Define My Name Lyrics – 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 living in the bottle again
The World Cup in Moscow with a blonde who’s a ten
Vape pen when I speak, it’s like a lottery win
Quote my total, multi-mogul
So fly, I could walk in any spot, every box be soaking
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 nothing to gain by assuming
I’ma say the definition of my name — the truest
I shocked ’em like real bullets in prop g*ns
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 something

[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 timing
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
Writing 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 rocking suits and shoes, going 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 fu*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

“Define My Name” by Nas and DJ Premier explores the essence and legacy of Nas’s identity through intricate wordplay and vivid imagery. Nas delves into the historical and personal significance of his name, tracing it back to ancient origins while reflecting on his journey as an artist. With references to cultural icons, historical figures, and his own experiences, Nas asserts his enduring presence in the rap scene. Premier’s beats complement Nas’s lyrical prowess, creating a track that celebrates resilience, evolution, and the timeless power of Nas’s name.

[Chorus]
The chorus serves as a mantra, where Nas contemplates the essence of his name. It’s not merely a word but a symbol of his identity and legacy in the rap industry. By repeating and spelling out “N-A-S,” Nas emphasizes the importance of his name as a defining aspect of his persona and career.

[Verse 1]
Nas delves into the etymology and significance of his name. He suggests that his name has ancient origins, possibly meaning “victory helper” or “protector.” Nas juxtaposes historical references with contemporary imagery, reflecting on his journey as an artist and asserting his enduring relevance. He highlights the transformative power of his music, likening his impact to the shock of real bullets and the excitement of a lottery win.

[Chorus]
The chorus reiterates Nas’s introspective exploration of his name’s meaning, emphasizing its importance in shaping his identity and career trajectory.

[Verse 2]
Nas reflects on his personal evolution and legacy within the rap industry. He explores his familial heritage, likening himself to biblical figures and reflecting on his polygamous mindset. Nas acknowledges his growth as an artist, admitting his initial doubts about his longevity in the rap game. However, he ultimately embraces his role as a demigod of hip-hop, overcoming obstacles and leaving a lasting impact on the genre.

[Chorus]
Once again, Nas returns to the chorus, reinforcing the theme of self-reflection and identity exploration through his name.

[Outro]
In the outro, DJ Premier and Nas reflect on the enduring impact of Nas’s debut album “Illmatic” and their continued collaboration. Despite the passage of time, they remain committed to their craft, signaling a resurgence in Nas’s career and hinting at future projects to come. The playful banter between the two artists underscores their excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead in their musical journey.