Untitled freestyle Nas did in 1996, and appeared on a pre- “It was Written” mixtape.

The track is over 3 classic beats:

1. Make the Music With Your Mouth, Biz – Biz Markie

2. Eric B is President – Eric B & Rakim

3. Known To Be The Masta – EPMD

This was right at the crossroads between the “Illmatic” introspective cerebral style and the “It was Written” vivid mafioso. Nas was turning “Nas” to “Nas Escobar”. You can see with spanish slang dropped in the verse.

Nas seemingly buckled to pressure, and having been an innovator in rap style, joined the Mafioso bandwagon: Kool G Rap, Raekwon the Chef, AZ Sosa, Wu Gambinos, Jay Z Hovito etc. However, he executed this rap with unmatched precision.

Mobb Deep are name-checked in the lyrics. Portions of this verse appeared in their song Give It Up Fast.