Time is Illmatic
The story behind what's considered the best hip hop album ever made.
Overview
New York rapper Nas was just 20 when he made his 1994 album Illmatic, generally regarded as the best hip-hop album ever made. Two decades later, In One9's documentary Time is Illmatic Nas appears humbled by his huge success and is quick to acknowledge those who paved the way as well as those who didn't survive the mean streets of Queensbridge, the largest public housing development in North America.
The film makers focus here more on the album's conception than on Nas' more recent output or the broader musical context of the times. His father Olu Dara makes a welcome appearance as does his brother Jabari "Jungle" Jones who provides plenty of laughs. An evocative trip down memory lane for hip hop fans.
Click here to see more of our picks at the NZ International Film Festival 2014.
Information
- The Ten Best Restaurants in Auckland
- Twelve Incredible Australian Islands for When You Want to Get Off the Mainland
- The Best Places to Go Glamping in New Zealand
- The Most Romantic Places to Stay in Bali When Proposals and Honeymoons Come Calling
- Our Guide to the Best Glamping Sites Around Australia
- Ten Films and TV Shows You Need to Stream This Month