Nas' iconic debut, Illmatic, turns 20 next week. In honor of the anniversary, he is releasing a deluxe reissue featuring previously unreleased demos and remixes.
Earlier this week, the celebration began with Nas and fellow Queens MC Q-Tip performed Illmatic's "One Love" and "The World Is Yours" with The Roots on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Now hip-hop's major players are weighing in on the album.
In new Google Play video retrospective, Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Tech N9ne, Sir Michael Rocks, Jay Rock and more look back on the release to discuss their favorite tracks and acknowledge how it has influenced their own craft. Nas also weighs in with some additional commentary.
"We share somewhat of a similar story," Lamar says in the clip. "Just being from a community and not being sucked into what's around you. He's from the projects, and I'm from Compton. And I'm sure he's seen a lot and done a lot. And you hear from my music what surrounded me, just being able to elevate your mind a little further past that through writing. It's bigger than just one song. In order to do that is on a whole other plane. And I wouldn't have been able to do that if it weren't for [Illmatic], truthfully. ...I'll always be a fan and a student of his word, period."
Watch the full documentary below, and let us know what the album means to you in the comments section!
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