Written by @Bryce
Intro
30 years ago Nasir Jones, at only 20 years old, dropped what some consider to be the “hip-hop bible” with his debut “Illmatic“. Today this classic is widely regarded as one of the greatest, and most influential pieces of all time. Nas would spend time writing his cinematic lyrics from the window of his Queensbridge projects apartment. Those lyrics have made waves, inspiring the likes of Jay-Z and Eminem, and more recent artists like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole. The waves can even still be seen today, inspiring people across the world to pick up the pen and write. I remember the first time I listened to it and I genuinely do not think I’ve been the same since. Illmatic is a project that can open your eyes to what hip-hop can be.
Beyond its impact on music, Illmatic transcends generations, offering a poignant glimpse into the realities of inner-city life, the pursuit of dreams amidst adversity, and the power of artistic expression as a means of social commentary and personal catharsis. Its legacy extends far beyond the realm of music, shaping cultural discourse and inspiring social change, making it not just an album, but a cultural phenomenon that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
The sound of Illmatic
Illmatic is a raw, sometimes gritty, and authentic album. Nas and the work of his producers manage to capture and paint a picture of the streets of NYC in a way many albums have struggled and failed to do. The beats are known to be very sample heavy incorporating jazz, funk, and soul samples. These are very characteristic of the East Coast Hip-hop sound at the time, leading to a very boom-bap sound with the drum samples and ways the samples were flipped. The beats are magnificent in their own right and complement Nas’ storytelling perfectly.
The project features 5 different primary producers, Large Professor, Q-Tip, Pete Rock, DJ Premier, and L.E.S. These 5 producers created beats that all permeated the sound of the album, but each individual track still carried the unique flair that the producer at work was known for. The ability they showed to remain cohesive, yet still very unique, is astonishing. There are absolutely iconic Preemo cuts like “N.Y. State of Mind” leading directly into “Life’s a Bitch” produced by L.E.S. Two of arguably, the best hip hop tracks of all time, by two different producers with pretty different production styles.
DJ Premier is known for his very stylized sampling methods. They’re often heavily chopped and feature pretty hard-hitting drums. And of course, you can’t forget his scratching techniques. It’s his signature flair, adding extra texture and rhythm to his beats. It almost feels like you’re listening to him playing his turntables right in front of your eyes, it is perhaps one of the most iconic sounds ever. L.E.S. however is a different story. L.E.S has a much warmer and smoother production style compared to some of the other producers on Illmatic. He’s known for incorporating soulful samples and lush melodies, which is heard on “Life’s a Bitch“. The track, being a bit of a standout amongst the other tracks on the album, has since become a fan favorite. While not as widely recognized as some of his peers, this track’s success has made Leshan Lewis an undeniable influence on Hip-Hop.
This is potentially the biggest tonal change in the album, but it’s handled flawlessly. It doesn’t feel too jarring, abrupt, or out of place. It just makes perfect sense. I couldn’t imagine the album going any other way, and I definitely couldn’t imagine Illmatic without it. After these two tracks, we have many others, like “The World is Yours” produced by Pete Rock, “One Love” produced by Q-Tip, or “Halftime” produced by Large Professor, among others. All of these tracks are constantly being tossed between the 5 producers with 5 different styles coming together in one magnificent 10 track album. In a way that I find to be pretty baffling it remains completely cohesive, showing amazing talent from the producer’s and Nas’ ability to lead this project. Every beat acts as a great place for Nas to demonstrate his ability and tell his story.
Nas’ Lyricism
A personal favorite track of mine is “Memory Lane (Sittin’ in Da Park)“. It’s a pivotal track featuring some of Nas’ best on the album. In doing some commentary with Spotify Landmark, Nas once said “Memory Lane is just how I saw the world growing up, and I miss it.”
“Memory Lane (Sittin’ In Da Park)” is a track about Nas’ experience growing up much faster than he should have. Nas dropped out of school in the 8th grade after his parents divorced. There is plenty of speculation as to why he decided to drop out. There’s speculation that it was to focus more on his music study, African culture, and New York’s five percent nation, while some others say it was a lady friend who convinced him to drop out so they could spend some more time together. Regardless of the reason, it had led to the streets having a much stronger influence on his upbringing. He reflects on the challenges he faced growing up, including encounters with drugs and violence and even witnessing his friend getting shot over a sheepskin coat. In just the first verse, Nas highlights the realities of street life in New York. He emphasizes the importance of peace amidst the chaos.
In the second verse, Nas continues diving into the gritty realities of street life, confronting themes of materialism, violence, and resilience. He paints a vivid picture of his surroundings, where shootouts and drug overdoses are commonplace, he even witnessed the murder of his good friend Ill Will happen right outside the apartment he was staying in. Survival can often hinge on violence. Nas grapples with the authenticity of his craft amidst the allure of fame and fortune in the rap industry. Despite the darkness of his surroundings, he finds solace in his creative process, using his music to empower and uplift. Through religious imagery and introspective lyricism, Nas navigates the complexities of his upbringing, asserting his resilience and commitment to authenticity as he seeks to convey messages of truth and peace.
“Memory Lane (Sittin’ In Da Park)” is a standout track on Illmatic, offering deep insights into Nas’ upbringing in Queensbridge. While Nas has crafted many exceptional lyrical tracks, this song holds a special place as a pivotal moment on the album, showcasing his ability to convey truth and peace amidst the chaos of street life.
Outro
In an interview with Zane Lowe commemorating the 20th anniversary of Illmatic, Nas stated that “New York wrote this album,” emphasizing the profound influence of his city’s streets, culture, and experiences on his seminal work. Each track serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity born from the concrete jungles of Queensbridge and the broader landscape of New York City. From the raw lyricism of “N.Y. State of Mind” to the introspective reflections of “Memory Lane (Sittin’ in Da Park),” Nas captures the essence of urban life with unflinching honesty and poetic flair.
As listeners embark on a journey through the vivid landscapes of Illmatic, they are transported to the heart of Queensbridge and beyond, bearing witness to the struggles, triumphs, and aspirations of its inhabitants. Through Nas’s lyrical prowess and storytelling, the album becomes a timeless ode to the resilience and enduring spirit of New York City, resonating with audiences far beyond its release. Illmatic stands as a cultural cornerstone, not only for hip-hop but also as a vivid portrait of urban America, immortalizing the ethos and legacy of one of the world’s most iconic cities.
To Illmatic’s 30th anniversary, why not give it a listen?
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