Columbia Records
On April 19, 1994, 20-year-old, Nasir Jones, better known by his rap name Nas, released his critically acclaimed debut album, Illmatic.
The classic 10-track album is widely celebrated as one of the greatest— if not, the greatest —hip hop albums of all time, not only because of Nas’ unique and sophisticated lyricism but also because of its musical influence on hip hop culture.
Illmatic, which repeatedly reminds listeners that “The World is Yours,” was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America two years after its release, then went on to reach Platinum status by 2001 and two-times Platinum in 2019, for sales of two million
