If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)
"If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)" is a single by American rapper Nas featuring fellow American rapper Lauryn Hill, released on June 4, 1996. Produced by Trackmasters, with some uncredited input by Rashad Smith, it is based on the 1985 hit of the same name by American rapper Kurtis Blow and samples the beat of "Friends" by Whodini. Lauryn Hill's verse interpolates the song "Walk Right Up To The Sun" by The Delfonics. The single marked Hill's first musical appearance outside of the Fugees. "If I Ruled the World", bolstered  by a high-budget music video directed by Hype Williams and designed by visual artist and designer Ron Norsworthy, became Nas's first single to gain mainstream notice. The single reached number 53 on the "Billboard" Hot 100 chart, while also peaking in the top 20 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, and on the Hot Rap Tracks chart. The song was nominated for a 1997 Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance. It is considered to be one of the greatest rap songs of all time by many publications. In June 2021, the song was certified  Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, becoming Nas' first single to achieve this. Critical reception. Daryl McIntosh from Albumism noted "If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)" as "an example of the album's ambition", complimenting it for having "one of the most memorable choruses of the era." Daisy & Havoc from "Music Week"'s "RM" Dance Update rated it five out of five, adding, "This one should do well right now for a handful of reasons — it features Lauryn Hill from Fugees, it's not dissimilar to Fugees and, most importantly of all, it's a really appealing  track with an addictive chorus, some great vocals and a laid-back but still serious rap. Just hope it doesn't get forgotten in the rush." Music video. The music video was released for the week ending on June 16, 1996.