There are no shortage of accolades for illmatic. Most folks are in agreement that it is a perfect hip-hop record. For me the uplifting musical samples and how well they lay on the beats is what is so extraordinary.

Steve Huey at Allmusic writes: Often cited as one of the best hip-hop albums of the '90s, Illmatic is the undisputed classic upon which Nas' reputation rests. It helped spearhead the artistic renaissance of New York hip-hop in the post-Chronic era, leading a return to street aesthetics. Yet even if Illmatic marks the beginning of a shift away from Native Tongues-inspired alternative rap, it's strongly rooted in that sensibility. For one, Nas employs some of the most sophisticated jazz-rap producers around: Q-Tip, Pete Rock, DJ Premier, and Large Professor, who underpin their intricate loops with appropriately tough beats. But more importantly, Nas takes his place as one of hip-hop's greatest street poets -- his rhymes are highly literate, his raps superbly fluid regardless of the size of his vocabulary. He's able to evoke the bleak reality of ghetto life without losing hope or forgetting the good times, which become all the more precious when any day could be your last. As a narrator, he doesn't get too caught up in the darker side of life -- he's simply describing what he sees in the world around him, and trying to live it up while he can. He's thoughtful but ambitious, announcing on "N.Y. State of Mind" that "I never sleep, 'cause sleep is the cousin of death," and that he's "out for dead presidents to represent me" on "The World Is Yours." Elsewhere, he flexes his storytelling muscles on the classic cuts "Life's a Bitch" and "One Love," the latter a detailed report to a close friend in prison about how allegiances within their group have shifted. Hip-hop fans accustomed to 73-minute opuses sometimes complain about Illmatic's brevity, but even if it leaves you wanting more, it's also one of the few '90s rap albums with absolutely no wasted space. Illmatic reveals a great lyricist in top form meeting great production, and it remains a perennial favorite among serious hip-hop fans.

Illmatic is the debut album by American rapper Nas, released in 1994 by Columbia Records. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential hip hop albums of all time, as well as a masterpiece of East Coast hip hop.

The album features Nas’ vivid storytelling and complex rhymes, as he depicts life in the Queensbridge housing projects of New York City. He covers topics such as poverty, violence, racism, drug abuse, and self-determination. He also pays homage to his influences and mentors, such as Rakim, Kool G Rap, and Q-Tip.

Illmatic boasts an impressive lineup of producers, who provide diverse and innovative beats for Nas to rap over. DJ Premier, Large Professor, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, L.E.S., and Nas himself contribute to the album’s production, creating a sonic landscape that ranges from gritty and hard-hitting to smooth and soulful. The album also features guest appearances from AZ, who delivers a memorable verse on “Life’s a Bitch”, and Q-Tip, who sings the hook on “One Love”.

Illmatic was not a commercial success when it was first released, selling only 63,000 copies in its first week. However, it received critical acclaim from music critics and hip hop fans alike, who praised its production and Nas’ lyricism. The album earned a rare five-mic rating from The Source magazine, and is considered by many to be one of the best rap albums ever made.

Illmatic has influenced many artists and genres, such as Jay-Z, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, and grime. It is also widely sampled and referenced in hip hop culture. Some of the most notable songs that sample Illmatic are “Dead Presidents” by Jay-Z, “Stan” by Eminem, “Sing About Me” by Kendrick Lamar, and “Otis” by Kanye West and Jay-Z.