About this album Released in 1994, Illmatic established Nas as one of hip-hop's most important lyricists, transforming vivid stories of life in New York's Queensbridge Houses into one of the genre's defining albums. Produced by DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, Large Professor, and L.E.S., the album helped revive East Coast hip-hop and set a new standard for lyrical storytelling and production. In 2021, Illmatic was added to the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry in recognition of its enduring cultural, historical, and artistic significance. Track List Side A The Genesis N.Y. State of Mind Life's a Bitch The World Is Yours Halftime Side B Memory Lane (Sittin' in Da Park) One Love One Time 4 Your Mind Represent It Ain't Hard to Tell