Page 1

Page 2
Nas: Time Is Illmatic Library Journal Reviews June 1, 2015

1 of 258 DOCUMENTS

Library Journal Reviews

June 1, 2015

Nas: Time Is Illmatic

BYLINE: Kelly Sinclair

SECTION: REVIEWS; Audio; Vol. 140 No. 10

LENGTH: 242 words

Nas: Time Is Illmatic. color. 74+ min. One9 & Erik Parker, Illa Films in assoc. with Balance of Extremes, Tribeca Film,
dist. by Kino Lorber, www.kinolorberedu.com. 2015. DVD UPC 738329158026. $24.95; libs. $149; public performance
$249; w/streaming $499; DSL/PPR $599. MUSIC
There's a stream-of-consciousness feel to Nas's (b. 1973) lyrics in his iconic Illmatic, as though he's being recorded
while walking through his New York housing project. His visionary style is matched by the musically complex sonic
background. One hears snatches of jazz, old-school rap, and then-cutting edge hip-hop that, combined with Nas's voice
and lyrics, even now command attention. Director One9 marks the 20th anniversary of the album's release by visiting
Nas's collaborators (which include Pete Rock and Q-Tip), seeing his old haunts, and talking to Nas himself. More screen
time is spent on the years prior to Nas's breakthrough at age 19 than on the studio magic that created Illmatic; even so,
this is a worthy reflection on a groundbreaking album and of the artist who remains vital and is still ill. Cameos by
Alicia Keys and Pharrell Williams help to burnish the film's VIP treatment of its subject. VERDICT Hip-hop has been
around long enough to breed generations of fans, which gives this polished production a built-in audience who grew up
musically with Nas and/or listen to artists under his influence such as Kendrick Lamar.--Kelly Sinclair, Temple P.L.,
TX

LOAD-DATE: June 4, 2015

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

DOCUMENT-TYPE: Review

PUBLICATION-TYPE: Magazine

Copyright 2015 Library Journals, LLC

All Rights Reserved