News + Review: Nas in Record Stores Near You! 30th Anniversary of Illmatic.
As nostalgic as it is a street classic- this echoed the alley ways and passing cars in each neighbor-“hood.” Where Zachary got his start. Mainly this coast, we call East.
Still, without neglecting it’s reach to expand to other corners of the world: Los Angeles, Boston, Atlanta, Miami, Tokyo, England, to name just a few- we have come to see here Nas in his humble beginnings, later leaving a mark on Hip Hop as vibrant as the rays of the burning sun. Not to mention the trigger, that in some ways sparked this ambitious wordsmith and storyteller: the Stretch & Bobbito freestyles - As well as mixtapes which could be the first time Hcaze heard the World is Yours remix on one of their early mixtapes around 93, 94. He changed a few lyrics to ( get this )… “and the Nikes on my feet keep my cipher complete.” Not the beloved Timbs this time, but Nikes.
Yes, quiet but like an ambidextrous writer could shift from drinking a cup of coffee, rolling up and writing at the same time, he is a lyricist way ahead of his time. In 1994 up until now… give this guy and the album some flowers.
Newly released is a special edition Box Set, you may be able to find in your favorite Record store or from Discogs etc. You do the digging, especially if you aren’t crazy familiar enough with this album already. Bong!
News & Review Written: Thu May 23, 2024.
Album Originally Released: April 19, 1994
Image of: Zachary Hcaze
Courteous Shout out to Matones Records
