As one of the most influential hip hop stars of the 90s, Nas has been an integral part of the rap game for nearly three decades. From his groundbreaking debut album Illmatic to his most recent release, Nas has consistently pushed boundaries and delivered innovative music that resonates with fans around the world. In this article, I’ll be exploring Nas’s career and some of his greatest albums.
90’s Hip Hop: An Appreciation of Nas
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, better known as Nas, was born in Queensbridge, New York in 1973. He grew up listening to his father, Olu Dara, play jazz and classical music, which had a major influence on his music. Nas started rapping at the age of nine, and by his teenage years, he had already established himself as an underground rap star.
In 1991, Nas released his first single, “Halftime,” under the MC Serch label. The song became an instant hit, and it was followed by Nas’s debut album Illmatic, which was released in 1994. The album was a groundbreaking success, and it established Nas as one of the most influential hip hop artists of the decade.
Nas’s Most Influential Albums
Since his debut album, Nas has released a total of 13 studio albums. Here are some of his most influential albums from the 90s:
It Was Written (1996)
Nas’s second album, It Was Written, was released in 1996. The album was a major success, and it spawned a number of hit singles, including “Street Dreams” and “If I Ruled The World (Imagine That).” The album was also the first to feature Nas’s now-iconic collaboration with Foxy Brown and AZ.
I Am… (1999)
In 1999, Nas released his third album I Am…. The album was a major success, and it spawned a number of iconic songs, including “Hate Me Now,” “Nas Is Like,” and “One Mic.” The album was also the first to feature Nas’s now-iconic collaboration with Puff Daddy.
Stillmatic (2001)
Stillmatic was Nas’s fifth album, and it was released in 2001. The album was a major success, and it spawned a number of hit singles, including “Ether,” “One Mic,” and “Got Ur Self A.” The album was also the first to feature Nas’s now-iconic collaboration with Jay-Z.
Conclusion
Nas has been an integral part of the rap game for nearly three decades, and his music has had an immense influence on the world of hip hop. His groundbreaking debut album Illmatic was a major success, and it was followed by a number of other iconic albums, including It Was Written, I Am…, and Stillmatic. Whether you’re a fan of 90s hip hop or just a fan of good music in general, Nas’s albums are definitely worth checking out.