Nas to Screen ‘Illmatic’ Documentary and Perform at Orpheum

Ani Mikaelian

American rapper, songwriter and actor Nas is set to debut his documentary, “Nas: Time is Illmatic” at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles on Saturday, Oct. 18. The screening will be followed by a special live performance of the album “Illimatic” in its entirety that is sure to provide a unique experience for old and new fans alike.

Since coming out on the music scene in 1991, Nas has released eight, consecutive platinum and multi-platinum albums and sold over 25 million records worldwide. Released in 1994, “Illmatic” is what earned Nas his notoriety by debuting at #12 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart and selling 59,000 copies in its first week alone. Both writers and critics cite this work as a landmark album in East Coast hip hop, having influenced the revival of the New York City rap scene.

“Illmatic” covers a wide range of topics including gang rivalries, isolation, and the damages of urban poverty. At 22 years old, Nas created lyrical narratives depicting his experiences as a troubled teenager growing up in Queens, New York. The majority of the album combines vintage funk, soul and jazz, which is a result of Nas and his team’s inspiration from the music they treasured as children.

In 2001 Nas stated, “When I made ‘Illmatic’ I was a little kid in Queensbridge trapped in the ghetto. My soul was trapped in Queensbridge projects.” A little over a decade later in 2012, Nas added, “When my rap generation started, it was about bringing you inside my apartment. It wasn’t about being a rap star; it was about anything other than. I want you to know who I am: what the streets taste like, feel like, smell like.”

“Nas: Time is Illmatic” explores the life of Nas in 1994 by documenting the creation and influence of his album “Illmatic.” 2014 marks the album’s 20-year anniversary, and since then the tracks have been immortalized in American hip hop. Directed by One9 and written by Erik Parker, the documentary features many familiar faces including Alicia Keys, Fab 5 Freddy, Busta Rhymes, Swizz Beatz, Q-Tip, along with Nas himself.

Nas will be performing at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, Oct. 18. A limited quantity of tickets is available at Stubhub.