The 17-Year-Old Legend: How Nas's Illmatic Changed Hip-Hop Forever
In the world of football, Lamine Yamal is a generational talent. He makes it feel like time stands still, reminiscent of the magic of Messi and Ronaldinho. At just 17, he’s already a champion for both club and country. He’s a force of skill and creativity, a stark contrast to the athletic and predictable styles of players like Mbappé and Haaland.
But what if I told you that rap music also had its own Lamine Yamal, a prodigy who, at the age of 17, created a single project that changed the entire genre? I’m talking about Nasir Jones, better known as Nas, and his debut album, Illmatic, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest rap albums of all time.
Nas: The Making of a Hip-Hop Legend
Nasir Jones was born on September 14, 1973, in the legendary Queens, New York. He grew up in a musical family; his father was a talented jazz musician. Nas was raised in Queensbridge Houses, America’s largest public housing project. The area was known for its high rates of poverty, unemployment, and crime. Most residents were Black or of Latin American descent. Although Nas himself was not a criminal, he was shaped by this environment.
To provide for her family, his mother worked two jobs. His father, a gifted musician, struggled to make a living from his art and joined the Navy, which allowed him to travel the world. His stories and experiences enriched Nas and his younger brother, Jungle, giving them a broader perspective than many of their peers.
Nas was an intelligent and precocious child. He often gravitated toward older kids and displayed a fascination with music from a young age. At 4, he would play his father’s trumpet, but his father stopped him, fearing it would be too physically strenuous. However, his passion for music never faded.
At the age of 7, Nas discovered hip-hop and began writing his own verses. By 9, he recorded his first demo at his friend Ill Will’s apartment. Ill Will, a DJ, and Nas turned the apartment into their first makeshift studio. It was here that Ill Will introduced him to the rapper MC Shan and his track, “The Bridge,” a song that would become a cornerstone of hip-hop history and a major influence on Nas.
“N.Y. State of Mind” stands as Illmatic’s most iconic track, a fixture on greatest-of-all-time lists including Rolling Stone’s prestigious “100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs.”
New York: The Bridge Wars and Nas's Rise
Hip-hop originated in the Bronx in the late 1970s, but in the ’80s, a fierce rivalry emerged as other boroughs, including Queens, laid claim to the genre’s birthplace. This conflict, known as the Bridge Wars, was sparked by MC Shan’s track “The Bridge.” In a legendary battle of diss tracks, Bronx rapper KRS-One responded with “The Bridge Is Over,” a song so devastating it effectively ended the feud and left Queens’ reputation in tatters.
The Bridge Wars had a profound impact on Nas. The defeat of his favorite rapper and his neighborhood fueled his desire to become a great MC. His love for rap deepened, and he decided to pursue it seriously after hearing Rakim’s “Eric B. Is President.”
Rakim revolutionized rap by introducing the concept of “flow.” A trained saxophonist, he used his voice as an instrument, rapping with a calm, smooth delivery over the beat rather than just reciting rhymes. He pioneered multisyllabic rhymes and delved into complex, spiritual topics no one else was touching. Rakim became Nas’s mentor, teaching him how to write and flow.
Nas, who had been a good student, lost interest in school after his parents’ separation. The emotional toll led to his expulsion from college. With no job and no money, Nas saw rap as his only way out of poverty and a path to support his mother and brother.
Producers' Support: The Journey to Illmatic
Nas began performing for producers and other rappers in his neighborhood. He quickly caught the attention of producer Large Professor, who featured him on the track “Live at the Barbecue” with his group Main Source. The public got its first taste of Nas, then known as Wave Kid. His single verse on the track was so captivating that it made all of New York take notice, and record labels began to show interest.
Just as a glimmer of hope appeared, tragedy struck. His close friend Ill Will was killed. The loss plunged Nas into a deep depression. He isolated himself, using his pain and anger to fuel his writing. During this time, he carried a notebook he called the “Book of Rhymes,” filling it with verses.
Determined to honor his friend, Nas turned to Large Professor, who introduced him to MC Serch, a member of the group 3rd Bass. Impressed by Nas’s talent, MC Serch became his manager and helped him secure a deal with Columbia Records. At the end of 1992, Nas signed his contract, changed his name from Wave Kid to Nasty Nas, and began working on his masterpiece.
For a deep dive into the story behind Nas’s masterpiece, you should watch “Time Is Illmatic,” a feature-length documentary released in 2014. It explores the album’s creation and its profound cultural impact.
Illmatic: The Album That Changed the Rap Game
In October 1992, Nas’s first solo track, “Halftime,” was featured on the soundtrack for the film Zebrahead. Produced by Large Professor, the song was an egotrip that showcased Nas’s lyrical prowess and unique flow. He later added it to the Illmatic tracklist.
He later appeared on MC Serch’s album on the track “Back to the Grill,” where his verse stole the show. His unconventional and thought-provoking lyrics solidified his reputation as a master lyricist.
Nas dedicated all of 1993 to creating Illmatic. He assembled a supergroup of legendary producers: DJ Premier, Q-Tip, Pete Rock, and Large Professor. Each producer contributed a unique instrumental, creating a cohesive yet diverse sound. The album was originally titled Supreme Ill as a tribute to Ill Will, but after another friend, Illmatic Ice, was sentenced to life in prison, he named it Illmatic in honor of both.
Track-by-Track Breakdown
The album opens with the sound of a subway, followed by a dialogue from the film Wild Style. This intro, combined with a conversation between Nas and his brother, sets the tone for a journey into the heart of Queensbridge.
- “New York State of Mind”: A track that changed the perception of New York in music. While earlier artists like Frank Sinatra and Billy Joel romanticized the city, Nas painted a raw, unfiltered picture of a city rife with crime and poverty. His vivid storytelling made listeners feel the grittiness of Queensbridge.
- “Life’s a Bitch”: This track features the only guest verse on the album by rapper AZ. It’s considered one of the greatest guest verses in history and influenced many rappers, including Eminem. The song, produced by E.L.S., reflects on the harsh realities of their upbringing. It also features a trumpet solo by Nas’s father, adding a personal and nostalgic touch.
- “The World Is Yours”: Produced by Pete Rock, this spiritual track offers a glimmer of hope. It’s an anthem about taking control of your destiny and not waiting for opportunities to come to you.
- “Halftime”: A track that reaffirms Nas’s extraordinary talent, flow, and lyrical ability.
- “Memory Lane”: A nostalgic trip back to Nas’s childhood. The laid-back beat by DJ Premier provides the perfect backdrop for his reflective storytelling.
- “One Love”: A special track where Nas writes to his friends in prison. The three verses offer messages of hope and perseverance. The beat was made by Q-Tip, who also sang the chorus.
- “One Time 4 Your Mind”: A smooth, mellow track produced by Large Professor. Despite being considered a minor track by some, its clean bassline and Nas’s excellent flow make it a standout.
- “Represent”: Another track produced by DJ Premier. Its minimalist beat allows Nas to vividly describe his neighborhood and street life in a way that had never been heard before.
- “It Ain’t Hard to Tell”: The album’s final track and a true masterpiece. Produced by Large Professor, it samples Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature.” Nas showcases his technical and lyrical skills, delivering a perfect ending to the album.
Q-Tip and DJ Premier recall the recording sessions for a young Queensbridge rapper named Nas that would become apart of the MC’s iconic debut album, Illmatic. | By Red Bull Music Academy
The Legacy of Illmatic: One Album Revived a City
Commercially, Illmatic was a slow burn. It sold only 60,000 copies in its first week and peaked at #12 on the Billboard charts. It didn’t reach Gold status until two years later and wasn’t certified Platinum until 2001. However, its cultural impact was immediate and long-lasting.
Revived New York Hip-Hop: Illmatic single-handedly brought prestige back to New York hip-hop, which had been overshadowed by the West Coast’s Gangsta Rap and G-Funk movement. It specifically restored respect to Queens, which had lost the Bridge Wars.
Inspired a Generation of Rappers: The album set a new standard for lyricism and storytelling. It inspired a new wave of artists from Queens, such as Mobb Deep, and influenced countless others across the country, including Eminem, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and Jay-Z. Jay-Z, who would become Nas’s rival, admitted that Illmatic was the reason he changed his style for his debut album, Reasonable Doubt.
Pioneered Multi-Producer Albums: Before Illmatic, most rap albums were produced by a single person. The album’s success showed the value of collaborating with different producers, a model that became the industry standard.
Changed Album Artwork: Illmatic‘s iconic cover—a photo of a young Nas superimposed over the Queensbridge Houses—influenced a shift toward more artistic and conceptually driven album art.
Just like Yamal, who at a young age changed the rules of his game, Nas, with a single project he wrote when he was only 17, redefined what a rap album could be. He took us on a journey into Queensbridge, immortalizing his city and representing his generation. His legacy continues to be studied and celebrated, proving that true artistry transcends sales numbers and trends.
Watch the video version of this review by Flouka (in Moroccan Arabic) | 31 July 2025
Conclusion: Illmatic’s Legacy Is Global and Timeless
Illmatic’s influence isn’t confined to the U.S. alone; its impact is truly global and timeless. The fact that a Moroccan music critic wrote an extensive essay in 2025, over 30 years after the album’s release, is powerful proof of its worldwide reach and enduring relevance. The album’s themes and lyrical genius continue to resonate with listeners across different cultures and generations.
