In April, nearly three decades after its release, Nas’ iconic debut album, Illmatic (1994), received a distinguished honor from New York Senator Jamaal T. Bailey. Featuring ten timeless tracks, Illmatic stands as a cornerstone in Hip Hop history.
Senator Bailey, reflecting on Nas’ achievement at just 20 years old, remarked during a State Senate meeting, “What were you doing when you were 20 years old? Many of us were in college, finding ourselves. Nasir Jones, poetically known as Nas, was making the greatest Hip Hop album of all time, Illmatic.”
Describing the album as “the soundtrack” of his youth, Bailey added, “Nas has been a Hip Hop griot — the rapid response system for the streets, for lack of a better term. And if you have a top five without Nas in it, you shouldn’t listen to rap music.”
Illmatic, boasting classic hits like “N.Y. State of Mind,” “Memory Lane (Sittin’ in da Park),” and “Represent,” achieved platinum status by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 2001. It features production work by Hip Hop legends such as DJ Premier, Large Professor, Q-Tip, and Pete Rock.
Now, Nas is set to commemorate this monumental album with a spectacular concert series in Las Vegas. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic celebration!
Mark your calendars and get ready to experience the magic of Illmatic live! Buy tickets here.
