The arrangement of “N.Y. State of Mind” and the lyrical imagery Nas created worked perfectly and immediately drew me in. The idea that Nas essentially created the verses on the spot at the time of recording (and on one take!) further enhances the mystique surrounding this brilliant track. I also loved the jazz sampling here, a style that helped define and perfectly encapsulate the east coast rap sub genre that was thriving during this time. For me this song defines Nas (and ‘Illmatic’s) brilliance and works in every single way.