Considered by many as the greatest rap album of all time, Illmatic, Nas' critically acclaimed debut album released in 1994, is seen as the game changer of hip-hop. With the 20th anniversary of its release approaching, it is time to look back and appreciate what this album has done for hip-hop. The nine track record takes the listener through drug violence filled life of Queens, NY without sugarcoating a single detail. Nas was able to mix street life with deep lyricism in a way that had listeners mesmerized and influenced rappers (most likely your favorite rapper) to this day.
Nas’ album was groundbreaking in that it started the movement of using multiple producers on a single record. Before Nas, albums with multiple producers on it were unheard of as most rappers used a single producer, or a small team that all worked together, instead on them working separately. Illmatic had a total of five different producers involved in its production, including, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, Large Professor, and LES. Not only were there many producers involved in the project, but they popularized the sound of “organic blues rap for the modern era”. Both of these innovations, the multiple producers and blues sound have been used by rap artists ever since, including Kendrick Lamar and Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City.
Nas was also one of the first to drop real world criminals into his rap lyrics. With songs like “Memory Lane” and “The World Is Yours”, Nas brought references of those such as Alpo and Pappy Mason into his songs as punchlines. This began to be a movement throughout the hip-hop industry after Illmatic’s release. This is one of the most seen influences in today’s music. Rick Ross has made a career off of this Nas influence, as his stage name is named after drug kingpin "Freeway" Ricky Ross. In one of Ross' biggest singles, “B.M.F. (Blowing Money Fast)”, a tribute to the Black Mafia Family. In the song, he makes references to notorious criminals throughout the song.
Not only did Nas influence some of today’s hottest rappers, but also legend Jay-Z. If you’ve followed Jay’s career since the very beginning, then you know Nas’ Illmatic had a huge impact on his rapping style and career. Before the release of Nas’ album, Jay-Z’s flow is something that is completely opposite to that we are used to. His rapping flow and pace noticably faster in his features and freestyle before Illmatic, when after, it is slower and smoother, which is heard throughout his career; a tone similar to Nas. Jay-z also used DJ Premier's producing skills on his debut album Reasonable Doubt that was released two years after Illmatic.
Here is an example of Jay-Z flow before Illmatic in 1990. His verse starts at about 1:30
At age 20, Nas changed the rap game forever and solidified his position among hip-hop's all time elite with this album. In many's opinion, including mine, he is the GOAT.
Here's Illmatic's full album. Take a listen.
1. The Genesis
2. N.Y. State Of Mind
3. Life's A Bitch
4. The World Is Yours
5. Halftime
6. Memory Lane (Sittin' In Da Park)
7. One Love
8. One Time 4 Your Mind
9. Represent
10 It Ain't Hard To Tell
Sources:
http://www.complex.com/music/2013/04/10-ways-nas-illmatic-changed-hip-hop/
http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2011/10/name-a-rapper-nas-aint-influenced/
I don't know how he did it but Nas has changed the game of rap/hip-hop. I see him as one of the game changers and a god father of rap. His style means a lot of other artist in the game. I think its something about his lyrics. Anyone can be a rapper, but Nas is a true artist!!!!!! I am excited for the 20 anniversary of Illmatic and I can't wait for what the celebration has in store. I will always look up to Nas for what he has done for the hip-hop culture.
ReplyDeleteYeah I always knew Nas was raw, and always thought about him as a very respectable rapper. Ever since i heard his verse on "Letter to the King" by the Game, i began to like him more and more. And it seems like i keep finding out more history about him as time goes on.
ReplyDeleteNas is definelty one of the greatest rappers in the game. He has proven this time and time again and this is displayed in his Illmatic. I believe that your blog was very accurate in describing the album and all of the contents that contained.
ReplyDeleteNas certainly is one of the most famous rappers of all time, as well as his album Illmatic being one of the biggest rap albums of all time. I myself am not a huge Nas fan, but I he definitely deserves credit for what he did in the 90's for the rap game, as well as today as he continues to perform.
ReplyDeleteGood post Ms.Grate. I really liked the album. I haven't listened to it all the way to the end in a while and it was definitely worth it. I feel like his flow is very unique and he set the standards for rap at an even higher bar after this piece.
ReplyDeleteI really liked this post, like many I also think that this is one of the best hip-hop albums of all time. I also liked the video that showed how Nas influenced Jay-z. I think that the fact that Nas influenced the man who many consider the best in hip-hop today (Jay-z) says it all. Nas is one of the greats.
ReplyDeleteBefore today I didn't really listen to Nas music and honestly after this assignment I probably I want listen to him again. I like what Nas raps about however I'm not a huge fan of political rap so much but I feel he deserves respect for initiating certain movements in the 90's. The album is lyrically A1 but theres no variability in the sound which loses my interest.
ReplyDeleteI'd always known Nas had a huge influence on the game in general, and I had heard of the hype associated with the album but had never really listened to any song on it consistently besides "One Time 4 Your Mind" (which is an amazing song) but now I'm three tracks in and the hype is deserved damn. Also what is GOAT I do not understand.
ReplyDeleteI did not know about Nas before reading this post. I think that it is awesome how he changed the way rap music was made and perceived through his album. Every genre has the person who changes the game for everyone else and I guess Nas was that person for the hip hop genre.
ReplyDeletePrior to this class, I would never consider "Illmatic" to be the best album in Hip-Hop. However, after reading this post and listening to some of his songs, its clear why it deserves the title. I liked how you mentioned that many artists today use techniques that originated off of his album. I didn't realize that no one used more than one producers on an album. I also liked the comment that Julio posted about Naz influencing Jay-Z, who is now considered the be the biggest hip-hop artist today. Its important to recognize the "godfathers" of Rap and to pay homage to a great album and artist.
ReplyDelete