Once, there was an MC who was touted as the successor to the mighty Rakim. Known as Nasty Nas and later just Nas, his debut album, "Illmatic," was even more highly anticipated in many quarters than Snoop Doggy Dogg's seminal "Doggystyle." First appearing to the world at large on Main Source's "Live at the BBQ," Nas wowed listeners with his complex interweavings of ghetto tales. His ability to share visions from his surroundings was almost unparalleled.

Unfortunately, although critically acclaimed, for good reason, this album was commercially slept on. No doubt frustrated, he responded with "It Was Shitten," and "The InFirm," teaming with Foxy Skettel and AZ, another MC who was failing to live up to his potential. He also transformed his persona into a mafia wannabe named Nas Escobar, selling his soul to sell records. As a result, he alienated much of his original audience, although with Wackmasters production he managed to capture enough of hip-hop's new mainstream lemming audience to have significant commercial success.

Now, Nas faces a daunting task on his upcoming "I Am Nas" album, trying to reclaim his underground credibility while maintaining an appeal to the lemmings. For now though, pop Illmatic in the deck and reminisce on a true hip hop classic. Three tracks produced by DJ Premier, three by the Large Professor, one by Pete Rock, one by L.E.S. and one (the first major work) by Q-Tip, along with sheer lyrical brilliance equals raw, unadulterated hip-hop. "Yo Nas, yo what the fuck is this bullshit on the radio?" a voice asks him on the intro, "The Genesis." He would have done well to ask himself that question before releasing his second album.

Tracks to check for: All of them. I've said it before, but every track on this album elevates to a new level of excellence. Witness brilliant performances by Nas and AZ (in his first major appearance) on "Life's A Bitch." A lyricist has to be more than the mediocre that is the standard to carry an entire album with only one guest lyricist. On "N.Y. State of Mind," where Primo goes off as only Primo can. On "The World Is Yours," Pete Rock flips an ill off key piano riff. "One Love," Nas' letter to his man locked down which became an anthem. "Represent," my favourite track, a hype, upbeat song over another Primo Work of Mart, and "It Ain't Hard To Tell," containing the first ever Michael Jackson sample (bitten a couple of years later by SWV).

The final verdict: If you don't yet own this album, you need to. It's as simple as that. If you believe that "It Was Shitten" is a good album, go have a good listen to this. This is a MUST have for your collection, and a purchase that you will never regret making.

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