Nas’ first album ‘Illmatic’ is heralded as one of hip-hop’s greatest albums and this year marks the 25th anniversary of the classic album’s release.
Nas note that he is happy for the praise of the album, but also said it’s “corny” to keep celebrating a moment that went down over 20 years ago.
While speaking to Haute Living, Nas said “Twenty-five years is a lifetime. So I did another Symphony Orchestra show for Illmatic this year; I got another plaque for it, I’m very grateful—it’s so crazy—but to celebrate one album when I’ve made over 10, all the things I’ve worked on—and I’ve been working for so long—to celebrate one album over all else is corny to me. I don’t want to celebrate another Illmatic anything. I’m done. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for appreciating that record, but it’s over.”
“I’m tired of celebrating it,” he said. “I’m grateful, but it has started to take on a life of its own. I just did the 20th anniversary with the National Symphony Orchestra five years ago and, the next thing you know, five years go by and it’s a calendar that I didn’t ask for showing me how fast time moves.”
Illmatic remains one of music’s most vivid and poetic albums, hosting quintessential East Coast rap melodies from DJ Premier, Large Professor, Q-Tip, Pete Rock, Faith N., and L.E.S. The sole feature goes to fellow The Firm member AZ.
Elsewhere in music, Teyana Taylor Reveals Release Date for New Album.