Nas' debut album Illmatic first dropped in April 1994 and has since stood as a landmark in East Coast hip-hop. This black vinyl LP reissue (UPC 664425129717) from Get On Down brings the original era energy back into the groove, capturing the Queensbridge native's sharp vision at the very start of his career. With production from DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, and Large Professor, the record captures the moment when Nasir "Nas" Jones introduced himself with lyrical precision and vivid storytelling.
Musically, Illmatic delivers poetic street narratives and jazz-tinted samples across ten tightly focused tracks. Highlights include "N.Y. State of Mind," "The World Is Yours," and "It Ain't Hard to Tell," all of which have become defining cuts of 1990s hip-hop. From the cinematic intro "The Genesis" to the closing bars of "It Ain't Hard to Tell," the album moves between grit and reflection with unmatched flow and structure.
On vinyl, this edition preserves the warmth and punch of the original mix. The black vinyl pressing carries deep bass, crisp highs, and balanced midrange that emphasize the soulful production. The jacket artwork recreates the classic 1994 design, keeping the original type and tone intact. This pressing remains one of the cleanest and most faithful ways to experience Illmatic in its intended analog form.
- Format: Black Vinyl LP
- Standout tracks: "N.Y. State of Mind," "The World Is Yours," "It Ain't Hard to Tell"
- Pressing details: 1 LP, black vinyl, Get On Down reissue, catalog 664425129717
- Genre/style: East Coast hip-hop, Boom-bap, Classic rap
- UPC: 664425129717
Illmatic endures as one of hip-hop's most influential albums, sounding as vital and relevant on vinyl today as it did in 1994.
* The Spotify track list may not exactly represent the tracks and audio of this LP edition.
Track List:
Side A:
- The Genesis
- N.Y. State Of Mind
- Life's A Bitch
- The World Is Yours
- Halftime
Side B:
- Memory Lane (Sittin' In Da Park)
- One Love
- One Time 4 Your Mind
- Represent
- It Ain't Hard To Tell