The 100 Best Nas Songs
By Gabriel Alvarez | May 25, 2011 | 12:36 pm | Permalink
#39. Nas "Represent" (1994) / Nas "Represent" (Original Mix)
Produced By: DJ Premier/DJ Premier
Album: Illmatic/N/A
Label: Columbia/N/A
Nas "Represent"
Nas "Represent (Original Mix by DJ Premier)"
Nas "I'm A Villain"
"Represent" does, in fact, rep one of the East Coast song-structure styles that at one juncture ruled. The rugged you-and-your-mans-barking-in-unison was a popular type of hook that reflected the harsh NYC elements, both the climate and the living. "Represent" also captures the mentality and customs of early '90s inner-city youth. You could say that this and every other song on Illmatic is about the New York state of mind. "When I dress it's never nothin' less than Guess/Cold be walkin' with a bop and my hat turned back." That's not just about style, it's about the attitude.
The unmistakable Premier beat immediately pulls you in, a pulsating rhythm that can heat up the coldest winter. Nasty Nas, in repping mode, informs listeners he keeps a razor under his tongue—even when he raps—and upholds tradition by closing out with a string of requisite shout-outs. Then, to show you the New York toughness, he can't resist adding, "Fuck y'all crab ass niggas, though." Reppin' like a NY cat is supposed to.
The original "Represent" was the first song Nas and Premier worked on together. It boogied with a busy bass line that gave the cut a whole different feel, but was replaced when Preemo heard Pete Rock's "The World Is Yours" and wanted to step up. However, there's also an early draft of the lyrics to "Represent" that can be heard on "I'm A Villain" which appeared on Nas' excellent demo, often dubbed Prematic. Although some may call it blasphemous to put a song from Illmatic so low on the list, its placement is the result of the song having one of the weaker hooks on the album, despite the amazing verses.
T_VIZZY May 25th, 2011 at 01:00 PM
He did this track for his mother because she wanted him to stop with all the violent tracks and wanted to make a "happy" track, but she passed. So Nasir made this one for the children
young gun May 25th, 2011 at 03:12 PM
how the positive track about african american culture gone be 100 smh i think it should of got a higher rank
Jiggity Tiggity May 25th, 2011 at 03:16 PM
Has anyone made this into a play list file yet? I'm pretty sure I have all the songs, but having the play list would be sweet.
goose May 27th, 2011 at 02:04 PM
DO IT!!! Would be a huge help :D
sa May 25th, 2011 at 03:23 PM
Number 1 was meant to be "The World Is Yours"
Mel32 May 25th, 2011 at 06:35 PM
You're right
unclesam May 26th, 2011 at 01:03 AM
Agreed, but I get NY State of Mind too though.
ajsm August 5th, 2011 at 02:01 AM
No doubt "The World is Yours" is #1
Alex B March 7th, 2012 at 08:06 PM
I couldnt even find The World is Yours on this list, but it's definitely number one in my eyes.
Cigar May 25th, 2011 at 03:51 PM
Its one of the best tracks, i mean it coould be number 25 but not 84,cmon yall
dee May 25th, 2011 at 03:57 PM
Where is Drunk by myself
victor September 13th, 2011 at 05:43 PM
yo I love that joint
HATSTACKS May 25th, 2011 at 03:57 PM
is #49 some sick sad joke? shit doesn't even belong in his bottom 100, let's just forget it, and Jeezy, exist
Rawse May 25th, 2011 at 04:06 PM
Great list, but where the hell is Take It In Blood?
nastynas373 May 26th, 2011 at 11:04 PM
"Take It In Blood" is indeed my favorite Nas song, and should be top 30 for sure just for its content and lyrical and poetical value
Samantha May 28th, 2011 at 06:38 AM
i love take it in blood
Samantha May 28th, 2011 at 07:17 AM
Put poetry inside a crack pot and blow
GeeTee May 29th, 2011 at 05:38 PM
That's exactly what I was thinking once I started getting into the top 5. I was like man if I haven't seen it by now it will not be in top 5. It's in my personal top 5 Nas songs ever. Great list nevertheless, a couple questionable listings but very good, and the insight on all the songs were well written.
EnigMaa May 25th, 2011 at 04:09 PM
I LOVE ME SOME NAS!! Saw him at the DNA Lounge in San Fran back in the day! Still the BEST
nitido357 May 25th, 2011 at 04:13 PM
@Rawse YOU are quite right sir! That cut is lyricism cubed!