: The third verse is particularly noted for its rapid-fire comparisons, where he likens himself to "crisp money," "ecstasy for ladies," and "the '99 Summer Jam". Critical Legacy Nas – Nas Is Like Lyrics - Genius

: DJ Premier famously found the core orchestral string sample on a 10-inch Lutheran church record he was about to throw away.

: In signature Premier style, the hook consists of precise scratches of Nas’s own voice from past hits like "It Ain't Hard to Tell" and "Street Dreams," effectively letting Nas "sample himself". Lyricism: A Masterclass in Similes

: The opening lines— "Freedom or jail, clips inserted, a baby's bein' born / Same time my man is murdered" —are often cited as one of the best "movie-like" openings in rap.