Define My Name Lyrics – Nas ft. DJ Premier
Define My Name Lyrics
[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 likе a lottery win
Quote my total, multi-mogul
So fly, I could walk in any spot, evеry 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 cl!ck 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 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 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 50
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 Rakim, 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 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 gone happen
Define My Name Lyrics Meaning
The lyrics of "Define My Name" by Nas ft. DJ Premier is a reflection on Nas's identity and legacy in the rap game. It's a journey through his personal history, his influences, and his resilience, as well as a celebration of his longevity and continued relevance. The song explores the significance of Nas's name, his impact on the culture, and his evolution as an artist over the years.
[Chorus]
The chorus sets the tone for the song, posing the question, "What defines my name?" It repeats Nas's name, emphasizing its significance and prompting introspection about its meaning.
[Verse 1]
Nas starts by delving into the etymology of his name, which means "victory helper" and "protector." He reflects on the timeless nature of his name, suggesting that it existed even before recorded history. Nas draws parallels between his name and historical figures, like Gil Scott-Heron, and references contemporary experiences, such as attending the World Cup in Moscow. Throughout the verse, he showcases his lyrical prowess and cultural awareness, touching on themes like the evolution of society and his own enduring relevance in the rap game.
[Verse 2]
In the second verse, Nas delves deeper into his personal journey and the influences that have shaped him as an artist. He references his lineage, invoking figures like King James and Saint Michael, while also exploring his own polygamous mindset and reflections on aging in the rap industry. Nas reflects on his early aspirations and how they've evolved over time, acknowledging the challenges he's faced and overcome throughout his career. He also pays homage to his musical predecessors, highlighting the impact of artists like Rakim, Kool G Rap, and LL Cool J on his own style and approach to hip-hop.
[Outro]
The outro is a playful exchange between Nas and DJ Premier, reflecting on the passage of time since the release of Nas's seminal album, Illmatic. They reminisce about their journey in the music industry and express excitement about future projects. The outro serves as a fitting conclusion to the song, reaffirming Nas's enduring legacy and his ongoing commitment to his craft.
[Popular phrases]
1. "What defines my name": This phrase is repeated throughout the chorus, serving as a central theme of the song. It prompts introspection about Nas's identity and legacy in the rap game.
2. "Illmatic was dropped": Nas references the release of his critically acclaimed debut album, Illmatic, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. This line highlights a significant milestone in Nas's career and underscores his lasting impact on the genre.
This is the end of "Define My Name Song Lyrics" by Nas. If you discover any mistake in the song text, please send the correct lyrics by using the Contact Us form.
Official Music Video
Cast & Crew
- Album
- Nas (Singles)
- Artist / Band
- Featuring
- DJ Premier
- Producer(s)
- DJ Premier
- Writter(s)
- Nas & Chris Martin
- Released On
- April 19, 2024
Nas (Singles) Songs
- 1.Cherry Wine ft. Amy Winehouse
- 2.Define My Name ft. DJ Premier
- 3.Ether
- 4.It Ain’t Hard to Tell
- 5.Life’s a Bitch ft. AZ
- 6.N.Y. State of Mind
- 7.The Message
- 8.The World Is Yours
Nas Albums
FAQs & Knowledge
Who is the singer of "Define My Name" song?
"Define My Name" song is sung by Nas ft. DJ Premier.
Who is the lyrics writer of "Define My Name" song?
"Define My Name" song lyrics written by Nas & Chris Martin.
Who is the music producer of "Define My Name" song?
"Define My Name" song music composed & produced by DJ Premier.
When was "Define My Name" song released?
"Define My Name" song was released on April 19, 2024.