April 19, 2017

Nas 'Illmatic' Press Kit & The Making Of (Video, 1994)

Nas Illmatic Press Kit 1994 Columbia "Hip-Hop Nostalgia" Publicity Photo
Nas Illmatic Press Kit 1994 Columbia "Hip-Hop Nostalgia" Publicity Photo
Nas Illmatic Press Kit 1994 Columbia "Hip-Hop Nostalgia"
Nas Illmatic Press Kit 1994 Columbia "Hip-Hop Nostalgia"

As I continue to celebrate 'Illmatic,' here are copies of the press kit that were sent out, which include 2 publicity photos and an original bio/one-sheet for Nas / 'Illmatic.' The sheet says "Nas is just too smart, too thoughtful, and too wise to mislead his people. That's because rhyming, to him, has never been just a way to get paid and live large ... it's been about getting the truth out and expressing his love for hip-hop." In late January of '94, the documentary-style video clip below - directed by Ralph McDaniels - was sent out to media; it was the same day that "It Ain't Hard To Tell" was released on 12". The video documents Nas' vision from the projects in Queensbridge to inside the studio with DJ Premier, Large Pro, Q-Tip & Pete Rock; all helping to shed light on what made the young Rapper Nas such a unique talent. It was also rumored that the label's marketing team was targeting industry tastemakers with plans to send out Nas t-shirts to no more than 200-250 people to spark conversation and help create the buzz. I'm not sure if they were the 'One Love' t-shirts, a different tee, or if the idea never happened at all? Anyone have more info on that?