"Illmatic" marks the debut studio album by American rapper Nas, hitting the shelves on April 19, 1994, under Columbia Records. Crafted in the hardcore hip hop vein, the album showcases Nas' mastery of multi-syllabic internal rhymes and vivid inner-city narratives drawn from his upbringing in the Queensbridge Houses of Queens, New York City.
 
Since its inception, "Illmatic" has earned widespread acclaim from writers and music critics alike, cementing its status as a landmark album in East Coast hip hop. Its profound influence on subsequent generations of hip hop artists stems from both its innovative production and Nas' lyrical prowess. Moreover, the album played a pivotal role in revitalizing the New York City rap scene, ushering in a wave of stylistic trends to the region.
Regarded as one of the greatest and most influential hip hop albums of all time, "Illmatic" has secured its place on numerous best album lists compiled by critics and publications. Billboard went as far as to declare it as "the best hip-hop album ever" in 2015. Furthermore, in 2020, Rolling Stone honored the album by ranking it at number 44 on its prestigious list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. The same year, the Library of Congress recognized its cultural significance by selecting it for preservation in the National Recording Registry.