cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/2195729

Iconic for good reason!

It’s a bit of an old-school style, which makes sense considering it’s a 29 year old project, but I wouldn’t even say it sounds particularly dated.

The production is simply put: ICONIC! Very melodic, heavy on keys, and tons of vocal samples as well. Very chill. It’s just very pleasant and easy-to-stomach, which actually really contrasts with more recent hip-hop, which can get pretty industrial and loud with it’s production. Not Illmatic. I think it’s what they call boom bap, but I’m not particularly knowledgeable about genres/styles.

The rapping is also immaculate, of course, it’s Nasty Nas after all. He’s very technically proficient and pulls out a few different flows, though I must say he goes for a very 1994 style every time. The lyrics don’t fall behind either. Plenty of fun and sharp similes every verse; notable exception being the one about being bisexual.

The message is great too. A lot of love for New York and talking about living and growing up in New York, a lot of bragging and talking about his success. He talks of his struggles, but also finds time to brag about his abilities and success.

One thing I will say is that the chorus are usually not very good. They’re not horrible or anything, just not as good as everything else.

What do you think?

Best song: N.Y. State of Mind
Worst song: One Love
Rating: 4/5

Listen on YT Music!

  • @SacredHeartAttackEnglish
    2•1 year ago

    4/5? you’re crazy. This record got 5 Mics in The Source. It’s a timeless classic that showcases what Hip Hop was, is and can be all at once. It’s still relevant lyrically and musically. This is one of the first records to feature a different producer on almost all tracks, which is now a commonplace thing in many genres of music. He doesn’t take a single line off the entire record. He’s literally saying something of substance from cover to cover. This is easily a top 10 Hip Hop record all time, arguably top 5. It’s not just essential Hip Hop, it’s essential music at this point.

    • gonOP
      1•1 year ago

      He doesn’t take a single line off the entire record.

      • Comment on my review of Illmatic by Nas, The comment section of my review of Illmatic by Nas, [email protected]

      Versatile, my style switches like a removed
      But not bisexual, I’m an intellectual of rap
      I’m a professional, and that’s no question, yo

      • Halftime, Illmatic, Nas

      These can’t coexist, or maybe Nas should take a line off once in a while.

      Influential, yes. Good, certainly. Overrated, also, and I stand by that. It sounds a bit outdated (though not too much), the production is damn near the same in every track even if it’s from a different producer, sure it’s good production, but some more variety wouldn’t hurt, and, as I’ve demonstrated, he does take lines off. Several.

      I WILL DIE ON THIS HILL!!!