Illmatic is the debut studio album by American rapper Nas. It was released on April 19, 1994, by Columbia Records. After signing with the label with the help of MC Serch, Nas recorded the album in 1992 and 1993 at Chung King Studios, D&D Recording, Battery Studios, and Unique Recording Studios in New York City.

Nas Illmatic is a towering achievement in hip-hop, capturing the grit and poetry of life in New York Citys Queensbridge Houses with unparalleled clarity. Released in 1994, the album features a dream team of producers, including DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Large Professor, Q-Tip, and L.E.S., who each crafted beats that matched Nas vivid, streetwise lyricism. With its minimal guest appearancesAZ is the only featured rapper on Lifes a Bitchthe album focuses on Nas raw talent, establishing him as one of the most important voices in hip-hop. The albums backstory is one of prodigy and promise: Nas, a teenager when he began recording, was already a local legend in Queens for his sharp storytelling and metaphysical insights, first showcased on Main Sources “Live at the Barbeque.” Illmatic didnt immediately dominate the charts, but its critical acclaim was undeniable, later earning a spot in the Library of Congress and being hailed as one of the greatest albums of all time.
Tracklisting

1. The Genesis
2. N.Y. State Of Mind
3. Life’s A Bitch
4. The World Is Yours
5. Halftime
6. Memory Lane (Sittin’ In Da Park)
7. One Love
8. One Time 4 Your Mind
9. Represent
10. It Ain’t Hard To Tell