Time Is Illmatic: The 20 Best Lyrics From Nas’ Seminal 1994 Debut Album Illmatic

1. “Rappers, I monkey flip ’em with the funky rhythm I be kickin’/ Musician, inflictin’ composition of pain/ I’m like Scarface sniffin’ cocaine/ Holding an M16, see with the pen I’m extreme, now/ Bullet holes left in my peepholes/ I’m suited up in street clothes, hand me a nine and I’ll defeat foes” – “N.Y. State of Mind”