This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the landmark release of Illmatic, Nas’ influential debut album. Easily one of the monumental moments in hip hop history, it definitely had a major impact on the genre, not immediately recognized, but easily discernible in retrospect.  To commemorate this momentous occasion, Nas and those involved with its production, have decided to release a Twentieth Anniversary edition and tour to spread the word. His latest stop has taken him to London, to perform a couple of shows and sit down for Zane Lowe’s BBC radio show. The two legends sit down together and reminisce on the creation of Illmatic.

During the twenty minute interview, Nas discusses getting Q-Tip, Large Professor, Pete Rock, Premiere, and L.E.S. to produce for the album. There was also an intriguing tangent about Producers offering solid beats that get overlooked and then reworked later. It is sort of amazing that some of the beats offered to him, which were later used for other projects.

If you are a Nas fan, you owe it to yourself to check it out.

Jimi (@Nativejimi)