Nas "It Was Written" (2024 Reissue) picture disc made by the bands sound

made by the bands sound engineer on a Sony Walkman

White" to the Thai funk inspired "Dern Kala" to the the surf rock of "Zionsville"

while the album cover features an incredible shot of Betty captured in London in the mid-1970s by renowned photographer Kate Simon

they unlocked a distinct sound upon forming Black Map during 2014

Nas "It Was Written" (2024 Reissue) picture disc made by the bands soundIllmatic, the 1994 studio debut of Nasir "Nas" Jones, was more than just a critical success for the Queensbridge based rapper. At a time when East Coast hip hop was increasingly being taken less seriously than their West Coast counterparts, Illmatic's raw jazz and soul based production, dire atmosphere and lyrics, coupled with Nas' uncompromising flow was integral in restoring interest in the East Coast as a hotbed of hip hop artistry. Along with key