Director: One9
Cast: Nas, Charles Jones III, Jabari Jones, Alicia Keys, Pharrell Williams, Q-Tip, Large Professor, Pete Rock, DJ Premier
Certificate: 15
Running time: 74 minutes
Extras: Deleted Scenes, Time Is Illmatic Album Breakdown
As an esteemed rapper, writer, record label owner, magazine publisher, actor, and Harvard honorary graduate, it was about time somebody made a film on the life and times of Nas, hip hop extraordinaire – and that’s exactly what director One9 has done.
Born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, son of jazz musician Olu Dara, Nas was destined to be involved in music in some way. Along with his younger brother Jabari ‘Jungle’ Jones, Nas grew up in a section of the Long Island projects, Queensbridge House, home to around 6,000 people. Rhyming from an early age – and growing up in one of the most unpredictable areas of New York – Nas soon learnt that what he put into his lyrics mattered. In 1992 Nas was signed to Columbia Records, with his debut album Illmatic released in 1994, a record which has since gone on to gain platinum certification. He has since released seven consecutive platinum-selling albums, and sold over 25 million records worldwide.
As someone not familiar with Nas’ music or reputation, TIME IS ILLMATIC was a sort-of hip hop education for me. Featuring interviews with various artists and producers, as well as clips from his father and brother, this documentary gives fans an inside look into the making of Nas, not only as a rapper but as a person. Growing up in an environment filled with violence and drugs, the album certainly reflects these themes, with the film telling various stories of Nas’ involvement with the culture that surrounded him, including a harrowing recollection of the moment his best friend was shot. Focusing on his upbringing, teenage years, and the making of Illmatic, the audience are eased slowly and steadily into the world Nas grew up in, although some of the information we’re given is still a shock to the system.
Although the documentary follows typical conventions, the story it tells is one of survival and success. Highly recommended for any fans of Nas and the genre, but also great for anyone looking for inspiration or a welcoming into modern music history.
[usr=4] NAS: TIME IS ILLMATIC Limited Edition Dual Format Steelbook is out now, you can order it here via Dogwoof.
The DVD version is released on 12th January, 2015.
