Wikipedia

Street Dreams (song)

For the Hollywood Undead song, see American Tragedy (album).

"Street Dreams" is a 1996 single by American rapper Nas. The song was It Was Written's second single, following "If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)". "Street Dreams" contains an interpolation from the Eurythmics song "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" and a sample from Linda Clifford's "Never Gonna Stop". A remix, including an appearance by R. Kelly, was released shortly after the original. It featured samples from The Isley Brothers' "Choosey Lover" along with some elements from Marvin Gaye's "Mercy Mercy Me." The remix version was performed live on an episode of the Nickelodeon series All That in February 1997.

"Street Dreams"
Single by Nas
from the album It Was Written
B-side"Affirmative Action"
ReleasedOctober 22, 1996
Recorded1996
GenreMafioso rap[1]
Length4:39(Original)
4:27(Remix)
LabelColumbia
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Trackmasters
Nas singles chronology
"If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)"
(1996) 		"Street Dreams"
(1996) 		"Head over Heels"
(1997)
Music video
"Street Dreams" on YouTube

The song's big-budget video, directed by Hype Williams, was an allusion to the Martin Scorsese film Casino. It was filmed in Las Vegas around the time Tupac Shakur was murdered and featured a cameo appearance by Frank Vincent. Kenya Moore of The Real Housewives of Atlanta is also featured in the video.

The song was Nas's first to enter the top 50 on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching number 22. It was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America on January 8, 1997.[2]

Music video

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There is a music video for both the original and the remix featuring R. Kelly. The original music video was directed by Hype Williams and was filmed in September 1996. It was released in the fall of 1996.[3] The music video was released for the week ending on October 6, 1996. The video is an homage to Casino (film) and features Frank Vincent. The video contains an additional sample of Love Is Strange by Mickey & Sylvia, which can be heard at the beginning and at the end of the song.

Live performances

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Nas performed the song live at the American Music Awards of 1996 on January 27, 1997.

Single track listing

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A-Side

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  1. "Street Dreams" (Album Version) (4:08)
  2. "Street Dreams" (Bonus Verse) (4:08)
  3. "Street Dreams" (Instrumental) (4:08)

B-Side

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  1. "Affirmative Action" (Remix) (4:09)
  2. "Affirmative Action" (Album Version) (4:19)
    • Produced by Dave Atkinson
  3. "Affirmative Action" (Instrumental) (3:44)

Charts

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Chart (1996–97) Peak
position
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40 Tipparade)[4] 20
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[5] 39
Scotland (OCC)[6] 27
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[7] 50
UK Singles (OCC)[8] 12
UK Dance (OCC)[9] 6
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC)[10] 1
US Billboard Hot 100[11] 22
US Dance Singles Sales (Billboard)[12] 1
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[13] 18
US Hot Rap Songs (Billboard)[14] 1

Certifications

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Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[2] Gold 500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

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  1. ^ David Drake (2015-06-15). "The Homage: Mafia Culture's Influence on Rap Music". Complex Magazine. Retrieved 2019-07-26.
  2. ^ a b "American single certifications – Nas – Street Dreams". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved February 11, 2015.
  3. ^ NasVEVO (2011-03-27), Nas - Street Dreams, retrieved 2016-12-07
  4. ^ "Tipparade-lijst van week 52, 1996" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved March 18, 2023.
  5. ^ "Nas – Street Dreams". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved February 11, 2015.
  6. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 18, 2023.
  7. ^ "Nas – Street Dreams". Singles Top 100. Retrieved February 11, 2015.
  8. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 18, 2023.
  9. ^ "Official Dance Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 18, 2023.
  10. ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 18, 2023.
  11. ^ "Nas Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved February 11, 2015.
  12. ^ "Nas Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved March 18, 2023.
  13. ^ "Nas Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved February 11, 2015.
  14. ^ "Nas Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved February 11, 2015.
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