Nas - Nas Is Like (dirty) -

Lyrically, the song is a "lush litany of hip-hop braggadocio" where Nas defines his persona through a barrage of vivid metaphors and similes.

: The opening lines— "Freedom or jail, clips inserted, a baby's bein' born / Same time my man is murdered" —are often cited as one of the best "movie-like" openings in rap.

is widely considered one of the greatest technical displays in hip-hop history. Released in 1999 as the lead single for his third album, I Am... , the track reunited Nas with producer DJ Premier to recapture the "Illmatic perfection" fans craved after his more commercial turn. Production: The "Church Record" Miracle The beat is a legendary piece of hip-hop lore. Nas - Nas Is Like (Dirty)

: Premier chopped the sample into three parts and layered it with bird chirps and a heavy, boom-bap drum sequence.

: DJ Premier famously found the core orchestral string sample on a 10-inch Lutheran church record he was about to throw away. Lyrically, the song is a "lush litany of

: Critics point to lines like "Nas is like, Iron Mike, Before the Christ after the death" as some of the most complex poetry in the genre.

: In signature Premier style, the hook consists of precise scratches of Nas’s own voice from past hits like "It Ain't Hard to Tell" and "Street Dreams," effectively letting Nas "sample himself". Lyricism: A Masterclass in Similes Released in 1999 as the lead single for

: The third verse is particularly noted for its rapid-fire comparisons, where he likens himself to "crisp money," "ecstasy for ladies," and "the '99 Summer Jam". Critical Legacy Nas – Nas Is Like Lyrics - Genius