Image via Complex Original
On April 19, 1994, a 20-year-old Nas dropped an album that completely changed the rap game forever. Since that date, a huge number of rappers, producers, and fans have been influenced by the 39 minutes of skillful storytelling that have rarely been approached since. At this point, there are very few musical and historical elements of Illmatic that haven't been covered.
Style, however, is another story. While bumping it nonstop, it quickly becomes obvious that there are plenty of lyrical gems pertaining to steez across the album's 10 tracks. To celebrate the anniversary of Nas' debut, put the album on as you click through to learn some 1994 style lessons that are still timely today. These are Style Tips You Can Learn From Illmatic.
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"I'm a addict for sneakers/Twenties of buddha and bitches with beepers"
Track: "New York State of Mind"
Like a lot of us, Nas is a self-professed sneakerhead. But he's also wise enough to know that sneakers shouldn't be your only pursuit. Whether it's courting the fairer sex or seeking enlightenment via the teachings of Buddha (we kid, we kid), kicks should be an obsession that doesn't impede on the finer things in life. Preach, Nas.
"Sneak a Uzi on the island in my army jacket lining"
Track: "It Ain't Hard to Tell"
Military gear is stylish for two reasons: It is incredibly utilitarian, and it looks awesome. Now, we're not specifying what you should carry in the pockets of army-inspired garb, but back in ’94 Nas knew the value of clothes that were literally made to go to war. If you don't have any M65 jackets or camo cargo pants in your wardrobe, then you're missing out on knowledge Nas dropped almost 20 years ago.
"Used to sport Ballys and Gazelles with black frames/Now I'm into fat chains, sex and Tecs, fly new chicks"
Track: "Represent"
In the '80s, Ballys and Gazelles were the go-to accessories for any stylish guy. But the next new-new was gold, and Nas was deft enough to stay current and not get caught up in any old trends. The lesson here is to recognize what's a trend—Ballys, Gazelles, gold—and what's timeless—sex, chicks.
"Shorty's laugh was cold-blooded as he spoke so foul/Only 12, trying to tell me that he liked my style"
Track: "One Love"
Just because you've made it to the top of the style world doesn't mean it's time to floss and stunt 24/7. Be responsible and give back by taking the time to groom the kids that now look up to you. Answer their questions, interact with them, and give them the wisdom that you've gained over the years. Ignoring the next generation will only mean your fall from grace will be that much harder after they get their come-up.
"Cold be walkin' with a bop and my hat turned back"
Track: "Represent"
Whether you're rocking a fitted, snapback, or rimmed beanie, perching it at an angle is the best way to show some personality. Putting a twist on things will always show off your individuality, so don't be afraid to bend the rules and basically do whatever the fuck you want. And note: A confident stride will complete any look.
"And I'm a Nike head/I wear chains that excite the Feds"
Track: "Halftime"
Who among us isn't a Nike head? Whether it's their NSW collection, a sick collaboration, or their classic gear, we're all fans of the swoosh. Like Nas, we shouldn't be too proud to admit our fandom for a brand or piece of clothing. Another lesson to take from the MC's lyrics: Splurge once in a while. Even if it makes the federal authorities question where your income originates, you deserve it.
"I sat back like The Mack/My army suit was black"
Track: "One Love"
Here's a tip: All-black everything will always be in style. Street goth may have recently championed the piling on of the darkness, but the move has been stylish since way back. Whether posted up with a bottle of E&J or jetting through the building lobby, Nas kept his colorway simple and on point. When in doubt, trust the master who penned one of the greatest albums of all time.
"When I dress, it's never nothing less than Guess"
Track: "Represent"
As far as we know, there's no photo of Nas rocking head-to-toe Guess, but staying loyal to a particularly favorite brand—as well as setting a minimum fashion standard—is beneficial for a number of reasons. You know the gear will be quality and you become associated with something bigger than yourself. Nas knew the importance of loyalty on Illmatic, and in the pic above he puts on for his home borough, his home state, and the dopest jacket brand of the day (Avirex). Not much has changed since ’94.
"I even got a mask and gloves to bust slugs, but one love"
Track: "One Love"
We're in no way condoning slug-busting, but Nas does have a point when it comes to dressing appropriately for whatever task you're undertaking. Protecting your eyes and hands from any burns, cuts, or other injury should always be step no. 1 when embarking on a dangerous activity. Also, was Esco being an #Influencer 20 years ahead of his time by predicting the current mask thing that Rocky, Kanye, and Bieber are doing? Damn, this album was more influential than we thought.
"Stash the loot in fly clothes, burning dollars to light my stove"
Track: "The World Is Yours"
It's a rarity these days, but what's flyer than dressing toe to dome in a single brand's matching outfit? Only the truly brave ever attempt this, but more often than not, having the balls to do this means it'll pay off. And if you're stashing loot, there's no better place to do it than in a dope outfit. Or a bank.
"I reminisce on park jams, my man was shot for his sheep coat"
Track: "Memory Lane (Sittin' in Da Park)"
Back in the day, fashion was not something people fucked around with—getting merked over gear was relatively commonplace compared to today. But the main point to note here is that Nas clearly rolled with a stylish crew, which is definitely a lesson to take to heart. If you dress a certain way by yourself, you might look like a clown. However, with a like-minded crew, all of a sudden y'all are a force of style that can't be fucked with.
"I drop jewels, wear jewels, hope to never run it/With more kicks than a baby in a mother's stomach"
Track: "Halftime"
By keeping it simple and clean, Nas did jewelry right. And by diversifying his kick-game portfolio, he could switch it up and coordinate with whatever the day called for. Whether you're a devoted sneakerhead or have every trick in the book, it pays off to have a diverse assorted roster so you can dress for the occasion or for the weather.
"Suede Timbs on my feet makes my cipher complete"
Track: "The World Is Yours"
Timberlands. Wear them. That is all.
"Before a blunt, I take out my fronts"
Track: "Halftime"
Much like good style, good dental hygiene is of paramount importance. Leaving the fronts in while you're blazing means you're going to stain that expensive grill, and trapping smoke in between the piece and your teeth means having the dragon for days. Also, just think how embarrassing it'd be if you started choking on the weed smoke and your fronts fell out? Awwk-waaard!
"Bullet holes left in my peepholes/I'm suited up in street clothes"
Track: "New York State of Mind"
Streetwear has had its detractors, haters, and critics over the years, but as a subculture it is going nowhere anytime soon. Sure, menswear is still living out its moment (and is probably also timeless), and sub-branches of streetwear are gaining individual momentum, but why get on your suit & tie shit when you can do like Nasty Nas and get suited up in your street clothes? True streetwear is built to stand up to any environment while looking badass, which is how Nas looks in any photograph taken in the Illmatic era.
