Illmatic at 30: how Nas invented epistolary rap – and changed the
hyper-masculine world of hip hop forever
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Today in Hip Hop History: Nas’ Iconic ‘Illmatic’ Album Turns 30 Years Old!
30 years ago today, Nas dropped his debut LP, ‘Illmatic.’ Released by Columbia Records in 94′ Nas recorded the album at Chung King Studios, D&D Recording, Battery Studios, and Unique Recording Studios in New York City. Produced by DJ Premier, Large Professor, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, L.E.S., and Nas himself, the bangers on the album will […] The post Today in Hip Hop History: Nas’ Iconic ‘Illmatic’ Album Turns 30 Years Old! first appeared on The Source.
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Nas’ 'Illmatic' Was the Beginning of the End of the Album
Music consumption and discussion in 2024 bears little resemblance to fandom from one decade ago, let alone three or four. Old songs gain new life on TikTok; AI creates original music trained on data from the world’s most popular artists; drill rappers post a song on YouTube on Tuesday, and by Friday it’s thumping in the dormitories of elite colleges. Many have considered how this digital ecosystem influences the buying and selling of music. But a related question has mostly escaped inquiry: How...
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Nas Marks 30th Anniversary of Illmatic with New Collaboration with DJ Premier “Define My Name”
Grammy-award-winning artist Nas commemorates the 30th anniversary of his groundbreaking debut album, Illmatic, with the release of his latest single, “Define My Name.” Produced by DJ Premier, who also worked on several tracks from the iconic Illmatic album, including “N.Y. State Of Mind” and “Memory Lane” (sittin’ in da park), the new single serves as […] The post Nas Marks 30th Anniversary of Illmatic with New Collaboration with DJ Premier “Define My Name” first appeared on The Source.