Thirty-two years later, Nas's ten-track masterpiece, Illmatic, is still one of the most important rap albums of all time. Here's how it changed hip-hop.
Rob MarriottIllmatic
Featured
These are the best rap albums of 2026, featuring Drake's 'Iceman', J. Cole's 'The Fall Off', and more.
Dimas Sanfiorenzo
The classic 1990s alternative rock albums range from $29.99 to $39.98 on Complex Shop.
Jaelani Turner-Williams
From Drake and Jessie Reyez to rising stars Baby Nova and Angine de Poitrine, these are the Canadian albums soundtracking 2026—and proving the country's musical renaissance is far from over.
Mr. WavvyLatest Stories
Nas and OBJECTS ARE BY Launch New Collection f/ Hoodies and Ashtrays
At the core of the collection are photos of Nas circa 1993.
Complex Staff480 days ago
Nas Celebrates 30th Anniversary of 'Illmatic' With New Merch
The rapper's legendary album celebrates 30 years with an extensive merch collection.
Joe Price837 days ago
Nas and DJ Premier Team on New Single “Define My Name” to Celebrate ‘Illmatic’ Anniversary
The dynamic duo have an album coming this year.
Brad Callas841 days ago
Pete Rock to File Lawsuit Against Nas Over 'Illmatic' Royalties
Pete Rock is preparing to file a lawsuit against Nas over claims that the Queens rapper never paid him for his work on the rapper's 1994 debut 'Illmatic.'
Brad Callas1669 days ago
Lupe Fiasco Calls Upcoming Album His 'Illmatic': 'I'm Not at All Exaggerating'
As Lupe Fiasco prepares to release the album he made in 24-hours, he took to social media on Thursday to say that the project will be his 'Illmatic.'
Jordan Rose1821 days ago
Advertisement
MC Serch Explains How Nas Owns a Piece of Jay-Z’s Music Catalog
A lengthy MC Serch interview on 'Drink Champs' took a turn to Hov when N.O.R.E. mentioned Jay calling out Serch on his “Takeover” diss on 'The Blueprint.'
Brenton Blanchet1914 days ago
Nas' 'Illmatic' and Janet Jackson's 'Rhythm Nation 1814' to Be Inducted Into Library of Congress
Nas's 1994 debut album, 'Illmatic', is one of 25 audio recordings deemed worthy of preservation by the current Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden.
Xavier Hamilton1963 days ago
Nas Is Done Celebrating 'Illmatic': 'Thank You for Appreciating That Record, But It’s Over'
The rapper says it's "corny" to keep praising something that happened over two decades ago.
Xavier Hamilton2485 days ago
Lonzo Ball Suggests Future Has More Classics Than Nas and Rap Fans Are Weighing In
In 2017, Lonzo Ball caused an uproar after he said, "Don't nobody listen to Nas anymore." Now he's doubled down.
Joe Price2530 days ago