When was the Illmatic album released?
Illmatic was released on the 19th of April 1994 through Columbia Records in the United States. The album debuted on the Billboard 200 at number 12 and sold 59,000 copies in its first week.
Common questions about Illmatic
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who produced the Illmatic album by Nas?
The production of Illmatic involved DJ Premier, Large Professor, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, L.E.S., and Nas himself. These five major producers contributed to a cohesive atmospheric aesthetic while retaining their individual trademark sounds.
What is the significance of the Illmatic album cover?
The Illmatic album cover features a photo of Nas as a child taken by Danny Clinch and designed by Aimee Macauley. It is the first hip-hop album to feature a child on its cover and became a template for covers of numerous other albums.
How many copies of Illmatic have been sold in the United States?
As of the 6th of February 2019, the Illmatic album had sold 2 million copies in the United States. The Recording Industry Association of America certified the album platinum on the 11th of December 2001 following shipments in excess of a million copies.
Why is the Illmatic album considered a landmark in hip-hop history?
Illmatic is credited with returning Queensbridge's local hip-hop scene to prominence and bringing a renewed focus on lyricism to the genre. The Library of Congress selected the album for preservation in the National Recording Registry in 2021 for being culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.