Life's a Bitch (song)


"Life's a Bitch" is the third single from Nas' debut album Illmatic. It was released as a 12" single on April 19, 1994 by Columbia Records. It features rapping from AZ and cornet playing by Nas' father Olu Dara.
It is produced by L.E.S., who samples "Yearning for Your Love" by The Gap Band and "Black Frost" by Grover Washington, Jr. for the songs down-tempo jazzy beat. AZ's verse was the first recorded verse of his rap career and gave him much positive attention. Because of his verse on "Life's a Bitch", his debut album was anticipated much like how Nas' verse on "Live at the BBQ" raised expectations for Illmatic. "Life's a Bitch" was the first of several Nas/AZ collaborations such as "Mo Money, Mo Murder", "The Essence" and "The Flyest". The song was sampled numerous times in modern times, examples include "Keep It Real" by Miilkbone, Carry On" by Statik Selektah featuring Joey Badass and Freddie Gibbs, "Ugly" by Suicideboys, and "YSIV" by Logic, among many others.

Music

Olu Dara's cornet work was the first on-wax collaboration with his son. "Jungle Jay" and "Dance" eventually followed, as did the 2004 single "Bridging the Gap". According to Nas:

Lyricism

This single is seen as a classic by many fans because of its laid-back and jazzy beat and complex lyricism. AZ's verse is highly dense and discusses his intentions to "carry on tradition" of those who paved the way for him, how society is governed by the wealthy, and the close relationship between money and power. Nas's verse discusses how he is happy to be alive at 20 years old, his rough childhood, consisting of "robbing foreigners" of their green cards, and selling crack. However, the tone of his words suggest that he is reflecting rather than glorifying his deeds, and now has a more positive outlook on life. In the years since the release of Illmatic, listeners still debate which verse is better. Although many seem to agree that AZ's verse was more lyrically complex, they simultaneously laud Nas's verse as one of his best, not only on Illmatic but throughout his whole career.

Thematic continuation

The song's title and concept was later mentioned in Nas' verse on the collaboration track "Affirmative Action" off his 1996 album It Was Written in which Nas raps "Life's a bitch but god-forbid the bitch divorce me". This track also featured AZ along with fellow Queensbridge rapper Cormega, Park Slope and Brooklyn rapper Foxy Brown.

In popular culture

In the 2009 film Fish Tank by Andrea Arnold, the song is played in one of the final scenes, bringing thematic closure to the narrative. It is also played as the closing credits roll.
The song is quoted in the final scene of the Netflix series Bojack Horseman.

Track listing

A-side

  1. "Life's a Bitch "
  2. "Life's a Bitch "
  3. "Life's a Bitch "

    B-side

  4. "Life's a Bitch "
  5. "Life's a Bitch "
  6. "Life's a Bitch "