"If I Ruled The World" Checklist: How Many of Nas' Dreams Have Come True?

We rewind the clock and see how well Nastradamus predicted the future.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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This feature is a part of Complex's Nas Week, presented by Hennessy.

RELATED: COMPLEX TV PRESENTS THE "IF I RULED THE WORLD" CHECKLIST

Things sure have changed over the past two decades—for all of us, but especially for Nasir Jones. The young rapper who started out trying to push his Queens-centric slang is now an OG and a worldwide ambassador for hip-hop. In short, living was alright; now, Life is Good. When Nas penned his 1996 hit, "If I Ruled the World," he spoke on scenarios big and small that he could only dream would come true one day—if he only had his way. Seventeen years later, thanks to the rapid expansion and near ubiquity of the Internet, society has gone from baby steps to a full-on sprint. Nas could have never imagined what the year 2013 would have in store. Or could he? Complex investigates with "If I Ruled The World" Checklist: How Many of Nas' Dreams Have Come True?

Written by Eric Rosenthal and Jeff Rosenthal (@itsthereal)

RELATEDThe 40 Defining Moments of Nas' Career 
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Puffing In Public

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No More Due Process

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Being A Better Parent

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Cooler Temperatures

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Pure Product

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Lacing Up Your Clique

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Tony Montana Lifestyle

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Living In A Gated Community

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No More Lies

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Spending Money Without A Care

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Trips Across The Ocean

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Getting To Know Every Female

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Clearing Out The Jails

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Cruising In The Hot Ride

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A Peaceful Society

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