I always thought that the "Golden Age" referred to an early, now incredibly dated-sounding, almost disco inspired version of hip-hop that this album basically put an end to. I guess I don't know my hip-hop history.

When I think "golden age" I think late 80s/early 90s, jazz samples, socially conscious or lighthearted lyrics, high top fades, Native Tongues, etc.

There is no such thing as a Golden Age. That's an idea that only comes up after many years have passed from the 'age' itself, it always changes, and it's always subjective.

I agree with whoever thinks Illmatic is one of the best hip-hop albums ever.

This album is amazing. The beats are great but what gets me are the lyrics. Completely amazing. I'm a big folk fan, Dylan included, and I think this album ranks up there with Bringing It All Back Home and Blonde on Blonde, if not better. "One Love" is really poetry set to music. The last few lines of that song are so good, when Nas describes the cyclical nature of poverty in the black community and such. Completely amazing. It's a fucking social commentary, not just an album. This is more of a social commentary than anything Public Enemy did or Wu-Tang because it was so real. With Illmatic, Nas proves that he is one of the best story tellers rap, or even modern music, has seen.

Every song is amazing, except maybe "Life's a Bitch", good but I usually skip it for something better on the album. Other than that every song is a favorite in one way or another. "One Love" is probably my favorite of the favorites. Such a powerful song.

A video from way back in the day about Illmatic. Kinda cool to hear guys like Q Tip, Pete Rock, and Large Professor talking about it before it even came out.

Listening to it right now, it took me a few listens to sink in but now one of my favourite albums. The production is my favourite on any rap album I've listened to.

You're just now listening to Illmatic?

i'll probably get a good amount of flack for this, but i've listened to this album multiple times and i could never really get into it. maybe because i was never too big on 90s hip hop, but every time i listened to this album i just felt like i was meandering and nothing really grabbed me. i would agree that it's overrated.

really, in terms of describing urban inner city life, i think Cannibal Ox's The Cold Vein expressed it with much more of a visceral way that hits right where you feel. compared to that, Nas' way of descriptive rapping falls short.

even so, i do respect its influence and i can understand why people at the time and even now can see it as greatness. it's just that it didn't grab me, is all.

This is what musicbanter is all about! I would probably have never listened to Illmatic if it weren't for this site.

If you're just listening to Illmatic, then I've got a lot to teach you guys about hip-hop. Everyone who hasn't already listen to 'Distant Relatives' with Nas and Damian Marley, please give it a listen. I'd rank that album in the top 5 best albums of 2010.