Nas - It Ain't Hard to Tell (Official HD Video)

Official HD Video for "It Ain't Hard to Tell" by Nas
Listen to Nas: Nas.lnk.to/lis...
Watch more Nas videos: Nas.lnk.to/lis...
Subscribe to the Nas KZbin Channel: Nas.lnk.to/sub...
Follow Nas:
Facebook: Nas.lnk.to/fol...
Twitter: Nas.lnk.to/fol...
Instagram: Nas.lnk.to/fol...
Website: Nas.lnk.to/fol...
Spotify: Nas.lnk.to/fol...
KZbin: Nas.lnk.to/sub...
Lyrics:
It ain't hard to tell, I excel, then prevail
The mic is contacted, I attract clientele
My mic check is life or death, breathin' a sniper's breath
I exhale the yellow smoke of buddha through righteous steps
Deep like The Shining, sparkle like a diamond
Sneak a Uzi on the island in my army jacket linin'
Hit the Earth like a comet-invasion!
Nas is like the Afrocentric Asian: half-man, half-amazin'
‘Cause in my physical I can express through song
Delete stress like Motrin, then extend strong
I drink Moët with Medusa, give her shotguns in Hell
From the spliff that I lift and inhale; it ain't hard to tell
The buddha monk's in your trunk, turn the bass up
Not stories by Aesop
Place your loot up, parties I shoot up
Nas, I analyze, drop a jew-el, inhale from the L
School a fool well, you feel it like Braille
It ain't hard to tell, I kick a skill, like Shaquille holds a pill
Vocabulary spills, I'm Ill plus Matic
I freak beats, slam it, like Iron Sheik
Jam like a TEC with correct techniques
So analyze me, surprise me, but can't magmatize me
Scannin' while you're plannin' ways to sabotage me
I leave 'em froze, like heroin in your nose
Nas will rock well; it ain't hard to tell
This rhythmatic explosion
Is what your frame of mind has chosen
I'll leave your brain stimulated, niggas is frozen
Speak with criminal slang, begin like a violin
End like Leviathan, it's deep? Well, let me try again
Wisdom be leakin' out my grapefruit, troop
I dominate break loops, givin' mics men-e-strual cycles
Street's disciple, I rock beats that's mega trifle
And groove even smoother than moves by Villanova
You're still a soldier, I'm like Sly Stone in Cobra
Packin' like a Rasta in the weed spot
Vocals will squeeze Glocks
MCs eavesdrop, though they need not to sneak
My poetry's deep, I never fell
Nas' raps should be locked in a cell; it ain't hard to tell
#Nas #ItAintHardtoTell #Illmatic #HD #Remastered

[@ulascanddk]

No matter how hip hop sounds today, this is how it'll sound in my head forever.

[@Amir-qz4bn]

The pac, biggie, nas, snoop, dre, dmx, cube era will always be the golden age of hip hop and aside from maybe the early 2000s, no other era comes close. Even the early outkast, eminem, and jay z era can be put in there as well ngl

[@user-pd9xv7kh8w]

@@Amir-qz4bn Nas poetic beauty

[@-xnnybimb-9398]

@@Amir-qz4bn Kanye too, College Droput, Late registration, Graduation were all classics.

[@KrishnaSingh-ow1ie]

This was his first single from illmatic. When I first heard this I blew me away. The metaphors. The poetry.

[@E40570]

@@-xnnybimb-9398came out in 2007

[@Julian.Perasso]

Perfect Beat Perfect Flow Perfect Lyrics Real Hip-Hop

[@prince..9576]

Perfect rapper ✊🏻

[@noramenandrew5689]

Real talk.

[@buffsky6151]

Half Man ,Half amazing ^^

[@andregustavorodrigues7k]

Perfect Nas

[@marcioluiz966]

Facts

[@mizzymauri]

Nas is one of the greatest It Ain't Hard To Tell.

[@ianraton2921]

agree

[@LawyerLawZ]

For me, Nas is the greatest. Actually I put him on number #1 above 2Pac, but I still listen to 2Pac and respect both of em.

[@nunyafkinbizness9941]

nas is my number 3 behind black thought at 1 and kool g rap at 2

[@msmunoz7499]

Um... He is the greatest bruh

[@nunyafkinbizness9941]

nah,,, nas hasnt hasnt been as consistant and as long lived as black thought. Black thought is the goat. period

[@AlertAllTheTime]

No babbling. No mumbling. No screaming. No bs. Just bars.

[@MusicSid-lk2vz]

Biggest old head comment

[@DestinyAwaits19]

The problem with what you're saying, and by all accounts you are correct, but the problem is that hip hop is not set in stone. There is no orthodox way to rap, since we all believe the 90s had better rap music, which it did. But there are no laws governing how to make music. You can be a mumble rapper and illicit millions of screaming fans, because what was true back then is not true for today, and what is true today is not true for back then. Its like a river. Its always flowing, and its not frozen.

[@AlertAllTheTime]

I feel you homie... I'm just a hardcore hip-hop die-hard. There's definitely a certain craft that goes into making these different types of hip-hop(trap, mumble, hyphee etc) but skill, wordplay, flow, story telling, DISTINCT STYLES, is what appeals to me. Time changes all things and hip-hop is no exception to the rule. I respect your opinion yo. VERY TRUE WHAT U SAID. Respect.

[@chinasingleteary7028]

@@AlertAllTheTime No apologies or clarifications needed on what you said, dun. Quality speaks for itself, bullshit needs a bunch of other mofos to speak for it.

[@MusicSid-lk2vz]

@@chinasingleteary7028 tell that to em fans

[@marjoken246]

Raised in the largest, most dangerous projects in the late 70s. Dropped out of school in the 8th grade. Yet his character and intelligence is uncanny for the average 18 year old.

[@PodRealoaded]

marjoken246 tells you how necessary schooling is for some people

[@deepstate3358]

his mom was a teacher

[@illclickspromo]

most dangerous in NYC maybe not the Chi though. Cabrini Green and Robert Taylor Homes.

[@theavatar9191]

Well compared to 18 years old today

[@notsure6187]

his dad was a jazz musician.

[@WicklowOnline]

He wrote this at 17 geez . Nas is so talented 🔥

[@drewm1808]

Genius strikes when least expected

[@amuroray9115]

Bruh. His brain was working over time to produce these dope lyrics. He really is the greatest rapper I’ve ever heard

[@saif_shahid1]

he never wrote lyrics like this ever again, his mind was working at its most at young age rappers can reach their prime in old ages and even young ages.

[@fcostheta5523]

God's son

[@meltednostrilsbornwithoutn781]

when you're that guy you always been nice

[@rose4mvp2012]

It's crazy how he dropped one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all-time at 19/20 years old..

[@machomanbeast195]

Jared Banks what's even crazier is that he wrote his debut verse from Live At The Barbeque when he was only 16... yes you heard that right.... 16

[@rose4mvp2012]

Machoman Beast That's crazy.

[@bdN_1]

Jared Banks Crazy how he looks the same age today.

[@BigWilt2000]

Jared Banks Yeah I like Nas my 4 favorite albums from him are Illmatic, It Was Written, I Am & Stillmatic.

[@ProlificPops]

Nas is just a lyrical genius. No rapper has yet to touch him in his prime.

[@waamiq360]

I am 56 years old and this song still gets me hyped up like it did when it first came out! Nas made a masterpiece!

[@CITIZENYOST]

56 Gang!

[@Sentient.A.I.]

44 xD

[@KrishnaSingh-ow1ie]

His metaphors and wordplay and poetry was somthing new and different

[@JaySoul711]

Dam i was in high school , how old were you? 40?

[@seangoz]

DAMN

[@SouthCentralChannel]

The beat change when Nas spits his last verse.... speechless ILLMATIC TOP 5 albums this is a Gift for the Human ear

[@xaviermccloud4586]

Large professor is a beast.

[@iargueta1220]

That Leviathan reference is deep as fuck!!!! I remember in high school when I read Thomas Hobbs I believe, the author of Leviathan. Also it’s easily a reference to the Leviathan from the Bible. Deep, deep, verse!!!

[@xaviermccloud4586]

@@iargueta1220 Leviathan is actually FROM the Bible. Very deep indeed.

[@iargueta1220]

@@xaviermccloud4586 Have you read this book Leviathan or The Matter, Forme and Power of a Commonwealth Ecclesiasticall and Civil, commonly referred to as Leviathan, is a book written by Thomas Hobbes and published in 1651? Its name derives from the biblical Leviathan yes, that’s in the the Bible like I said. Now that you know it is a book written centuries back I think you’ll see how truly deep that line is not only because it was written way back, but because the context of the book itself 😉

[@drewm1808]

You tell no lies. On some trivia shit, I recall having read, somewhere, that there was a university that was utilizing Nas lyrics/poetry in their curriculum. Like, as examples of deep and complex rymes and imagery and stuff. He's an impressive artist by any measure.

[@keyjugg]

Human nature sample is crazy 🔥

[@stsddsod]

The Greatest Nas song. The sample, the beat, the flow, the witty lyrics, and just the overall feel make it utterly flawless.

[@TheBlackRam68]

Flawless...no Doubt my Brotha!💯🔥💪🏿✌🏾

[@stsddsod]

@@TheBlackRam68 Nas is the greatest to touch a mic. A shame so many bad artists get more recognition than him.

[@stsddsod]

@@TheBlackRam68 🔥🔥🔥

[@veryfine69]

I think he’s better than Jay-Z

[@drinkingpoolwater]

no doubt. way better.

[@HommeTerre]

mmm .. 😅

[@mr313young]

You think ?🤔 Ikno so lol

[@HommeTerre]

what does the charts say ?

[@n4l734]

He was better for the first 3 albums. After that it's all Jay-Z

[@Colicchie]

Greatest of all time!!!!

[@Yasser438]

***** Good luck for your career

[@travis.h.]

***** Why are you so ignorant? Going from video to video on Nas's videos and saying how great Eminem is. How about you use the English language. Learn about periods at the end of a sentence, capitalization, spacing, etc. You must of or are not doing good in English class. So, One time 4 your mind? LOL!

[@joelokumu9]

andre jamena thats right

[@itsokaymychild8356]

you spelled 2pac wrong

[@youngsteelva703allday5]

CHECK ME OUT BRO

[@tyrellgolden6299]

He was 19 spitting like this, come on nu generation yall tripping.

[@losoworld5073]

17

[@garywallace4440]

Tripping? Na the done fell down a couple flights of steps

[@phoebexavier7050]

Millenials that think anyone from the last 12 years is GOAT are just flat wrong. We knoooow they couldn't have even got a record contract in the 90s.

[@MB-gd6be]

And he wrote it before 19... like 17

[@ko-rp7ge]

We don't do anything and ppl still find a way to hate on us. lmao

[@hybridgarden]

This is why Illmatic is the greatest rap album of all time

[@whyareyoureadingthis5308]

Absolutely. Theres only 1 good song, everything else is amazing

[@hiiipoweriii2211]

Yeah but I still like It was Written more tho

[@hybridgarden]

@@hiiipoweriii2211 yeah it’s a good album but I personally feel like Illmatic is more iconic and groundbreaking

[@hybridgarden]

@@hiiipoweriii2211 but yeah everything Nas touches turns to gold so, can’t debate that

[@saif_shahid1]

Madvilliany very close

[@evierodriguez82]

The flow and beat goes hard. 90's hip hop is unbeatable! 🔥🔥🔥

[@dooxiaomi]

I agree 💯

[@DragonNomak]

Nas has 13 grammy nominations and hasn't won a single one that,s some bullshit

[@thisizdub]

That tells you all you need to know about Hip Hop

[@evet7278]

@@thisizdub it's a white man's game

[@daftedd]

Wtf that ain’t fair he should have won at least 7 of em

[@ZionCHarper2k23]

damn

[@josephvelasquez3275]

In the end, that shit don't matter. It's nice to have but true heads know what time it is.. I pay No attention. If 1 made music for Awards Nas may have never made this.

[@detumus]

There's something special about hip hop and music videos back in these days. Nas almost is like a mythical creature. He's just so fucking cool in this video. He had the bars but the image in the swag was just on another level

[@ijp789]

Always thought the same lol 😂

[@AbdulJabbar-kn4fe]

Photography is olde skool new

[@daoriginaldipp5623]

That's the unique traits of a virgo

[@prayermadepatna8439]

Mythical Creature.. Lol deep af

[@JayDrawsManga]

Same lol I sound so kiddy but I think this is one of the coolest videos I've seen in a while

[@younglav]

The way I feel when this beat drops every time is unexplainable

[@Shadows92]

Shit is liberating ain't it 😤

[@traviscarter1023]

Oh yeah give you winter of 94 vibe in New York city. This beat is crazy my first time experience to this beat I had it on repeat.

[@joejokool]

you could offer Nas $100 billion dollars to pour his heart and soul into trying to top this song with a new banger and i bet you every dollar he wouldn't be able to do it..

[@joejokool]

imagine Hip-Hop without this song..

[@odkowan]

30 years and counting 🎊🎂

[@cavalearsoul]

1 of the greatest hip hop songs of all time....

[@nerdbamarich2063]

yessir I totally agree my dude.

[@jerzboylou201]

definitely , young nas real sharp lyricist

[@ShaAllahShabazzMBA]

100 percent correct

[@dasopavillan6021]

Or the greatest song of all time

[@QueenYayYa]

agreed

[@Dash-cm4ol]

"Nas is like an Afrocentric Asian, half man half amazing"

[@tydrickgay4917]

🔥

[@misterrandom3544]

Tydrick Gay sorry, but what’s up with your last name?

[@armorking481]

Enlighten me this

[@josephvelasquez3275]

Only 2 can claim that name 🙌🏽

[@ofs82]

Worst hip-hop boast of all time. At the time he wrote this, Nas was all man, and all amazing.

[@nellyluscious]

The reason I love Nas so much!! He told you the message with intellect!! Love the MJ sample on this beat!! NY where yall at!!

[@merrick542]

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@katajdelouth7563]

hmm... do u listen to Logic?

[@nellyluscious]

Kataj DeLouth no i haven't

[@katajdelouth7563]

+NellyBelle interesting... ive seen your profile somewhere

[@nellyluscious]

Kataj DeLouth I heard the name Logic before...Then you seen me on various videos commenting.

[@chicitysheba4409]

Cool lil back story to this. It’s said that MJ told Nas he can use this sample as long as he didn’t curse and Nas knocked it out the park!!! ✊🏽

[@fatherbewithme]

Lol I just saw this in someone's IG story

[@cjamesdraw]

@@fatherbewithme Me too!

[@KrishnaSingh-ow1ie]

I didn't know that. I'm not surprised. Michael Jackson was the closest thing to Jesus christ. The man was a Saint. It's sad how they tried defamed his legacy. He was a talented soul in a cruel world

[@sahymakhtar7445]

@@KrishnaSingh-ow1ieokay that's mad glazing now

[@justchilling3723]

​@@cjamesdraw6m

[@authenticministries2433]

It is incredible that this was 27 years ago. This looks and sounds encapsulated. This could literally be released today! This is truly what it means to be CLASSIC!

[@dlm_0562]

this was 27 years ago

[@authenticministries2433]

@@dlm_0562 I stand corrected! Still looks damn good to be 27 years old

[@joseocciano1939]

Kids wouldn’t like it if it was released today, it’s too good for’em.

[@GreyMann2]

@@joseocciano1939 facts!

[@GreyMann2]

If it got released today, it'll slide under the radar. Nobody would appreciate this art. He would just be a dope MC with a little bit of views and a bunch of "underrated" comments.

[@saado99]

That Michael Jackson Human Nature sample... RIP Michael.

[@fredbrooks7529]

Both are these songs are iconic and masterpieces imo. "Human Nature" and "It Ain't Hard To Tell".

[@samuelous]

I thought I was the inly one who noticed my friend

[@Wyndamn]

Who did the beat DJ premier or Large Professor???

[@mhc12k]

@@Wyndamn extra p

[@skrillztheentourage]

@@samuelous it's an easy sample to recognize

[@drgongshankthachef6153]

Ahh the 90s...back when the lyrics were tight and the jeans were loose. Sadly now it's the other way around...

[@BeachChairz]

Well said bro

[@drgongshankthachef6153]

BeachChairz Thanks man!

[@fashioneye11]

Still 🔥🔥🔥

[@kwameopare9816]

Dr Gong Shank Tha Chef #factbased

[@rg800]

Real shit!!!!

[@ZelihaSelcuk-h4o]

Illmatic is the best rap album of all time

[@sole__doubt]

The whole Illmatic album is pure genius.

[@satishrobertson8771]

💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@412StepUp]

This is probably the greatest rap song ever

[@Alphaflight912]

🛑

[@owkrikki]

Honestly I feel like there’s better songs in Illmatic alone, NY State of Mind, Life is a Bitch and Represent are masterpieces

[@petethegreek8933]

@@owkrikki how you can you not mention The World Is Yours or One Love ???

[@owkrikki]

@@petethegreek8933 bc the world is yours and one love aren’t better than it ain’t hard to tell

[@owkrikki]

@@petethegreek8933 the world is yours is pretty close though, they’re all almost equal imo

[@nasirjones9149]

Nas in my honest opinion was better than Biggie, Nas as great as he is is still underrated.

[@goldbrosproduction2394]

that what I be saying

[@nasirjones9149]

GOLDBROS PRODUCTION My brother

[@tiagotv7697]

I definitely agree. They always recognize after the fact when all that's left is the art they created. Harvard already know though

[@nasirjones9149]

Anthony Hemphill He's whole body of work is what impressed me, not too many Artist have those credentials.

[@edwinsingora9048]

That's true.so true

[@moises4887]

Who’s still listening in 2024 to this gem?!

[@Falsehood27]

NaS for life since. Never gets old, true classic!

[@jeancadet5862]

yeahhh sonnn

[@matteasy101]

Me. Nas been the truth

[@MandiluveMfanekiso-jj7ek]

🙋🏿‍♂️🔥

[@shuntavaisjohnson345]

Me

[@whatistau]

The older this song gets the more iconic it becomes 💯

[@TheCarynWardRoss]

Facts.

[@davey6022]

IKR, one of my favorites

[@uchennasunday7037]

Sounds like a record, incredible song. Comic book science.

[@AdventureswithLandon]

Agreed

[@RM-wp7df]

The repaly value of this song and of the whole album is just insane, I can't get bored of this album..

[@aaliyahdacheeto4041]

"My poetry's deep I never fell.Nas's rap should be locked in a cell it aint hard to tell"

[@Victor-mu8rf]

Ppl my age will never understand how fuckin amazing this dude is with his craft

[@andykamehameha3576]

Vic r he’s the best !!!!! A legend ! I got to see him again in Aspen and it was reminiscing my middle school years

[@KM-zw9qb]

stfu kid you're not special for listening to nas

[@yeet4777]

K M and you‘re special listening to lil pump or what?

[@lw-lyricalwarrior4186]

I'm 18 and I feel you Our generation listens to that mumble rap which is sad cuz they don't know the real hip hop

[@queenc4086]

I do us virgos some talented mfs 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@undagroundvangerzmusic]

The Rap to another Level that we lost nowadays.... Nas is rock well it ain't hard to tell💯💯💯💯

[@gxbbs_4]

This is one of the most iconic songs ever made, man i miss the 90s such a great time

[@gxbbs_4]

@John obi Mikel Arteta unfortunately yeah, i wish i was from the 90s that would be so nice

[@orlanzo2621]

The 90's were amazing man, if i had a time machine and could go back i would.

[@gxbbs_4]

@@orlanzo2621 Samee even im not born in the 90s i rather live in 90s than i live now in this time

[@orlanzo2621]

@@gxbbs_4Yea, I was born in '86 so i was still a kid even at the end of the 90's but man it was just a much better era than this garbage era were in now. Hip hop has lost it's soul, shows/movies aren't as good, people are addicted to social media and clout, etc. Tragic man.

[@Therealmoseslupai]

@@orlanzo2621 You ain’t lying about that.

[@mRr3gmasterz]

It Ain't Hard To Tell the crap they play today could never be as good as this.

[@queenlele6193]

That Michael Jackson sample . That’s a sample done RIGHT . 😍

[@scinnyc]

Yep. That's why I had to steal it and do *my own version* of it...!!!👍🏾🎤🎧💿🎶🔥

[@kinngemz]

Sample flipped so well I agree !!

[@benjamincox4211]

Queen LeLe 69th like

[@felixtiffs6260]

tell them sis

[@datniggaking9873]

@@kinngemz loll Left A Froze Like Heroin in ya 👃

[@workhard1333]

Fun fact: Mike Jack only allowed this sample if nas promised not to curse in his lyrics. And this great poet accomplished this and made an instant classic. Salute Nasir Jones 🫡💯📝

[@marioperez7375]

Like he supposs3d to a real artist

[@mr.majesty1920]

How the hell you know that?

[@workhard1333]

@@mr.majesty1920 nas said it. Do ya research on nas speaking to the king of pop.

[@VictoriousSecret100]

look at that cellphone....screw my LG G3, i need that.

[@freebasereese6478]

Agreed !

[@LetsBuildWordPress]

I literally started looking at the comments when I saw the phone! Haha

[@markhowell1495]

lmao

[@kiidtrvnks2779]

+Chip Kelly's Rushing Attack it is so true

[@markhowell1495]

Omg dude ur profile name is even funnier

[@indy54931]

If boy Nas was from U.K., he would be called Sir a long time ago :)

[@chibuzonwachuku5624]

If he was from Nigeria, he would be called "brother" a long time ago.

[@sultanh.j.9204]

Nasty Nas

[@ST-7900]

Good thang he ain’t

[@purple4785]

@@chibuzonwachuku5624 lol

[@purple4785]

@Marwin Shakur 🥴🤣🤣

[@yuyufool117]

you know you've reached iconic status when harvard makes a class dedicated to dissecting your lyrics to this song.

[@jackmorris1404]

Especially considering he spent about a 1/3 of time in school than those students have

[@corujapolitica252]

...or could be Harvard doesn't have anymore the same excellence from the past... But NAS is amazing!

[@yuyufool117]

@@corujapolitica252 get out of here with that passive aggressive bs.

[@optimustriticum8368]

Living in the difficulties can't be teach at school, they can only study it.

[@maskcollector6949]

Harvard and all Ivy League Schools - you can't teach culture - you live it. You can't teach a lifetime, you walk it. Going to school is overrated. HELLA overrated.

[@T01z]

Contender for greatest rap song of all time

[@natejones0084]

nas has to be top 5 rappers of all time...told me the world is mines before my parents did...

[@natejones0084]

that michael jackon sample tho 🔥

[@Hot33333333]

💯💯💯

[@theredman1034]

+Nathan Laflame top 3

[@TJJeeping]

Tony montana told me before that tho

[@zip8327]

My top 3 would be big l nas mobb deep

[@muvdafukupouttahere]

Even Nas sampled one of Michael Jackson's songs. That just goes to show you how much influence MJ had on many rappers.

[@mrm64]

+muvdafukupouttahere Real talk! MJ had his influence on all peoples, all colors, all nationalities, almost all the genres....miss him so much...

[@poeticjustice6626]

+mrm64 Preach!!! It makes me so angry when people let MJ's personal life affect their opinion of his music. I saw one person say that his music was rubbish. You should have seen the way that MJ's fans, including me, cussed him out. He was such a great influence and it makes me so angry to see how people treated him. I miss him too...

[@boske1399]

... gtfo

[@IAMOBAS247]

+muvdafukupouttahere hi please check out my videos and subscribe I would love some feedback . vice verse

[@davidemanrus4582]

What about Quincy Jones. The dude who made the original beat

[@carlostharealest5637]

The Message never gets Old, It's all in his DNA! 🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤

[@wonderwoman2435]

Carlos ThaRealest Literally.

[@northernb1085]

Carlos ThaRealest cheaaa !!

[@FranklinFreshman]

the message is a good song

[@showthyselfapproved1st]

Carlos ThaRealest true dat

[@geraldjohnson3216]

Carlos ThaRealest dam he took that from mike human nature yo nas is more ill than a sickness.Brooklyn 4eva

[@lovememoremeticulous4378]

Nas was molded, shaped, put through the fire, then dropped from out of heaven.

[@JBW1121]

I like Nas but this is crazy glaze 😭

[@lovememoremeticulous4378]

@@JBW1121 lol

[@benscales5863]

Well said…

[@mikejay5702]

Nas is definitely one of my greatest of all time! There could never be another like him. He is in his own class. True legend indeed!

[@MelRiley-pz3je]

Rite on rite on

[@vernonjohnson1198]

Rakim is better than nas both lyrically and flow

[@fpslevi3812]

0:07 everyone gangsta till nas starts dabbing in the 90's

[@fabianboesch96]

Damn LMAO😂💯

[@TheJofrica]

Clearly a time traveler, that's how come he's so smart

[@boulevardhip-hop7556]

@@TheJofrica 2pac do the same shit in the 91 interviews ,world fucked up

[@santiagoblancoblancoo]

Hahaha

[@christophergarland2315]

🤙🤙🤙🤙

[@alvin9713]

Damn Nas was young af in this video. This is why I hate it when people defend mumble rappers by giving that lame ass excuse "They're young just understand them" if Nas wrote most of Illmatic at 19 years old then that just proves age has nothing to do with it.

[@Unknown-eh4ko]

Fleezus Christ I feel like the reason behind this is because during Nas’s time and others growing up in the 90’s had to mature faster than the current generation. The reason the lyrics were more real is because it was a dangerous environment to grow up in and people who experienced it could rap about it to tell stories of their own lives. This generation has it much easier and aren’t in it to rap about the struggle or the tragedies of the streets. They’re in it for the money so they all sound the same and look the same. Face tattoos, colorful hair, repetitive mumbled lyrics. I was born in 2002 and I prefer this music over mumble rap anyday

[@bobbishintwat1021]

I have never heard anyone say that about mumble rappers. I dont know if i am understanding what you are trying to say but you are almost implying that people say that there is lack of lyrical abilty in "mumble rappers" because theyre young.

[@cfoBROOK.]

Yeah, a lot of them during the early 90s were young but ahead of their time. Just like Prodigy said, “I’m only 19 but my mind is old”. No excuses for youngstas these days. They just suck!

[@claytonbrown7100]

It's called talent. Plain and simple.

[@meccaunknown9756]

Nas is a absolute gift to hip-hop. Plus back then sh$t was real dunz. No mumble. No Minstrel show. Pure boom-bap hop hop.

[@rxdgaming1]

arguably the best hip hop song ever

[@PatoNani18]

Decades later and this track is still the purest and realest form of hip hop I've ever heard because it combines the (in my opinion) most important characteristics of the the genre: -sick beat -unbeatable flow -unique lyrics -street vibes -instantly head bob

[@darlansilvaramos5634]

Best comment ever about how a rap should be.

[@a.taylor8294]

NO DOUBT!!

[@Max-gn9tg]

I tried to explain the vibe surrounding that 93-99 era to a younger cousin and he's just to young lol...you had Nas, Pac, Big, Snoop, Wu-Tang, Mase, Jay out during a four year period!! That equals Illmatic, Doggystyle and the Chronic, reasonable doubt, all eyes on me, 36 chambers and ready to die, Harlem World being dropped..not to mention Eminem DMX Jada coming out towards the end of that span. And you cant compare today to then because every artist now is somewhat of a carbon copy of either Drake or Future ie: Designer...dam shame 10 new guys come out 5 sound like future 5 sound like Drake

[@nasirthesenatejohnson6935]

Max Too true

[@StuLenS_Gaming]

Don't forget Big L the Underground legend

[@nattyiv]

Mos Def - Black on Both Sides

[@rexstevenson3239]

Max what about chance the rapper

[@nasirthesenatejohnson6935]

Rex Stevenson He trash

[@kareemsupremet.v.5189]

I was 14 and my cousin was 16 when this first came out... My cousin got his license that summer and all we did is ride around and listen to this over and over again...Good times summer of 1994-1995.

[@traviscarter1023]

Yeah bra I was in elementary school at the time. Hip hop in 1994 was crazy the summer of 1994 was insane everyone was dropping I still remember it to this day. Going into the 95 was implacable also 2pac Me Against the World.

[@Ny2dasouff]

I was there homie Gold 94 Acura legend coupe on 17s driving through them Brooklyn streets.

[@kareemsupremet.v.5189]

@@Ny2dasouff my cousin had a 94/95 lime green Geo Prizm they look ridiculous now but back then they were the s*** and we were having fun. We were just happy to able to drive around. The summer prior we were riding bikes or walking everywhere

[@Ny2dasouff]

@@kareemsupremet.v.5189 that’s when NY was NY Ioved every minute every second. But now everyone left bro. Don’t know if you seen the ball drop in time square shit was empty. I love my city but it ain’t the same no more. I’m in Florida now at 42. I am meeting more New Yorkers in Florida now than ever before. Since that last lock down New Yorkers can’t deal and they forcing you to take that shot NYC ain’t free living no more. The city ain’t the same the vibe ain’t the same. But I am happy I got to live in the 90s care free all love all hate it was home base.

[@sejmerebaylir4620]

777

[@Ojitoschiquitos92]

Ain't hard to tell nas is the Goat

[@tayluc9522]

A Michael Jackson beat with Nas rapping over it? Puts you in a good mood

[@thebluegangsta8936]

Tay Luc ikr???

[@JohnDoe-le7ml]

took me 20+ years to realize that it was MJ's beat

[@frankvelez2350]

Damn Skippy 💯

[@frankvelez2350]

@@JohnDoe-le7ml Bru 😂 I just said the same damn thing...

[@mewatches]

Shiit really? Which MJ beat was it?

[@ryanzdon]

back when shit was real

[@CrashJC123]

It ain't hard to tell

[@ryanzdon]

DJ Rod B yes brother

[@doggystyle9848]

+DJ Rod B nah youre just close minded children

[@rodney1b]

doggy style lol close minded to what fam?? i seen and lived both how about you?

[@truthseeker7967]

john glen I agree

[@kevina5337]

Man the flow, the lyrics, the fatass bass, the horns, the Michael Jackson sample hook.. this is a serious contender for best hip-hop song ever imo. Definitely best album closer for any hip-hop album 👍👍👍

[@nuggetz9380]

facts

[@lorenzoburton3974]

The bass!!! MJ sounds like he was in the studio with Nas. It’s amazing

[@prirush8800]

As a dolo track. Definitely up there, with the 🌎 is yours. There is alot of tracks out there, but NAS IS THE GOLD STANDARD As collective track/project, Verbal intercourse, watch for the hook, and Notorious Thugs.

[@nuggetz9380]

@@prirush8800 listen to deja vu thats where his verse in verbal intercourse comes from and its better imo

[@prirush8800]

@@nuggetz9380 I meant collective tracks, where artists come together. ll cool J, I shot ya! Or headbands, lol Verse wise, PRODIGY hands down with SHOOK ONES, and recognize and realize off NOYD project.

[@rwiconcepts4492]

Make you wanna cry its so damn good. 🤥😂😂

[@videomaker276]

8 seconds into the video and nas invented the dab.

[@user-sz6kp1tn6c]

Exactly...

[@Samo705]

it ain't hard to tell.

[@evangilmore3964]

dkm

[@angelrangel4205]

Just leave the new shit outta here. I don't care if you even insult nas just keep old school the thing. But gotta say you're right about it. Also I'm not trying to beef or anything just fuck the new school man

[@TheGingerBreadMan978]

If you think all new school music sucks, then you're not really looking for good music.

[@XavierCoolDude]

I’m a 42 white guy from SJ. Have wife and 2 children. I was 15 when this came out and my life back then was school, sports, girls and hip hop. Hearing this and Halftime the year before I just knew Nas was a generational artist. Yes he’s had his disappointing moments but he is truly a genius/legend of music period. Listening to hip hop from this era actually keeps me grounded and provides with inner peace.

[@rongeojohns7906]

I agree good for the soul

[@Rezzzzzz]

Nas has never disappointed me.

[@idontknowyou5762]

@mont5702 what disappointments ? Nas is a living legend never disappoints 😂😂😂

[@XavierCoolDude]

Some of his albums have been subpar imo-Nastradamus for ex

[@drewm1808]

same age. same vibe. peace!

[@Jay75ny]

Nas is Legend, and it's hard to top a track like this.

[@Jay75ny]

The Green Army Fatigue Jacket is a Signature. Am glad to live this musical Era

[@Mic01851]

Jay75Euro you need to go back to school

[@sicshop]

There's no topping it. Sampling Mike Jack?

[@johnnyrodriguez559]

Respect the poet. One Love.

[@LifeGotIt]

the fact that he wrote these verses around the age of 16-17 yrs old makes him a fuking G.O.A.T.

[@prophetess_cb5941]

Can't stop playing this. I'm a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, but this is my childhood anthem. I appreciate great music & this is definitely ONE👌🏿👌🏿. Thanks NAS

[@aziaticandy1]

relatable

[@noramenandrew5689]

You think this brother nice ? You should check out is partner AZ. Thank you freestyle. What? That joint will have you pressing rewind over and over again. Oh and also Oil money by AZ

[@jpads6647]

@@noramenandrew5689 frrr especially his doe or die album w tracks like rather unique , ho happy Jackie, n gimmie yours tha guy is also lyrically gofter

[@Iknowyoumadnow]

I shalt not judgeth but.....you need to step down

[@traviscarter1023]

Young rappers take not this art of MCs right here. This young Nas in 1994 at age 20 hell of a song we didn't know what we had at this time it was so underrated because we had Biggie.

[@mjfreaklove]

Michael Jackson's ''Human Nature'' sample.

[@davidgates76]

Mike's part in this adds to its greatness

[@confusedowl297]

I knew it!!!

[@deinly1]

Gives me goosebumps still over 25 years later. Primo n Large Pro murked this album

[@abubeker1704]

I lost my respect for this man

[@calvinthomas69420]

@@abubeker1704 tf u mean?

[@marcusrashford568]

From every rap angle. He is the better. NaS too good for your mind to comprehend

[@captainCNB]

he dropped this at 19/20 but wrote some of them at 17/18. truly a prodigy of the art form.

[@lifestraight]

Spike Spiegel Also had great teachers in Rakim and Kool G. Rap

[@mcrapperthagreat767]

Nad the mc tha great

[@wolfboy20]

@@lifestraight also large professor taught him how to rhyme effectively

[@youcancallmejames]

The lyrics are too advanced, even for now

[@altariqhouse4091]

The greatest hands down

[@scinnyc]

I agree. I got some more *advanced lyrics* ya👍🎤🎧

[@410mson3]

Fasho late 90s baby fucks wit it 💪🏿💯🔥

[@ndirangugichuki6260]

Damn true 🔥👌

[@icouldntcomeupwithanorigin2688]

*Especially for now

[@razatiger22]

"I drink moet with Medusa, gave her shot guns in hell from the spliff i lift and inhale" Is still the coldest line i ever heard in my life. The dude got Medusa "Stoned"

[@digidof21]

It's All Locked it ain't leaving the cell it's priceless.

[@mrsmjj81]

My all time favorite use of a Michael Jackson sample, period.

[@poeticjustice6626]

+mrsmjj81 Same. #Moonwalker

[@mrsmjj81]

#Salute! #MoonwalkersForLife

[@poeticjustice6626]

I also like SWV's sample for "Right Here" but Nas' version comes first place.

[@youresotall7126]

+Peace _ MisFit same but Nas's is a fr classic

[@poeticjustice6626]

Yaphet Kotto Yeah, I like rap so obviously Nas' version comes first place. Maybe if SWV did their version with a verse from an at least decent rapper, then maybe I would like their version better.

[@demondescent]

Nas is like the Afro centric Asian..Half man.. half amazin...lol Brilliant thru and thru ...will forever be my fav.

[@darrenboyle6193]

wipes his arse with jay z sleeves

[@cog1602]

Human nature sample simply heavenly

[@mikekunda1724]

Nas is the greatest it ain't hard to tell.

[@korrangrosche]

Does the Nostalgia get anyone else? I miss the 90’s badly!

[@samueltamankueopinzi8492]

Nas is simply the greatest of all time, this song is a pure classic!!

[@nuggetz9380]

FACTS!

[@WithDreday]

One of the most iconic tracks in rap of all time. Should have way more than 8 million views.

[@mothedon3599]

My favorite Nas song song of all time

[@BixbyLBC]

Greatest of all time. No one delivers like Nas 💯💯💯

[@undergroundwes4021]

Nas catalog from the Illmatic album until present day is legendary. True GOAT .

[@Popu_GTB]

Samples used in this song: Stanley Clarke - Slow Dance (Drums) Michael Jackson - Human Nature Mountain - Long Red Live. (Vocals) 0:01 Kool & the Gang - N.T. (Saxophone) 0:13

[@temirlanabdykaiypov8429]

Human nature is on point

[@tarchatarcha1780]

@@temirlanabdykaiypov8429 PERIOD

[@fl01226]

Flawless album. No skips at all, lyricism is great.

[@fredotlogetswe3047]

2021,still no one has been able to surpass Nas lyrically. The best MC alive.

[@wixkedwill7011]

Sadly the way music is now no one will probably ever pass Nas now

[@HT00798]

Bruh MF EOOM is lyrically better bruh

[@HT00798]

@@wixkedwill7011 bruh nah Kendrick Lamar is better bruh

[@rayres1074]

@@wixkedwill7011 Do you even listen to modern music? MF DOOM and Kendrick Lamar are on the same level and, from what I've listened of them, DOOM's production is even better than Nas - which is truly a sight to behold.

[@sheparddicapricorn4326]

@@rayres1074 Nas doesn't say random shit just to make every word rhyme.Nas has multiple dimensions that Kendrick hasn't even tapped into yet.Kendrick does not have a single song that can compete with the songs on illmatic.I am a huge fan of both but Nas is the king.

[@eknetter]

This shit hits harder than most . A true legend and it aint hard to tell . Mix’n MJ the hardest way possible.

[@trapdrillmazzaonvoltz5818]

The poet saw the future threw a Mic ..... The man's a ghetto magician 👑..... #salute

[@versaceboi4762]

Ladies and gentlemen... A LYRICIST! 🔥 👏👏

[@faschuck]

‘Illmatic’: easily one of the greatest albums EVER. 😎

[@truthisinfinite8]

I was born in '95 and I love Nas. I remember when I first discovered him when I was like 14. Best lyrical treasure I ever found as a young lady with an old soul.

[@davidkelly694]

I was born in 78 and I love this song lol.

[@traviscarter1023]

@@davidkelly694 My being born in 1978 let me ask you something I know you was in the middle of this era. What does the year 1994 mean to you in hip hop.

[@LOOrr]

Team 95!!! I remember hearing this way back in the days from my older siblings so I knew a lot of nas from a early age but this is by far my favorite track by nas!!!

[@Ghost-tx4ft]

you only listened to him in 2009? geez thats sad being a born in 95'

[@LeilaHusseini]

ditto! born in 95. been exploring old school rap thanks to KZbin and I love it. its unmatchable. a lot of the songs are familiar as i have an older brother who would play these songs as a teenager. old soul :)

[@zacksutt]

CLASSIC...Man hip-hop was the best when I was a kid in the 90s...what happened?

[@ciatiger79]

Money Money and more money.

[@ThugNinja]

The industry happened

[@ghostmaster223]

Every legend either died or sold out. Then came money, bitches, drugs.

[@jerusareem]

the sellouts took over

[@poloregal]

+Gino Florencia what exactly is selling out?

[@NlendeSerenaNkwelle-rt8nr]

Nas is a lyrical beast, prolific and very talented. How was he able to release one of the best albums of hip hop at such a young age? He has always been the greatest ❤❤❤❤

[@MikestrypessBlogspot1]

Lyrics It ain't hard to tell, I excel, then prevail The mic is contacted, I attract clientele The mic check is life or death, breathing a sniper's breath I exhale the yellow smoke of buddha through righteous steps Deep like The Shinin', sparkle like a diamond Sneak a uzi on the island in my army jacket lining Hit the Earth like a comet, invasion Nas is like the Afrocentric Asian, half-man, half-amazing And my physical, I'll express through song Delete stress like Motrin, then extend strong I drank Moet with Medusa, give her shotguns in hell From the spliff that I lift and inhale, it ain't hard to tell The buddha monk's in your trunk, turn the bass up Nas, stories by Aesop, place your loot up Nas, I analyze Inhale from the L, school a fool well, you feel it like braille It ain't hard to tell, I kick the skill like Shaquille holds a pill Vocabulary spills I'm ill Plus 'Matic, I freak beats slam it like Iron Shiek Jam like a tech with correct techniques They analyze me, surprise me, but can't magnetize me Scanning while you're planning ways to sabotage me I leave 'em froze like heroin in your nose Nas'll rock well, it ain't hard to tell This rhythmatic explosion, is what your frame of mind has chosen I'll leave your brain stimulated, niggas is frozen Speak with criminal slang, begin like a violin End like Leviathan, it's deep well let me try again Wisdom be leaking out my grapefruit troop I dominate break loops, giving mics men-e-straul cycles Street's disciple, I rock beats that's mega trifle And groovy but smoother than moves by Villanova Yet still a soldier, I'm like Sly Stallone in Cobra Packing like a rasta in the weed spot Vocals'll squeeze glocks, MC's eavesdrop Though they need not to sneak My poetry's deep, I never fell Nas's raps should be locked in a cell It ain't hard to tell, 20 years

[@jamessanders6788]

Pure poetry.

[@jayohitai4432]

Respect Large Mike Strypes!

[@bLacKxxxLoDgE]

I always thought it was "from the spliff that I lifted in Hell, it ain't hard to tell" like that better tbh.

[@idiotsandwich9326]

No matter what anyone says about Michael, he set the bar for most artists (especially black artists) , because for him, they're were next to no black artists on TV. He influenced some of the greatest artists of all time

[@onemillionpercent]

+Justice Jackson agreed! Michael Jackson was indeed the GOAT, and he inspired this GOAT right here and the beat in this amazing song so....kudos.

[@123juggi]

yh he paved the way for black people using white style though...people like N.W.A paved the way for black peoples own style and culture

[@biglawllc1551]

+Homer Simpson Hey This Biglaw33Cunningham Look At My Comments Up Top My Generation I'am In My Mid 30s This Is Hip Hop My Era 2pac Shakur Biggie Nas The Real Inner Strength Of Black Men I'am Blessed That I Grew Up In This Era Real Men Life Was So Pure And Simple No Skinny Jeans Or Fun Boys This BullShit Now A Days Got To Stop I Feel For You Young People Out There.

[@romeod7549]

LOL Nah he used MJ style. He had the dough and came with his own. Stop trying to give white people credit for the Legend. Why black people gotta say the stupidest shit.

[@darkmango1249]

So what are these some of the greatest artists of all time? 'Cause rappers are among the worst.

[@MrJtransit]

No rapper is better than Nas point blank period. Everytime I hear a Nas track I feel this crazy rush of feelings, the real reminiscence of that 90s NY.

[@RainNorrisSoftwareDeveloper]

This needed to be said.

[@rackembarry]

Mel K. L Jay Electronica is the only man I think is better than Nas.

[@MrJtransit]

Nas, yes. Ppl get so hung up on illmatic they forget his other works which were great in their own right, for instance It was Written, The Lost Tapes, God's Son and other mixtapes and albums. Everything Nas has put out in my opinion is great.

[@mackenzieyoung5306]

“It ain’t hard to tell I excel then prevail”🔥🔥

[@mrandersong1]

It's like people forgot how to make music. they don't make shit like this anymore.

[@AR-mz5gw]

they dont honestly, but you gotta check capital steez, joey badass juts gotta follow your ears for good music

[@defsantana1290]

+A Rodriguez yup PRO ERA

[@natefrm3rdnation332]

It's called evolution of music... People wasn't making stuff like "Rappers Delight" when Nas first dropped this...

[@LionOfKashmir]

evolution to what? Drake?....

[@natefrm3rdnation332]

Well if u read and understand what I said... Music, more specifically Hip Hop/Rap has evolved over time and now we do have artist like Drake... But Drake isn't the only big artist out there, there's many others who are better but are also products of the evolution of rap and music

[@pasorie]

I keep hearing the hype about how this album is the GOAT for years now so I finally purchased it on iTunes.. this album changed my life.. this album left me speechless

[@Dominican1923]

Better late than never goat album

[@OJGLOVE]

Welcome 🙏🏿

[@coreywilson4753]

I'm glad you felt the experience whenever I get on a new music engine this album is the first thing I download since day one.

[@shaieresmirnoff]

His new song on magic is speechless

[@23MikeJ22]

GOOD😆👍

[@kbanks97]

This is real hip hop !!

[@seandon8786]

Nas lyrical content was fire 🔥