Nas' Classic Debut Album 'Illmatic' Inducted Into Library Of Congress
Danny Clinch/Sony Legacy
The Library of Congress announced that Nas’ classic debut album Illmatic will be inducted into the National Recording Registry. On Wednesday, (March 24), Librarian of Congress Clara Hayden named Nas’ debut album as one of the “Audio treasures worthy of preservation for all time based on their cultural, historical or ascetic importance in the nation’s recorded sound heritage.”
“The National Recording Registry will preserve our history through these vibrant recordings of music and voices that have reflected our humanity and shaped our culture from the past 143 years,” Hayden said. “We received about 900 public nominations this year for recordings to add to the registry, and we welcome the public’s input as the Library of Congress and its partners preserve the diverse sounds of history and culture.”
Talking about the environment that shaped Illmatic, Nas said he “Felt proud being from Queensbridge ... we were dressed fly in Ballys and the whole building was like a family.” Nas added, “Queensbridge is a housing project in New York City. You know the story, it’s the good, the bad, the ugly, and I was just trying to survive that.” Illmatic debuted at No. 12 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling over 63,000 copies in its first week of sales. The album was certified 2x Platinum by RIAA in February 2019.
11 Hip-Hop releases have been inducted into the Library of Congress:
Nas - Illmatic
Dr. Dre - The Chronic
Jay-Z - Blueprint
Run-DMC - Raising Hell
N.W.A. - Straight Outta Compton
De La Soul - 3 Feet High and Rising
Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Public Enemy - Fear of a Black Planet
2Pac - Dear Mama
Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five - The Message
Sugarhill Gang Rapper’s Delight
Revisit Nas’ classic debut album
