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Illmatic 25th Anniversary
It’s hard to believe its 25 years, a quarter of a decade that has past since a young 21 year old rapper, who at this time was barely know to the world of hip hop, named Nasty Nas dropped his debut album ILLMATIC which gave birth to the hip hop artist now know worldwide has Nas.
Even looking back now and listening to ILLMATIC today it’s hard to comprehend this 21 year old rap artist, who had made a few guest appearances on other more know rappers at the time records, was going to make such an historic impact on the world of hip hop with his very first album. Not only is the young Nas technically on point with his delivery, but he displays a conscious level and wisdom that of an older head.
The year 1994 is known to many hip hop fans has a golden era with several all-time great hip hop albums dropping including, Ready to Die by the Notorious B.I.G in the same year. This obviously meant the bar was raised sky high in a period where you had a number of real hip hop legends at the peak of their powers. Then comes this young guy, nearly out of now where, exploding on the scene with this mind blowing album that remains a classic 25 years on.
In terms of content Nas delivers raps of solid subject matter from the first track after the intro, New York state of mind, to the very last track ‘ It ain’t hard to tell’ which was on heavy MTV Rap rotation at the time. Skillfully the young Nas spits a full range of subjects from, the streets of New York, Life, and proves to be a master with a pen with the song ‘One Love’ a rap of a letter Nas writes to a friend in incarceration.
When it comes to production ILLMATIC doesn’t fail to deliver with hip hop icons such has Pete Rock and DJ Premier on the credits. In my humble opinion ILLMATIC is an album that symbolizes that real East Coast hip hop sound bringing the streets of New York to you through your speakers.
So, 25 years on we celebrate a classic album from a young hip hop artist who went on to be the legend many predicted after hearing his debut album. Some may argue Nas never managed to better his very first album, but he could argue how do you top one of the best hip hop albums ever. And I would have to agree.
Nas we salute you!
By DJ Sherlock Omz