April 19, 2025, marks the 31st anniversary of Nas’ iconic debut album, Illmatic. Widely regarded as one of the most critically acclaimed rap albums ever, Illmatic stands as a significant milestone in the genre’s history. It holds a place alongside other ’90s classics like Nirvana’s Nevermind, Green Day’s Dookie, and Radiohead’s OK Computer, and its reputation as an impeccable and meticulously crafted work has only solidified over time.
As Illmatic reaches this pearl anniversary, its influence continues to resonate globally, including in places like Minnesota. This album illustrates how a teenager from Queensbridge in the ’90s could have such a profound impact worldwide.
A notable aspect of Illmatic’s 1994 release was how it contrasted with the music industry at the time. Even though it was a decade after RUN-D.M.C.’s debut, hip-hop was still sometimes regarded as a fleeting trend. Major labels were cautious about investing in hip-hop compared to other genres. While independent labels thrived on regional appeal, major labels like Def Jam, Priority, and Death Row adhered to familiar aesthetics that attracted a growing audience. However, major-label rap rosters were often talented but lacked a distinct cohesiveness.
In 1994, Polygram acquired Sony’s stake in Def Jam Records, which came with their artists. Columbia, under Sony, had a variety of acts including dance favorites Ini Kamoze and C+C Music Factory, cult artist Kurious, newcomer Da Brat, and Ruffhouse Records artists like Cypress Hill, Kris Kross, and the emerging Fugees. This eclectic mix of styles and sub-genres shared only the commonality of being released under a major label with extensive resources.
Nas, then unsigned, made a significant impact with his debut verse on Main Source’s “Live at the Barbecue” in 1991. His first official release as Nasty Nas was the single “Halftime” on the soundtrack of the 1992 film Zebrahead. While this was under the Ruffhouse label, Illmatic was released two years later on Columbia proper, marking a significant step. The album featured production from acclaimed artists like DJ Premier, Large Professor, Pete Rock, and Q-Tip.
The album’s production showcased cutting-edge, authentic hip-hop sounds, perfectly complementing Nas’ raw flow and profound lyrics. Released alongside artists like Mariah Carey and Bob Dylan under Columbia, the album faced no interference from the label. Some mistakenly believe that the sample of Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature” in “It Ain’t Hard to Tell” was a label decision, but it was present in the song’s original 1991 demo.
Illmatic was unique as no previous rap debut had come through a major label with such authenticity. Although its commercial debut was modest, critical acclaim indicated a shift in the hip-hop landscape. The Source magazine awarded it the highest rating of Five Mics, and Adam “MCA” Yauch of the Beastie Boys consistently praised the album.
Even in Minnesota, far from Nas’ Queensbridge roots, the album’s impact was felt. Maria Isa, a notable figure in Minnesota’s hip-hop scene and state representative, describes Illmatic as “life-changing,” having first heard it in elementary school. Isa, the daughter of Nuyorican parents, credits the album with helping her understand her surroundings better. She highlights “New York State of Mind” as a powerful track that vividly depicted New York, making listeners feel connected to the city.
Isa continues to draw influence from Illmatic, particularly from the track “Represent,” which she describes as a theme of pride and identity. As a state representative, she sees it as a personal anthem, praising its lyricism and delivery.
Illmatic’s timelessness is evident with each anniversary. Discussions around Nas’ third album, I Am…, in 1999, often reflected on Illmatic’s impact. Its 10th anniversary in 2004 saw a re-release with remixes, and the 20th anniversary in 2014 included a documentary and special performances.
Minnesota fans experienced Illmatic live at the 2014 Soundset Festival. Christopher Michael Jensen, a local hip-hop artist, recalls discovering Illmatic in his teens and being captivated by its intricate rhyme styles and gritty production. To him, Illmatic epitomizes the essence of hip-hop from its golden era.
