Nas: Illmatic

LP Record Nas's album Illmatic, released in 1994, is often cited as one of the best hip-hop albums of all time. Produced by Nas's friend and mentor, the legendary producer DJ Premier, the album features beats from the biggest names in hip-hop at the time. Nas wrote and performed the album's lyrics, which tell the story of his life growing up in the Queensbridge projects in New York. Illmatic is considered a classic hip-hop album thanks to its lyrical prowess, beats, and storytelling.