Define My Name – Nas
Nas, Revisits His Legacy in “Define My Name”
Nas joins forces with his longtime collaborator DJ Premier on “Define My Name,” a track that delves into the deeper meaning of his artistic identity. Released in 2024, the song marks the 30th anniversary of his groundbreaking album “Illmatic,” making it a potent exploration of his journey in the hip-hop world.
The title itself – “Define My Name” – sets the stage for introspection. The chorus, featuring guest vocalist Biz Markie, repeatedly asks “What defines my name?” underlining Nas’ desire to solidify the weight and significance of his moniker.
“Define My Name” is a celebration of Nas’ enduring influence. He reflects on his career, acknowledging the impact he’s had on the genre, comparing his music to “real bullets in prop guns” – a powerful metaphor for his ability to shock and inspire.
Through introspective rhymes and a potent soundscape, Nas solidifies his place as a hip-hop legend. “Define My Name” is a testament to his enduring legacy, a must-listen for any fan eager to witness a rap icon revisit his roots and reclaim his artistic identity.
Quotable Lyrics:
DNA of King James, kin of Saint Michael
Polygamous-minded, seven wives on ridiculous timin’
They always share the same title, that be the whiskey talk
That’s foul like I stopped and frisked New York
At twenty, I said I’d better quit by thirty
Then by thirty, I thought by forty rapping is corny
