Nas does Illmatic two decades after its release, and he's backed up by the National Symphony Orchestra. The recording took place at The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., and this symphonic rendition (accompanied by DJ Green Lantern) of the storied 5-mics hip-hop album is just epic, as it should be. A fitting celebration of the Queensbridge MC's magnum opus, Nas goes through the tracklist without missing a bar, and the crowd interaction is a bonus as you hear the rapper truly and comfortably rocking in his zone. A must pick-up for hip-hop fans, play from beginning to end, then repeat.

• 180g double vinyl pressing
• limited edition of 5,000
• gold foil embossed gatefold cover
• printed inserts w/ exclusive event photos
• includes 24" x 36" poster 
• digital download included
• music label: Mass Appeal Records 2018

reviewed by rei kwondo