Time Is Illmatic Review

"Deep like the Shining, sparkle like a diamond. Sneak a Uzi on the island in my army jacket lining. Hit the Earth like a comet – invasion! Nas is like the Afrocentric Asian, half-man, half-amazing." - Nas from the song "It Aint Hard To Tell."




It's one of my favorite lyrics from one of the greatest rap albums of all time. If you're a fan of Hip Hop, then it's a good chance you heard of rapper by the name of Nas. You probably also heard of an album that change the landscapes of lyricism called "Illmatic." There is no doubt that Nas has put his mark in the music world and in Hip Hop. However it's his first album that still spawns so much praise. Illmatic has spawn books from authors like Michael Eric Dyson who analyze Ilmatic from a social stand point. Illmatic has spawn references in other songs and remixes. Now Illmatic gets it's own documentary entitled "Time Is Illmatic." 

"Time Is Illmatic" tells the story of Nas from his early beginnings to the release of his first album. If you wanted an in depth look at Nas where he grew up, how his environment shape him this is the documentary for you. Fans of Nas have heard the story of how grew up, how Queensbridge shaped him into the icon that he is today. However this documentary not only shows you his beginnings but gives a more deeper look into his upbringing. Nas gives you a more inside look at his family. He tells stories of his mother Ann Jones and the relationship she had with his father Jazz musician Olu Daru. We also get in depth interviews from his father, his brother and rappers that paved the way for him. The documentary does a great job of showing how some songs were made, or what inspired them. The documentary however doesn't show the effect the album had on a culture. It didn't explore how it inspire an entire generation of talent that we see today. It's main focus is telling the story on how Nas grew up and gave birth to Illmatic. I would have loved to hear how Nas influence other people's careers like Lupe Fiasco and many more of today's artist. Overall "Time Is Illmatic" is a good documentary telling the story of Nas early days. Fans who seen his "Behind The Music" special will say it's nothing new under the sun. Instead approach this documentary with a fresh take on Nas beginnings.