Hero
by Nas

Album: Untitled (2008)
Charted: 70 97
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This features Keri Hilson who also sang on Timbaland's "The Way I Are" and co-wrote Britney Spears' "Break The Ice."
  • Polow Da Don ("Love in This Club," "London Bridge," "Forever"), produced this track.
  • The album was originally going to be called "N--ger," but after some stores claimed they wouldn't carry an album with such a controversial title, Nas was forced to rechristen it. In this song the New York rapper proclaims himself a hero because of his ability to connect to his fans with his music. However he questions why he can't use the 'N' word to title his album, when many would use that word to describe him.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Women Who Rock

Women Who RockSong Writing

Evelyn McDonnell, editor of the book Women Who Rock, on why the Supremes are just as important as Bob Dylan.

Song Titles That Inspired Movies

Song Titles That Inspired MoviesSong Writing

Famous songs that lent their titles - and in some cases storylines - to movies.

Tony Banks of Genesis

Tony Banks of GenesisSongwriter Interviews

Genesis' key-man re-examines his solo career and the early days of music video.

Shawn Mullins

Shawn MullinsSongwriter Interviews

"Lullaby" singer Shawn Mullins on "Beautiful Wreck," beating the Devil, and his writing credit on the Zac Brown Band song "Toes."

Songs About Movies

Songs About MoviesSong Writing

Iron Maiden, Adele, Toto, Eminem and Earth, Wind & Fire are just some of the artists with songs directly inspired by movies - and not always good ones.

Yacht Rock!

Yacht Rock!Song Writing

A scholarly analysis of yacht rock favorites ("Steal Away," "Baker Street"...) with a member of the leading YR cover band.