty, Pan-Africanism, and the human condition. With powerful tracks like "As We Enter" and "Strong Will Continue," the album includes guest appearances from K'naan, Joss Stone, and Lil Wayne. Proceeds were donated to charitable projects in Africa.
Tracklist:
1. As We Enter
2. Tribes at War (feat. K'naan)
3. Strong Will Continue
4. Leaders (feat. Stephen Marley)
5. Friends
6. Count Your Blessings
7. Dispear
8. Land of Promise (feat. Dennis Brown)
9. In His Own Words (feat. Stephen Marley)
10. Nah Mean
11. Patience
12. My Generation (feat. Joss Stone & Lil Wayne)
13. Africa Must Wake Up (feat. K'naan)- Release Date: 2010
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- The Jones Experience, Def Jam
15Untitled
Debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, Nas's ninth studio album emerged amid controversy over its original title (N*gger). Despite this, the project received generally positive reviews and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. Its production credits include heavyweights like Salaam Remi, Cool & Dre, and Polow da Don, crafting a backdrop for Nas’s politically charged and socially conscious lyrics. Popular tracks included "Hero" featuring Keri Hilson and "Make the World Go Round" featuring Chris Brown and The Game. The cover art and musical themes confront issues of race and oppression.
Tracklist:
1. Queens Get the Money
2. You Can't Stop Us Now (feat. Eban Thomas of The Stylistics & The Last Poets)
3. Breathe
4. Make the World Go Round (feat. Chris Brown & The Game)
5. Hero (feat. Keri Hilson)
6. America
7. Sly Fox
8. Testify
9. N.*.*.*.*.R. (The Slave and the Master)
10. Untitled
11. Fried Chicken (feat. Busta Rhymes)
12. Project Roach (feat. The Last Poets)
13. Y'all My N***a
14. We're Not Alone (feat. Mykel)
15. Black President- Release Date: 2008
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- Columbia
16Street's Disciple
Street's Disciple, Nas's seventh album, debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and achieved platinum certification. Produced primarily by Salaam Remi, L.E.S., and Chucky Thompson, it includes tracks like "Bridging the Gap" and "Thief's Theme." The cover art, inspired by The Last Supper, plus collaborations with Nas's father Olu Dara, provide depth and distinction. Critics praised the record's sprawling, ambitious nature and the insightful social commentary within tracks like "American Way" and "These Are Our Heroes," which also secured Grammy nominations.
Tracklist:
1. Intro
2. A Message to the Feds, Sincerely, We the People
3. Nazareth Savage
4. American Way (feat. Kelis)
5. These Are Our Heroes
6. Disciple
7. Sekou Story (feat. Scarlett)
8. Live Now (feat. Scarlett)
9. Rest of My Life (feat. Amerie)
10. Just a Moment (feat. Quan)
11. Reason (feat. Emily)
12. You Know My Style- Release Date: 2004
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- Mass Appeal, Def Jam
17Nasir
Created from Kanye West’s "Wyoming Sessions," Nas's 11th studio album swiftly climbed to No. 5 on the Billboard 200, featuring standout tracks like "Cops Shot the Kid" and "Adam and Eve." Nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, it mixed West’s lavish production with Nas's politically charged lyrics. Critics praised Nasir's concise seven-track format and the chemistry between Nas and West. With appearances from Puff Daddy, 070 Shake, and The-D, the record examines themes of social justice and personal reflection.
Tracklist:
1. Not for Radio (feat. Puff Daddy and 070 Shake)
2. Cops Shot the Kid (feat. Kanye West)
3. White Label
4. Bonjour (feat. Tony Williams)
5. Everything (feat. The-Dream and Kanye West)
6. Adam and Eve (feat. The-Dream)
7. Simple Things- Release Date: 2018
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- Fair use
Produced by Dr. Dre and the Trackmasters, the debut and only studio release by The Firm debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, showcasing Nas, Foxy Brown, AZ, and Nature's lyrical prowess. Despite mixed reviews for its mainstream pop-oriented sound, it achieved commercial success, selling over 925,000 copies in the US and earning a gold certification in Canada. Notable tracks like "Firm Biz" and "Phone Tap" capture the essence of the mafia and gangsta lifestyle the album conceptualizes. Featuring guest appearances from Canibus, Dawn Robinson, and Noreaga, the project is a noteworthy experiment of hip-hop supergroup dynamics.
Tracklist:
1. "Intro"
2. "Firm Fiasco"
3. "Phone Tap Intro"
4. "Phone Tap" (featuring Dr. Dre)
5. "Executive Decision"
6. "Firm Family" (featuring Dr. Dre)
7. "Firm All Stars" (featuring Pretty Boy)
8. "F**k Somebody Else Intro"
9. "F**k Somebody Else"
10. "Hardcore"
11. "Untouchable" (featuring Wizard)
12. "Five Minutes to Flush Intro"
13. "Five Minutes to Flush"
14. "Desperados Intro"
15. "Desperados" (featuring Canibus)
16. "Firm Biz" (featuring Dawn Robinson)
17. "I'm Leaving" (featuring Noreaga)
18. "Throw Your Guns" (featuring Half-A-Mil)- Release Date: 1997
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- Ill Will, Columbia
19Nastradamus
Faced with the challenge of rampant bootlegging, Nas’s fourth album emerged as a reimagined project that debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200. Despite receiving mixed reviews and being considered by some as his weakest effort, Nastradamus achieved platinum certification and notable commercial success. Produced by heavyweights like DJ Premier and Timbaland, its hit singles include "Nastradamus" and "You Owe Me." The record's eclectic mix of East Coast hip-hop, pop rap, and R&B explores personal and introspective themes, representing a gray area in Nas's life.
Tracklist:
1. The Prediction
2. Life We Chose
3. Nastradamus
4. Some of Us Have Angels
5. Project Windows (feat. Ronald Isley)
6. Come Get Me
7. Shoot 'Em Up
8. Last Words (feat. Nashawn)
9. Family (feat. Mobb Deep)
10. God Love Us
11. Quiet N***as (feat. Bravehearts)
12. Big Girl
13. New World
14. You Owe Me (feat. Ginuwine)
15. The Outcome- Release Date: 1999
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