These 8 New York Rappers Explain Why Nas’ ‘Illmatic’ Is Important To Them

Today marks the 23rd anniversary of Nas' classic Illmatic. The album, released during what's known as the Golden Era of hip-hop, has impacted an array of artists. We've asked eight New York rappers about Illmatic, their reactions to it and how it affected their lives. Some are younger than the album itself, most weren't old enough to understand it when it came out, but each developed their own affinity for it and took it to heart. From fellow Queens rappers Action Bronson and Chinx to Harlem's own Bodega Bamz, here are their stories.

Previously: 6 Big Takeaways From Nas’ ‘Time Is Illmatic’ Documentary Premiere
Nas’ Time Is Illmatic Documentary Has Been In The Works For 10 Years
MC Serch Always Knew Nas’ Illmatic Was The Greatest Album Of All Time
Illmatic A&R Faith Newman On Nas’ Wild Early Days
Nas Says New York City Wrote Illmatic
Nas’ 20 Best Lines On Illmatic
The Making Of Nas’ Illmatic — XXL Issue 112