Back When
by Nas

Album: Life Is Good (2012)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This No I.D. produced cut finds Nas reviewing his past in Queens and the times spent with peers like Shan and AZ. He mines his background for factors that contributed to the man he is today.
  • The song finds Nas condemning discrimination in Hip-Hop lyrics. He raps: "You seem to blame all your shortcomings on sex and race. The Mafia, homosexuals and all the Jews. You might as well blame all your shortcomings on your foes the Jews. It's bogwash point of views, stereotypical, anti-Semitic like the foul words Gibson spewed." Nas explained to NME: "That's just me saying let go of the illusions of someone holding you back."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Boz Scaggs

Boz ScaggsSongwriter Interviews

The "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" singer makes a habit of playing with the best in the business.

Weird Al Yankovic

Weird Al YankovicFact or Fiction

Did Al play on a Beach Boys record? Did he have beef with George Lucas and Coolio? See if you can spot weird but true stories.

Richie McDonald of Lonestar

Richie McDonald of LonestarSongwriter Interviews

Richie talks about the impact of "Amazed," and how his 4-year-old son inspired another Lonestar hit.

Protest Songs

Protest SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know your protest songs (including the one that went to #1)?

History Of Rock

History Of RockSong Writing

An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And Scandals

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And ScandalsSong Writing

Surprise exits, a catfight and some very memorable performances make our list of the most memorable Idol moments.