What can I say about 1994's "Illmatic" that could add anything to its legacy and importance; not much. A true classic album of Hip hop and an album that everyone that remotely enjoys the genre must listen to . Let's look at this quintessential masterpiece of Hip hop and understand why it has such an important legacy today.
Illmatic provided the first blow against the West Coast "Gangsta" Rap movement that had dominated the airwaves since 1988's "Straight Outta Compton" by seminal West Coast group N.W.A. After Illmatic little would remain the same in the world of Hip hop; and the West Coast began a decline that would result in the implosion of Death Row Records and the rise of Jay-Z, Biggie and the Bad Boy crew, and the entire "Mafioso Rap" sub genre that would dominate the late 1990s. Let's examine Illmatic in depth and see why this album is such a classic...,
First up is "The Genesis", the song introduces us to Nas and what he does. The gritty samples and dialogue introduced a normal day in the life of Nas during the days leading up to Illmatic; sipping Hennessey and hustling all amid what appears to be a Kung Fu movie sample that would not sound out of place on 1993's seminal Hip hop masterpiece; Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). On to the "meat of the album". "Ny State Of Mind" provides a glimpse of Nas' life at that time. DJ Premier provides production; and the grainy piano samples drive the song over a steady beat. The song reveals the hard reality for those living in the "Queensbridge" housing projects where Nas hails from. Nas' tales of violence, rock slinging, and murder provided the East Coast equivalent of the increasing "hardcore" nature of Hip hop at this time. Classic and probably the strongest song on the album.The nihilistic "Life's A Bitch" provides a much more updated sound via famed Sugar Hill producer L.E.S. The song relies on a deep bass sample with panning effects, modern(then) R & B drums, and a slightly deflated and sombre saxophone. The song features a verse by underrated rapper and Nas collaborator "AZ". His fury and intensity almost outshines Nas on this song; and is a true highlight of the album. The song shows the fragility of life for those in New York's projects; and this theme permeates much of the album.
The album rolls on like the "7" train. "The World Is Yours" really shows off both Nas' intelligence and his ability to act as a philosopher. Legendary producer "Pete Rock" provides a sick beat with sampled vintage Jazz piano, amazing scratches, and top-notch Akai "MPC" sequencing of drum samples. The song definitely has a positive message; and is shows Nas's ability to inspire and philosophize about the grand meaning of life. "Halftime" does exactly what the title says; it relaxes the listener with a bass-groove driven "Large Professor" beat atop Nas boasting about a variety of subjects including fashion, weed, lyrical skill, amid a number of other topics. The album goes vintage with "Memory Lane", with Nas giving us a recap of his life and hustles so far over a nice sentimental Premier beat with sampled vintage R & B vocals and Jazz organ.
"One Love" continues the theme of Jazz exploration that is all over Illmatic. The "Q-Tip" produced track sounds almost like a leftover "A Tribe Called Quest" track circa "Midnight Marauders". Nas' flow is strong, and his appeals to his incarcerated friends is truly touching. The song is considered a classic of Hip hop, but I have never really understood the acclaim and status that it receives. "One Time 4 Your Mind" is a lazy stoner joint, and it shows Nas during his "off days"; chilling and relaxing and in a self-reflective mood. The song shows that Nas is really comfortable at any tempo; and his flow has a elasticity that few can match. The song really "takes the edge off" especially considering that most of the album is extremely dark and intense. "Represent" shows the violent and hedonistic side of Nas; on the corner strapped, guzzling Hennessey, banging bad bitches, mobbing, and generally causing havoc on NYC. The simple but effective Premier beat was a highlight of the production side of the album; the metallic and almost chime like sampled instrument provides a drama and coldness that few songs in hip hop have matched. The album closes with "It Ain't Hard To Tell", which famously uses samples of Michael Jackson's "Human Nature in combination with a nice sampled MPC beat. The song is good, and closes the album nicely.
"Illmatic", along with "Ready to Die", redefined Hip hop in the 1990s. The album is quite simply the greatest Hip hop album of all time; and in my opinion has yet to be matched.If you have not heard this album and you have any interest in Hip hop, you owe it to yourself to "cop" this joint right now, no excuses. Life may be a bitch and then you die, but it is certainly more enjoyable with music like "Illmatic".
Rating-10/10
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