Illmatic vs. It Was Written

Attribute	Illmatic	It Was Written
Release Year	1994	1996
Main Artist	Nas	Nas
Genre	Hip Hop	Hip Hop
Number of Tracks	10	14
Production	DJ Premier, Large Professor, Pete Rock	Dr. Dre, Trackmasters, Havoc
Commercial Success	Platinum	Double Platinum

Introduction

Illmatic and It Was Written are two iconic albums by the legendary rapper Nas. Released in 1994 and 1996 respectively, these albums are often considered some of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. While Illmatic is praised for its raw lyricism and gritty storytelling, It Was Written is known for its more commercial sound and polished production. In this article, we will compare the attributes of these two albums and explore what makes each of them unique.

Lyrical Content

Illmatic is often hailed as one of the greatest lyrical masterpieces in hip-hop history. Nas's vivid storytelling and introspective lyrics paint a picture of life in the streets of New York City. Tracks like "N.Y. State of Mind" and "One Love" showcase Nas's ability to capture the struggles and triumphs of urban life with poetic precision. On the other hand, It Was Written takes a more commercial approach to its lyrical content. While Nas still delivers thought-provoking verses, the focus shifts towards more mainstream topics like success, wealth, and fame.

Production

Illmatic is known for its gritty and minimalist production, with beats that perfectly complement Nas's raw lyricism. The album features production from some of the most talented producers in hip-hop, including DJ Premier, Large Professor, and Pete Rock. The production on Illmatic is often praised for its authenticity and its ability to capture the essence of 90s New York hip-hop. In contrast, It Was Written features a more polished and commercial sound. The album incorporates elements of mafioso rap and showcases a wider range of production styles, including tracks produced by heavyweights like Dr. Dre and Trackmasters.

Impact

Illmatic is widely regarded as a classic and has had a lasting impact on the hip-hop genre. The album is often cited as a benchmark for lyrical excellence and has influenced countless rappers and producers. Illmatic's raw and unapologetic portrayal of life in the projects has resonated with listeners for decades. It Was Written, while not as critically acclaimed as Illmatic, also had a significant impact on the hip-hop landscape. The album's commercial success helped solidify Nas's status as a mainstream rap star and introduced his music to a wider audience.

Reception

Illmatic was met with widespread critical acclaim upon its release and is often cited as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. The album's raw lyricism and authentic production were praised by critics and fans alike. It Was Written, while not as universally acclaimed as Illmatic, also received positive reviews from critics. The album's more commercial sound divided some fans, but many appreciated Nas's versatility and ability to adapt to different styles of production.

Legacy

Illmatic has left a lasting legacy on the hip-hop genre and is often cited as a must-listen for any fan of the genre. The album's influence can be heard in the work of countless rappers who have been inspired by Nas's storytelling and lyricism. It Was Written, while not as revered as Illmatic, also holds a special place in hip-hop history. The album's commercial success helped pave the way for Nas's future projects and solidified his status as one of the greatest rappers of all time.