Watch Nas: Time Is Illmatic

Nas: Time Is Illmatic is a 2014 documentary that chronicles the creation of rapper Nas' highly influential debut album, Illmatic, and explores the cultural and societal factors that inspired its creation. Directed by One9 and written by Erik Parker, the film provides a fascinating look at one of the most significant hip-hop albums of all time and how it impacted not only the music industry, but also the wider social and political landscape of the time.

The film is framed around Nas' personal journey and how his experiences growing up in Queensbridge, New York, shaped his music and worldview. We are taken on a journey through Nas' childhood, where he witnessed the harsh reality of inner-city life and violence, and how these experiences turned him towards music as a form of escape and creative expression. We also get a sense of the community that shaped him as an artist, with interviews from his family, friends, and other members of the Queensbridge community.

The heart of the film centers around the creation of Illmatic, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. The filmmakers take us through each track on the album, exploring the inspiration behind each song and the creative process that went into its production. We are given excerpts from interviews with Nas, as well as the producers, engineers, and musicians who worked on the record. The film provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and how Illmatic became a cultural touchstone.

The film also delves into the wider cultural and societal context in which Illmatic was created. We are reminded of the social and economic challenges that New York City faced during the 1990s, including the crack epidemic, police brutality, and the consequences of Reaganomics policies. We are also given insight into the rise of hip-hop as a cultural force and its impact on broader society. Through interviews with cultural commentators such as Cornel West and Pharrell Williams, the film explores how hip-hop spoke to and reflected the experiences of a generation of young, marginalized people who felt ignored by mainstream society.

Critically acclaimed, Nas: Time Is Illmatic was praised for its intimate look at Nas' personal journey and its broader exploration of the cultural, social, and political context of hip-hop in the 1990s. It was praised for its innovative approach to storytelling, with the filmmakers weaving together interviews, archival footage, and animation in a way that kept the audience engaged and interested. The film was also widely celebrated for its excellent soundtrack, which featured tracks from Illmatic, as well as other classic hip-hop hits from the era.

In summary, Nas: Time Is Illmatic is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary that highlights the importance and impact of Nas' debut album and explores the broader cultural context in which it was created. It is a must-watch for any fan of hip-hop or anyone interested in the social and cultural history of the United States during the 1990s.

Nas: Time Is Illmatic is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 72.