When Nas released It Was Written on July 2, 1996, expectations couldn’t have been higher. Two years earlier, he had delivered Illmatic, an album widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop records ever made. Rather than trying to recreate that underground classic, Nas took a bold risk by expanding his sound, embracing cinematic storytelling, polished production, and mainstream appeal.

Thirty years later, It Was Written stands as one of the defining albums of the 1990s and a cornerstone of East Coast hip-hop.

Following a Classic Is Never Easy

Few artists have faced the pressure Nas encountered after Illmatic. While critics praised his debut as a masterpiece, it wasn’t a massive commercial success. Determined to reach a broader audience without sacrificing his lyrical excellence, Nas teamed with production heavyweights including Trackmasters, DJ Premier, Dr. Dre, Havoc, and L.E.S.

The result was an album that balanced radio-ready singles with gritty street narratives and intricate lyricism. Released on July 2, 1996, It Was Written debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, sold over 270,000 copies in its first week, and eventually became Nas’ best-selling album, earning triple-platinum certification.

A New Persona: Nas Escobar

One of the album’s most memorable elements was the introduction of the “Nas Escobar” persona. Inspired by crime films like Scarface and the growing mafioso rap movement, Nas crafted vivid stories filled with ambition, betrayal, power, and survival.

This artistic shift influenced countless rappers who followed, helping establish mafioso rap as one of the defining sounds of the late 1990s.

Timeless Tracks That Still Hit Today

Three decades later, many songs from It Was Written remain staples in hip-hop conversations.

“The Message” opens the album with one of the most iconic first verses in rap history, setting a cinematic tone that carries throughout the project.

“I Gave You Power“ remains one of hip-hop’s greatest storytelling records, told entirely from the perspective of a handgun. Its creativity continues to inspire artists across generations.

“Take It in Blood” showcases Nas at his lyrical peak, packed with quotable bars and elite wordplay.

The album also delivered commercial success through hits like:

• “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” featuring Lauryn Hill
• “Street Dreams”
• “Nas Is Coming” featuring Dr. Dre

“If I Ruled the World” became one of Nas’ signature songs and introduced his music to an even larger audience.

The Critics Were Divided

At the time, some fans criticized Nas for moving toward a more commercial sound. Comparisons to Illmatic were inevitable, and many questioned whether he had abandoned his underground roots.

History has been much kinder.

Over the years, It Was Written has been reevaluated as one of the greatest rap albums ever recorded. What some once viewed as “selling out” is now recognized as artistic growth and evidence that Nas could evolve without losing his identity. The album is now regularly included on lists of hip-hop’s greatest releases.

The Album’s Lasting Influence

The impact of It Was Written reaches far beyond its sales numbers.

Its influence can be heard in artists who blend street narratives with polished production. The album helped normalize cinematic storytelling, luxury crime narratives, and concept-driven lyricism that became staples of late-’90s and early-2000s rap.

Its collaborations also showcased Nas’ versatility, proving he could dominate lyrical showcases while delivering crossover records capable of reaching mainstream audiences.

Thirty Years Later

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, It Was Written deserves recognition not simply as the album that followed Illmatic, but as a classic in its own right.

It proved that greatness doesn’t always mean repeating yourself. Sometimes it means taking risks, evolving creatively, and trusting your vision despite criticism.

Thirty years after its release, It Was Written remains essential listening reminder that Nas wasn’t just capable of making one legendary album. He was building one of the greatest hip-hop catalogs we have ever seen. Check out the track listing and stream link to the It Was Written album below.

It Was Written Track Listing

1. Album Intro
2. The Message
3. Street Dreams
4. I Gave You Power
5. Watch Dem Niggas ft. Foxy Brown
6. Take It In Blood
7. Nas is Coming ft. Dr. Dre
8. Affirmative Action ft. The Firm
9. The Set Up ft. Havoc
10. Black Girl Lost
11. Suspects
12. Shootout
13. Live Nigga Rap ft. Mobb Deep
14. If I Ruled the World (Imagine That) ft. Lauryn Hill