Review Summary: This album is the best hip-hop album of all time.
#402 On Rolling Stone Magazines List Of The Best Hip Hop Albums Of All Time
Nas, is an east coast hip hop legend, who is one of the best, and most critically acclaimed MC's of all time. With the release of this album, Nas, along with Notorious B.I.G, put the east coast back on the hip-hop map, during a time, when west coast g-funk, such as Dr Dre, and Snoop Dogg were dominating the hip-hop game. One of the best things about this album, is the fact that Nas tells some of the best narratives hip-hop has ever heard.
1. The Genesis: A really good way to start an album, but I can't really rate it because it isn't a song.
2. NY State of Mind: This song is one of the best songs on this album, and one of the best overall Nas songs. It tells a story about being in New York, and the first verse tells a brilliant story. Definitely classic with a great beat by DJ Premier. One of the best songs DJ Premier has produced for. This song features samples of Mahogany by Eric B And Rakim, Live At The Barbeque by Main Source, and other songs. This song has been sampled in songs such as, 4, 5, 6 by Kool G Rap, and plenty of other songs. 5/5
3. Life's A Bitch: Another classic song, this one has AZ, with his best verse ever. This song talks about living life while you can, as AZ says in the chorus, and is brilliant. This song has been sampled in songs such as, Sugar Hill by AZ, The E.N.D by Pharcyde, Doe Or Die by AZ, Gimme Yours by AZ, and plenty of other songs. 5/5
4. The World Is Yours: This song is another one of the best songs by Nas. If you have Tony Hawk's Underground than you have most likely heard this legendary song. This song also has a legendary beat done by Pete Rock, who also does the chorus. One of the best songs Pete Rock has produced, along with T.R.O.Y. This song has been sampled in songs such as, Understandable Smooth by Ras Kass, What More Can I Say by Jay-Z, and plenty of other songs. 5/5
5. Halftime: Another one of the best songs by Nas, with a legendary beat by Large Professor, and legendary lyrics by Nas. This is the best song Large Professor has produced for. 5/5
6. Memory Lane (Sittin In Da Park): Another masterpiece produced by DJ Premier, with a great beat, and legendary lyrics, and great storytellling. This song features samples of Pickin Boogers by Biz Markie, and other songs. 5/5
7. One Love: This is one of the weakest songs on Illmatic, but it is still a masterpiece with a great beat by Q-Tip. This song has been sampled in songs such as, Real Nigga Quotes by Common, and plenty of other songs. 5/5
8. One Time 4 Your Mind: This is the weakest song on Illmatic, but it's still a masterpiece with a great beat by Large Professor. 5/5
9. Represent: Another gem produced by DJ Premier (notice a pattern?). With a great beat, and legendary lyrics, how can you go wrong with this song? This song has been sampled in songs such as, Rap Game/Crack Game by Jay-Z, and plenty of other songs. 5/5
10. It Ain't Hard To Tell: What a way to finish an album! Great lyrics, one of the best songs Large Professor has produced for as well. This song has been sampled in songs such as, Can't Get Enough Of It by Mobb Deep, Ebonics by Big L, and plenty of other songs. 5/5
Overall, this album get's a 5/5, and 10/10.
3 Best Songs:
1. The World Is Yours
2. NY State of Mind
3. It Ain't Hard to Tell
3 Weakest Songs:
1. One Time 4 Your Mind
2. One Love
3. Represent
