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Illmatic is the debut studio album by American rapper Nas, released on April 19, 1994, by Columbia Records. After signing with the label with the help of MC Serch, Nas recorded the album in 1992–1993 at Chung King Studios, D&D Recording, Battery Studios, and Unique Recording Studios in New York City. Its production was handled by Nas, Large Professor, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, L.E.S., and DJ Premier. Styled as a hardcore hip hop album, Illmatic features Read Full BioIllmatic is the debut studio album by American rapper Nas, released on April 19, 1994, by Columbia Records. After signing with the label with the help of MC Serch, Nas recorded the album in 1992–1993 at Chung King Studios, D&D Recording, Battery Studios, and Unique Recording Studios in New York City. Its production was handled by Nas, Large Professor, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, L.E.S., and DJ Premier. Styled as a hardcore hip hop album, Illmatic features multi-syllabic internal rhymes and inner-city narratives based on Nas's experiences in Queensbridge, New York.
The album debuted at #12 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, selling 59,000 copies in its first week. However, its initial sales fell below expectations and its five singles failed to achieve significant chart success. Despite the album's low initial sales, Illmatic received rave reviews from most music critics, who praised its production and Nas' lyricism. On January 17, 1996, the album was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America, and on December 11, 2001 it earned a Platinum certification after shipping one million copies in the United States.
Since its initial reception, Illmatic has been recognized by writers and music critics as a landmark album in East Coast hip hop. Its influence on subsequent hip hop artists has been attributed to the album's production and Nas' lyricism. It also contributed to the revival of the New York City rap scene, introducing a number of stylistic trends to the region. The album remains one of the most widely celebrated albums in hip hop history, appearing on numerous best album lists by critics and publications.
The album debuted at #12 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, selling 59,000 copies in its first week. However, its initial sales fell below expectations and its five singles failed to achieve significant chart success. Despite the album's low initial sales, Illmatic received rave reviews from most music critics, who praised its production and Nas' lyricism. On January 17, 1996, the album was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America, and on December 11, 2001 it earned a Platinum certification after shipping one million copies in the United States.
Since its initial reception, Illmatic has been recognized by writers and music critics as a landmark album in East Coast hip hop. Its influence on subsequent hip hop artists has been attributed to the album's production and Nas' lyricism. It also contributed to the revival of the New York City rap scene, introducing a number of stylistic trends to the region. The album remains one of the most widely celebrated albums in hip hop history, appearing on numerous best album lists by critics and publications.
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The Genesis
by Nas
And you're sitting at home doing this shit?
You should be earning a medal for this
Stop fucking around and be a man
There ain't nothing out here for you
Oh yes there is, this!
Yo Nas
Yo what the fuck is this bullshit on the radio Son?
Chill chill, that's the shit God, chill
Hey yo yo, pull down the shade, man. Let's count this money, nigga
Hey yo Nas, put the Jackson's and the Grants over there
You know what I'm sayin? Cause we spending the Jackson's
You know how we get down baby
True, true
Nas, yo Nas, man shit is mad real right now in the Projects
For a nigga yo, word to mother. All them crab ass rappers
Be coming up to me man word to mother man I think we need
To let them niggas know it's real man
True indeed, know what I'm saying, but when it's real you doing this
Even without a record contract, know what I'm saying?
No question
Been doing this since back then
I'm saying regardless how it go down we gon keep it real
We trying to see many mansions and, and Coupes kid!
True, true
Hey yo where's Grand Wizard and Mayo at man?
Taking niggas a long time, man
Who got the Phillies? Take this Hennessey
Aiyyo Dunn! C'mon, C'mon, man stop waving that man
Stop pointing that at me Dunn, take the clip out
Nigga alright but take this Hennessey man
I'm saying take the clip man
C'mon, take it out
Light them Phillies up man
Niggas stop fucking burning Phillies man
Light some Phillies up then!
Pass that Amber Boch, nigga! Act like you know.
Yo, we drinking this straight up with no chaser
I ain't fucking with you nigga
I'm saying though man
What is it, what is it baby?
What is it Son, what is it?
You know what time it is
I'm saying man, ya know what I'm saying?
Niggas don't listen man, representing
It's Illmatic
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Fred Braithwaite, Nasir Jones
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
by Nas
And you're sitting at home doing this shit?
You should be earning a medal for this
Stop fucking around and be a man
There ain't nothing out here for you
Oh yes there is, this!
Yo Nas
Yo what the fuck is this bullshit on the radio Son?
Chill chill, that's the shit God, chill
Hey yo yo, pull down the shade, man. Let's count this money, nigga
Hey yo Nas, put the Jackson's and the Grants over there
You know what I'm sayin? Cause we spending the Jackson's
You know how we get down baby
True, true
Nas, yo Nas, man shit is mad real right now in the Projects
For a nigga yo, word to mother. All them crab ass rappers
Be coming up to me man word to mother man I think we need
To let them niggas know it's real man
True indeed, know what I'm saying, but when it's real you doing this
Even without a record contract, know what I'm saying?
No question
Been doing this since back then
I'm saying regardless how it go down we gon keep it real
We trying to see many mansions and, and Coupes kid!
True, true
Hey yo where's Grand Wizard and Mayo at man?
Taking niggas a long time, man
Who got the Phillies? Take this Hennessey
Aiyyo Dunn! C'mon, C'mon, man stop waving that man
Stop pointing that at me Dunn, take the clip out
Nigga alright but take this Hennessey man
I'm saying take the clip man
C'mon, take it out
Light them Phillies up man
Niggas stop fucking burning Phillies man
Light some Phillies up then!
Pass that Amber Boch, nigga! Act like you know.
Yo, we drinking this straight up with no chaser
I ain't fucking with you nigga
I'm saying though man
What is it, what is it baby?
What is it Son, what is it?
You know what time it is
I'm saying man, ya know what I'm saying?
Niggas don't listen man, representing
It's Illmatic
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Fred Braithwaite, Nasir Jones
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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