This feature is a part of Complex's Nas Week, presented by Hennessy.
In 1996 Nas released "If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)" featuring Lauryn Hill from his sophomore album It Was Written. The insightful hit single quickly took on a life of its own, where the then 22-year-old rapper from Queens explored an idealistic world that catered to his sensibilities.
ComplexTV rounded up a panel of rap experts like DJ Premier, Marley Marl and Miss Info to break down Nas' iconic 1996 record, who will be celebrating his 40th birthday on Saturday, September 14. From his rhymes on parenthood to detailing his longevity in the rap game, they discuss the significance of "If I Ruled the World," which still sounds fresh two decades later.
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