Why does “N.Y. State of Mind” still feel like the gold standard for hip-hop lyricism three decades later? Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY dig into Nas’ landmark track, tracing its origins from Queensbridge to Columbia Records, unpacking DJ Premier’s haunting piano sample, and exploring how a dream team of producers reshaped hip-hop forever.

Songs Discussed:

“N.Y. State Of Mind” - Nas

“Halftime” - Nas

“The Genesis” - Nas

“Professor Booty” - Beastie Boys

“Subway Theme” - DJ Grand Wizard Theodore

“Live At The Barbeque” - Main Source feat. Nas

“Life’s A Bitch” - Nas feat. AZ & Olu Dara

“It Ain’t Hard to Tell” - Nas

“Long Red” - Mountain

“The World Is Yours” - Nas

“Just A Friend” - Biz Markie

“I Love Music” - Ahmad Jamal Trio

“N.T.” - Kool & The Gang

“Gangsta Gangsta” - NWA

“Breathe And Stop” - Q-Tip

“Flight Time” - Donald Byrd

“Mind Rain” - Joe Chambers

“White Rabbie” - Jefferson Airplane

“Milkshake” - Kelis

“This Is How We Do It” - Montell Jordan

“Children’s Story” - Slick Rick

“Mahogany” - Eric B. & Rakim

“I’m Glad You’re Mine” - Al Green

“Five Man Army” - Massive Attack

“New York State of Mind” - Billie Joel

“SexyBack” - Justin Timberlake

“Gin And Juice” - Snoop Dogg

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