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

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?

Nas "Still ILL" (XXL, 2009)

Let me be clear, 'Illmatic' is my favorite hip-hop album of all-time. I've purchased the original 10-track masterpiece in every format, then every limited, special, anniversary, deluxe, you-name-it edition that has been released since. If you've read the argument that 14 is a 'magic age' in our development of musical taste and identity, then you can dig my mindstate during the year build up to the release of 'Illmatic' as a H.S. freshman in Queens. It was also Gang Starr and A Tribe Called Quest, as well as Pete Rock & CL, Jeru, etc ... but with Nas, I was still able to get DJ Premier, Q-Tip, and Pete Rock, as well as Large Pro & L.E.S. Today, I am going to share a few different posts on the album, so let's start with the feature above from XXL in 2009: a track by track breakdown with commentary from Serch, Jungle, Faith Newman, Large Pro, Busta, Q-Tip, Premo and more. Over the years, I think this was one of the best articles about the album. Happy 23rd to the classic: 'Illmatic!'

AZ "Pieces of a Man" + "Hey AZ" (1998)

I can remember articles and advertisements for a full year before AZ's second album, 'Pieces of a Man,' actually came out on Noo Trybe Records (on this day) in 1998. The advance single was 'Hey AZ' with SWV, which I liked, but either it didn't connect or due to the delays, it was not featured on the LP. The production was mostly handled by the Trackmasters with support from L.E.S., the RZA, K-Smoove, Tone Capone, Nashiem Myrick, and Goldfinga. AZ recorded 'Pieces of a Man' while simultaneously recording his parts in 'The Firm' album, which was an underwhelming delivery. You could argue he was targeting the mainstream more with 'Pieces,' which left me in a position where I disliked some of the tracks. 'Trading Places,' 'What's The Deal,' 'Just Because,' 'It's a Boy Thing,' and 'Betcha Don't Know' - in my opinion - should have been left on the cutting room floor. The rest of the album I rock with for delivering on what I'd come to expect from AZ after 'Doe or Die.' I can see why fans would be divided on whether to champion this project or not; even to this day, I'm not sure how I feel about it. No question, I was a big fan of 'Doe or Die,' where others weren't and I've always considered AZ to be one of the more underrated lyricists to contribute to NYC Hip-Hop, but I do think this album fell a bit short. Still, check out 'Sosa,' 'The Pay Back,' 'Last Dayz', 'How Ya Livin,' and 'New Life' for the best of what's available on the album, and the video for 'Hey AZ' below.