Top 5 ~ Nas Albums

EMGWorld lists the top 5 albums from hip-hop icon Nas

Written by Team EMGWorld

From Nasty to Nastradamas to God’s Son, Nas has always separated himself from the norm.  Now the self-proclaimed ‘Don’ is gearing up to release what should be considered as one of the greatest hip-hop albums to be released in years with ‘Life is Good.’  EMGWorld examines Nas’ body of work and lists the top 5 albums to be released by the Street’s Disciple.

5. Streets Disciple (2005)

Maybe it was bad timing?  Maybe it was poor marketing?  But for whatever reason, 'Streets Disciple' seemed to fall through the cracks when it released in 2005.  The double-disc album contained several great records, but I guess the album’s lead single “Bridging the Gap” scared fans away.  I guess music listeners just didn’t want to take a chance on an album with its first single featuring an artist and his father singing the blues…

So slept on.....

4. I Am (1999)

Many will argue that 'I Am' should not be on the list, but it still is considered as a solid body of work by hip-hop fans across the world.  The album definitely moved Nas further away from his original underground sound and more into the commercial lane.  The album’s lead single “Hate Me Now” ft. Puff Daddy (now Diddy) was a complete 180 from the poetic sound Nas had established.  Nevertheless, 'I Am' remains worthy of its place on our list.

3. Stillmatic (2001)

By the time 'Stillmatic' was released, Nas was no longer at the top of the throne in hip-hop.  In fact, Nas had practically fallen out of the picture as one of hip-hop’s rulers.  Jay-z made it that much clearer when he ‘thrashed’ Nas on the epic single “Takeover” off his historic album ‘The Blueprint.’  The QB legend artistically departed Hov with perhaps the greatest diss track ever in “Ether.”  What makes 'Stillmatic' so special as an album is the fact that it restored Nas’ career and place among the greats in hip-hop.

2. It Was Written (1996)

Many consider the album as a bailout from Nas’ allegiance to non-commercial hip-hop, but 'It Was Written' is nothing short of a classic.  The album featured guest appearances from Lauryn Hill, Foxy Brown, Dr. Dre and more with lead single “If I Ruled The World” ft. Lauryn Hill.  'It Was Written' gave Nas the commercial success that his debut album 'Illmatic' rightfully deserved.

1. Illmatic (1994)

Without question, 'Illmatic' is arguably one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all-time.  Compiled of just 10 songs, Nas hit 10 home runs on 'Illmatic.'  Though the album was not a commercial success, Illmatic is considered as the tracing paper for every artist who possesses authentic lyrical talent.  It’s impossible for any artist to have not been influenced by Nas’ unmatched display of metaphors and lyrical delivery in his debut album.  'Illmatic' was more than just a collection of songs.  'Illmatic' was a STATEMENT…