Nas's “N.Y. State of Mind” is one of the most defining songs in hip-hop history, released in 1994 as part of his debut album “Illmatic”. The track was produced by DJ Premier, known for his signature boom-bap drums and intricate sample layering, combining elements from jazz musician Joe Chambers' “Mind Rain” and Donald Byrd's “Flight Time.” The song famously opens with Nas saying, “I don't know how to start this,” a spontaneous remark that captured the authenticity of the session. DJ Premier has