Album #163: Illmatic

By Nas (1994).

Illmatic on 1001albumsgenerator

Writing anything about rap albums is tough, because it's a genre I have barely engaged with. Add on to that that presumably the albums on this list are classics, well, prepare for some entry level thoughts.

Nas has a great flow throughout - rhythmically really engaging. After having re-listened to A Tribe Called Quest's Low End Theory (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) again in preparation to post a review, I'm aware of how much more I like ATQ's beats but frequently prefer Nas' delivery. I keep finding myself drawn in to the words, how both the lyrics and each stanza will stick the landing.

I wrote this, suspecting that ATQ and Nas were probably an incredibly basic comparison to make, and then One Love came on with a clear Q-Tip vocal on the chorus, and underlined the feeling. The samples - double bass, drum line - are great, Nas is great, but the chorus just doesn't quite fit here. The verses are where the song shines.

The album's relatively short, but it's consistent. This was a struggle between ⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - it's losing that last ⭐ because the breaks/choruses on this feel like they kill the momentum. I guess that works to build anticipation for the next verse, but given the choice I'd go for shorter tracks and uncut Nas.

Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐

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