Illmatic, the 1994 studio debut of Nasir "Nas" Jones, was more than just a critical success for the Queensbridge-based rapper. At a time when East Coast hip-hop was increasingly being taken less seriously than their West Coast counterparts, Illmatic's raw jazz and soul-based production, dire atmosphere and lyrics, coupled with Nas' uncompromising flow was integral in restoring interest in the East Coast as a hotbed of hip-hop artistry. Along with key releases from Wu-Tang Clan and Notorious B.I.G.,it shifted attention away from the funky, dayglo synth-based G-funk coming out of California and back to the grimy streets of New York. After such an unprecedented debut record, expectations were understandably high for Nas' follow-up. What came next threw critics and fans for a loop, but was no less influential than Illmatic, and would become the most commercially successful album in the entirety of Nas' discography.

Tracklist

Album Intro
The Message
Street Dreams
I Gave Your Power
Watch Dem Niggas
Take It In Blood
The Set Up
Silent Murder (Bonus Track)
Black Girl Lost
Suspect
Shootouts
Nas Is Coming
Affirmative Action feat The Firm(AZ, Cormega, Foxy Brown)
Live Nigga Rap feat Mobb Deep
If I Ruled The World (Imagine That) feat Lauryn Hill

Get On Down Records