: DJ Premier integrated vocal samples from "Mahogany" by Eric B. & Rakim and Nas’s own guest verse on Main Source's "Live at the Barbeque" . The Recording Session
: "Monotone chirps" sampled from Donald Byrd's 1972 track "Flight Time" . The Rhythm : A drum break from Kool & the Gang’s "N.T." . Nas - N.Y. State of Mind (Audio)
: A menacing piano chop from Joe Chambers' 1978 jazz piece "Mind Rain" . : DJ Premier integrated vocal samples from "Mahogany"
"N.Y. State of Mind" is a cornerstone of hip-hop, serving as the second track on Nas's seminal 1994 debut album, Illmatic . Produced by DJ Premier, the song is widely regarded as one of the greatest lyrical performances in the genre's history, characterized by its cinematic storytelling and gritty portrayal of life in the Queensbridge Projects . Production and Composition The Rhythm : A drum break from Kool & the Gang’s "N