"If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)" is a song by American rapper
Nas featuring American singer and rapper
Lauryn Hill. It was released as the lead single from Nas' second studio album It Was Written on June 4, 1996, by
Columbia Records.[1] 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.
In an retrospective review, Daryl McIntosh of 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."[6] Daisy & Havoc from Music Week's RM Dance Update rated it five out of five, commenting, "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."[7] David Fricke from Rolling Stone wrote that "New Yorker Nas beat
hip-hop's sophomore jinx with the jaunty step and dead-sexy female chorus of "If I Ruled the World", this summer's cruisin' smash." He added, "To suggest that the world would be a better place if
cocaine came uncut [...] hardly qualifies as social enlightenment."[8]
Music video
The accompanying
music video for "If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)" was directed by American director
Hype Williams and designed by visual artist and designer
Ron Norsworthy. It was released for the week ending on June 16, 1996.
* Sales figures based on certification alone. ^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. ‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.