Meaning and Lyrics of Define My Name by Nas
Song Lyrics meaning of Define My Name by Nas
About Nas
Nas
Nas, born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones on September 14, 1973, is a rapper and songwriter from Queens, New York. He rose to fame in the early 1990s and is known for his intricate lyrical style and socially conscious themes. Nas’ debut album, “Illmatic,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. Throughout his career, he has released numerous critically acclaimed albums and won several awards for his music. Nas has also ventured into acting and entrepreneurship, solidifying his status as a cultural icon in the rap music industry. One of his notable songs is “Define My Name,” which showcases his storytelling abilities and thought-provoking lyrics.
Nas, born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones on September 14, 1973, is a rapper and songwriter from Queens, New York. He rose to fame in the early 1990s and is known for his intricate lyrical style and socially conscious themes. Nas’ debut album, “Illmatic,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. Throughout his career, he has released numerous critically acclaimed albums and won several awards for his music. Nas has also ventured into acting and entrepreneurship, solidifying his status as a cultural icon in the rap music industry. One of his notable songs is “Define My Name,” which showcases his storytelling abilities and thought-provoking lyrics.
Meaning of Define My Name by Nas
“Define My Name” by Nas is a self-reflective and introspective track where Nas explores the significance and complexity of his name, “N-A-S.” The song delves into the history, influence, and embodiment of his name, symbolizing various aspects of his identity and persona.
In the first verse, Nas delves into the etymology of his name, highlighting its meanings such as “victory helper” and “protector.” He draws parallels between the ancient roots of his name and its modern-day manifestation, suggesting a sense of continuity and endurance throughout time. Nas juxtaposes historical references with contemporary imagery, showcasing his lyrical prowess and cultural depth.
The lyrics also touch upon Nas’s evolution as an artist and individual. He references influential figures in music like Gil Scott-Heron and iconic moments such as the World Cup in Moscow, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of his artistry. Nas’s journey from the past to the present is underscored, suggesting a narrative of growth, resilience, and artistic integrity.
Verse 2 delves deeper into Nas’s personal evolution, addressing themes of legacy, maturity, and perseverance. Nas reflects on his past ambitions and doubts, noting the unexpected trajectory of his career over the years. The lyrics depict a sense of self-awareness and resolution, with Nas acknowledging his place in the music industry and the impact of his artistry.
The chorus, repeated throughout the song, serves as a mantra that encapsulates the core question of identity and self-definition. Nas invites listeners to ponder the essence of his name, inviting introspection and interpretation. The chorus acts as a thematic thread that ties together the various narratives and reflections presented in the verses.
The outro with DJ Premier underscores a sense of camaraderie and creative synergy, highlighting the enduring partnership between Nas and the producer. The exchange between Nas and DJ Premier hints at a continuation of their artistic collaboration and hints at forthcoming projects, emphasizing a sense of anticipation and excitement for what is to come.
Overall, “Define My Name” by Nas is a layered and thought-provoking track that delves into themes of identity, legacy, and artistic expression. Through vivid imagery, historical references, and personal reflections, Nas offers a glimpse into the complexity and depth of his artistry and persona, inviting listeners on a journey of self-discovery and introspection.
In the first verse, Nas delves into the etymology of his name, highlighting its meanings such as “victory helper” and “protector.” He draws parallels between the ancient roots of his name and its modern-day manifestation, suggesting a sense of continuity and endurance throughout time. Nas juxtaposes historical references with contemporary imagery, showcasing his lyrical prowess and cultural depth.
The lyrics also touch upon Nas’s evolution as an artist and individual. He references influential figures in music like Gil Scott-Heron and iconic moments such as the World Cup in Moscow, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of his artistry. Nas’s journey from the past to the present is underscored, suggesting a narrative of growth, resilience, and artistic integrity.
Verse 2 delves deeper into Nas’s personal evolution, addressing themes of legacy, maturity, and perseverance. Nas reflects on his past ambitions and doubts, noting the unexpected trajectory of his career over the years. The lyrics depict a sense of self-awareness and resolution, with Nas acknowledging his place in the music industry and the impact of his artistry.
The chorus, repeated throughout the song, serves as a mantra that encapsulates the core question of identity and self-definition. Nas invites listeners to ponder the essence of his name, inviting introspection and interpretation. The chorus acts as a thematic thread that ties together the various narratives and reflections presented in the verses.
The outro with DJ Premier underscores a sense of camaraderie and creative synergy, highlighting the enduring partnership between Nas and the producer. The exchange between Nas and DJ Premier hints at a continuation of their artistic collaboration and hints at forthcoming projects, emphasizing a sense of anticipation and excitement for what is to come.
Overall, “Define My Name” by Nas is a layered and thought-provoking track that delves into themes of identity, legacy, and artistic expression. Through vivid imagery, historical references, and personal reflections, Nas offers a glimpse into the complexity and depth of his artistry and persona, inviting listeners on a journey of self-discovery and introspection.
Lyrics of Define My Name by Nas
Chorus: Nas & Biz Markie
"What defines my name"
"What defines my name" (Nas)
"N-A-S"
"What defines my name" (Nas)
"N-A-S"
"What defines my name"
Verse 1: Nas
Name existed forever, means "victory helper"
Whole name means "protector"
Shorten it by two letters, without the I-R at the end
The reincarnated Gil Scott livin' in the bottle again
The World Cup in Moscow with a blonde who's a ten
Vape pen when I speak, it's likе a lottery win
Quote my total, multi-mogul
So fly, I could walk in any spot, evеry box be soakin'
From a time when weed was stronger, today's streets are calmer
They used to kill for shades, sneaks and bombers
Uh, my name existed forever
Before Christians came in America, even better
When click sounds of they mouths was language for humans
With stick figures in caves, my name's written fluent
Nasty like way before even Rome had a sewage
For fifty-thousand years ago if I could choose this origin
Since there's nothin' to gain by assumin'
I'ma say the definition of my name — the truest
I shocked 'em like real bullets in prop guns
Creep with baddies in sequin dresses who high-strung
Fresh off the jet, you can see my vision where I've come
How much time y'all got? Yo, Preem, let's drop somethin'
Chorus: Nas & Biz Markie
"What defines my name"
"What defines my name" (Nas)
"N-A-S"
"What defines my name" (Nas)
"N-A-S"
"What defines my name"
Verse 2: Nas
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 a stop-and-frisk, New York
At twenty, I said I'd better quit by thirty
Then by thirty, I thought by forty rapping is corny
How wrong was I?
Never would have thought at fifty, new songs by Nas would be hard and live
I leave 'em scared like when they hear their name called, but ain't nobody there
The definition of my name probably started where
I rode the E train, fingers covered in ink stains
Writin' was like an escape, excitedly leave the beat flamed
It was Ra, Kane, Kool G and Kris
Few names like Cool James, 'Face, Cube and Rick
That was musically sick, successful and unnatural
I throw they songs in a cyanide capsule
The truth is poison to any fraud
Demigod rockin' suits and shoes, goin' against any odds
How could you hate me? I survived the '80s
The D's, the trauma, embalming fluid in laced weed
Inhale fumes from a stove we'll cook up
The show's booked up, I chose to take the world over, look up
Chorus: Nas & Biz Markie
"What defines my name"
"What defines my name" (Nas)
"N-A-S"
"What defines my name" (Nas)
"N-A-S"
"What defines my name"
Outro: DJ Premier & Nas
Ayy, yo, thirty years later, Illmatic was dropped
Yeah— man, what the f**k am I doing? Hahahaha
Ayy, yo, Preem, chill
I got the rhymes, you got the beats (Aight)
Thirty years later, we back in the streets, we back in the lab
Aight then, let's go Nas!
It's time, it's album time, yeah
It's time?
It's time, Black, it's time
Boom-boom-boom-boom-boom-boom-pow!
Premier album still gon' happen
"What defines my name"
"What defines my name" (Nas)
"N-A-S"
"What defines my name" (Nas)
"N-A-S"
"What defines my name"
Verse 1: Nas
Name existed forever, means "victory helper"
Whole name means "protector"
Shorten it by two letters, without the I-R at the end
The reincarnated Gil Scott livin' in the bottle again
The World Cup in Moscow with a blonde who's a ten
Vape pen when I speak, it's likе a lottery win
Quote my total, multi-mogul
So fly, I could walk in any spot, evеry box be soakin'
From a time when weed was stronger, today's streets are calmer
They used to kill for shades, sneaks and bombers
Uh, my name existed forever
Before Christians came in America, even better
When click sounds of they mouths was language for humans
With stick figures in caves, my name's written fluent
Nasty like way before even Rome had a sewage
For fifty-thousand years ago if I could choose this origin
Since there's nothin' to gain by assumin'
I'ma say the definition of my name — the truest
I shocked 'em like real bullets in prop guns
Creep with baddies in sequin dresses who high-strung
Fresh off the jet, you can see my vision where I've come
How much time y'all got? Yo, Preem, let's drop somethin'
Chorus: Nas & Biz Markie
"What defines my name"
"What defines my name" (Nas)
"N-A-S"
"What defines my name" (Nas)
"N-A-S"
"What defines my name"
Verse 2: Nas
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 a stop-and-frisk, New York
At twenty, I said I'd better quit by thirty
Then by thirty, I thought by forty rapping is corny
How wrong was I?
Never would have thought at fifty, new songs by Nas would be hard and live
I leave 'em scared like when they hear their name called, but ain't nobody there
The definition of my name probably started where
I rode the E train, fingers covered in ink stains
Writin' was like an escape, excitedly leave the beat flamed
It was Ra, Kane, Kool G and Kris
Few names like Cool James, 'Face, Cube and Rick
That was musically sick, successful and unnatural
I throw they songs in a cyanide capsule
The truth is poison to any fraud
Demigod rockin' suits and shoes, goin' against any odds
How could you hate me? I survived the '80s
The D's, the trauma, embalming fluid in laced weed
Inhale fumes from a stove we'll cook up
The show's booked up, I chose to take the world over, look up
Chorus: Nas & Biz Markie
"What defines my name"
"What defines my name" (Nas)
"N-A-S"
"What defines my name" (Nas)
"N-A-S"
"What defines my name"
Outro: DJ Premier & Nas
Ayy, yo, thirty years later, Illmatic was dropped
Yeah— man, what the f**k am I doing? Hahahaha
Ayy, yo, Preem, chill
I got the rhymes, you got the beats (Aight)
Thirty years later, we back in the streets, we back in the lab
Aight then, let's go Nas!
It's time, it's album time, yeah
It's time?
It's time, Black, it's time
Boom-boom-boom-boom-boom-boom-pow!
Premier album still gon' happen
Discography Nas
Magic 3
Release: 2023-09-14
Label: Mass Appeal
Popularity: 👏👏
Magic 2
Release: 2023-07-21
Label: Mass Appeal
Popularity: 👏👏
King's Disease III
Release: 2023-04-28
Label: Mass Appeal
Popularity: 👏👏
Upcoming Events for Nas
NAS - with The Las Vegas Philharmonic | 30th Anniversary of Illmatic
Price Range: $95 – 300
Date: 2024-08-31
Location: Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas
NAS - with The Las Vegas Philharmonic | 30th Anniversary of Illmatic
Price Range: $85 – 250
Date: 2024-08-29
Location: Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas
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Magic 3
Release: 2023-09-14
Label: Mass Appeal
Popularity: 👏👏
Magic 2
Release: 2023-07-21
Label: Mass Appeal
Popularity: 👏👏
King's Disease III
Release: 2023-04-28
Label: Mass Appeal
Popularity: 👏👏
