VINYL FORMAT. Please note, this LP is an official Sony release, but does not include artwork. Often cited as one of the best hip-hop albums of the '90s, Illmatic is the undisputed classic upon which Nas' reputation rests. It helped spearhead the artistic renaissance of New York hip-hop in the post-Chronic era, leading a return to street aesthetics. Yet even if Illmatic marks the beginning of a shift away from Native Tongues-inspired alternative rap, it's strongly rooted in that sensibility. Fo   [ read more ]

2xLP $22.99

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VINYL FORMAT. I don't like to compare past and present works of artists, because contexts and times change, but that combination of lyrical inspiration and consistent production hasn't happened since Illmatic. His insight in dealing with black identity and race relations is staggering, and he never once sounds pretentious or preachy. He addresses the issues from a mature, intellectual, and rational point of view. Though he expresses his anger, he never resorts to what he refers to on "N.I.G.G.E.R." a   [ read more ]

2xLP $13.99

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VINYL FORMAT. Throughout his storied career, which began with 1994's classic Illmatic and has spanned the last decade with over 12 million albums sold, Nas has been more than just the genre's foremost lyricist and thinker. He has become a statesman, some would argue hip-hop's "conscience." Now, with the release of his long-awaited Def Jam debut--the aptly-titled Hip-Hop Is Dead--Nas returns to his role as mentor and teacher, his legendary mic skills as sharp as ever, and takes today's young ra   [ read more ]

LP $13.99

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