If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)

Critical reception

In a 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." 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." 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."

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. The video features cameos from Mobb Deep, AZ, Cormega and the Fugees.

Live performances

Nas and Lauryn Hill performed the song live at the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards on September 4, 1996. He performed the song live at the American Music Awards of 1997 on January 27, 1997.

Track listings

• US 12-inch vinyl :A1. "If I Ruled the World" (Main Mix) (4:42) :A2. "If I Ruled the World" (Instrumental) (4:34) :B1. "If I Ruled the World" (Clean Mix) (4:42) :B2. "If I Ruled the World" (A Cappella) (4:42)

• Europe maxi-CD (COL 663296 2)

1. "If I Ruled the World (Imagine That) (Main Mix)" (4:45)
2. "If I Ruled the World (Imagine That) (Instrumental)" (4:36)
3. "If I Ruled the World (Imagine That) (Clean Mix)" (4:45)
4. "If I Ruled the World (Imagine That) (A Cappella)" (4:42)

• Europe CD (COL 663296 1)

1. "If I Ruled the World (Imagine That) (Main Mix)"
2. "If I Ruled the World (Imagine That) (Instrumental)"

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Certifications

Release history

References

References

1. "If I Ruled the World - Nas {{!}} Credits".
2. (June 23, 2017). "The Most Perfect Rap Song Ever Written: If I Ruled The World".
3. "The greatest hip-hop songs of all time – who voted".
4. "Gold & Platinum". RIAA.
5. (October 18, 2022). "MC Serch Reveals He's Selling His Share Of Nas' Music Catalog, Including The Artist's Debut Album".
6. McIntosh, Daryl. (June 27, 2021). "Nas' 'It Was Written' Turns 25 — Anniversary Retrospective".
7. Daisy & Havoc. (June 22, 1996). "Hot Vinyl".
8. Fricke, David (December 26, 1996-January 9, 1997). "The year in recordings". ''[[Rolling Stone]]''. Issue 750/751.
9. "The ARIA Australian Top 100 Singles Chart – Week Ending 22 Sep 1996". [[Australian Recording Industry Association.
10. (November 16, 1996). "Hits of the World".
11. (September 20, 1996). "Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (NR. 188 Vikuna 21.9. – 27.9. '96)". [[Dagblaðið Vísir]].
12. "Rapports annuels 1996". Ultratop.
13. "Tops de L'année {{!}} Top Singles 1996". [[SNEP]].
14. "Top 100 Single–Jahrescharts 1996". [[GfK Entertainment]].
15. (January 2, 1997). "Árslistinn 1996". Dagblaðið Vísir.
16. "Top 100–Jaaroverzicht van 1996". Dutch Top 40.
17. "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1996".
18. "End of Year Charts 1996". Recorded Music NZ.
19. "Årslista Singlar, 1996". Sverigetopplistan.
20. "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 1996".
21. (December 28, 1996). "The Year in Music: Hot R&B Singles".
22. (December 28, 1996). "The Year in Music: Hot Dance Music Maxi-Singles Sales".
23. (June 7, 1996). "Selected New Releases".
24. (August 3, 1996). "New Releases: Singles".