Released 30 years ago
If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)
Nas · 1996
21 min · 5 tracks · alternative hip-hop
A masterful blend of smooth jazz samples and sharp lyrical commentary, embodying the essence of conscious hip-hop.
Top tracks — play these first
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If I Ruled the World (main mix) Start here — This track not only features introspective lyrics about power and freedom but also showcases Lauryn Hill's soulful chorus, making it an anthem for change.
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The World Is Yours (Tip mix) — This remix elevates the original with a refined production style while maintaining its poignant message about ambition and self-determination.
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It Ain't Hard to Tell (remix) — The remix highlights Nas's lyrical prowess over a captivating beat, reinforcing his status as a formidable lyricist in the hip-hop scene.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The single showcases strong lyrical composition and memorable collaboration but lacks cohesion due to multiple mixes.
What we noticed
- The main mix features a prominent jazz sample that underpins Nas's intricate lyrical flow, creating a smooth yet engaging atmosphere.
- Lauryn Hill's vocals are layered throughout the chorus, providing a contrasting melodic element to Nas's verses.
- The a cappella version highlights the complexity of Nas's delivery and wordplay without any instrumental support.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- lyrically rich storytelling experience
- short energetic listening journey
- socially conscious themes throughout
- front-loaded impactful tracks
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer album formats
- avoid lyrical depth and complexity
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This single helped Nas gain wider recognition following his debut album.
- Themes
- jazz-infused commentary· social justice aspirations
- Career context
- Released in 1996, 'If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)' was Nas's second single following his acclaimed debut album 'Illmatic'. At this point in his career, he was solidifying his place as a leading voice in East Coast hip-hop, garnering significant attention from both fans and critics alike.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jay-Z· Rakim· The Notorious B.I.G.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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If I Ruled the World (main mix)
The narrator envisions a utopian world where societal issues are addressed directly, painting vivid imagery of justice and equality.
By articulating these aspirations, the writing challenges listeners to confront reality while igniting hope for change.
Tracklist
- 1 If I Ruled the World (main mix) Start here 4:44
- 2 If I Ruled the World (clean mix) 4:45
- 3 If I Ruled the World (a cappella) 4:43
- 4 The World Is Yours (Tip mix) 4:29
- 5 It Ain't Hard to Tell (remix) 2:50
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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