B. Cox & J. Owe review Nas' second studio album It Was Written. It was his highly anticipated follow to his classic debut Illmatic. Upon release, the reviews were mostly mixed as most noticed the album had a more commecial feel and mixed with Mafioso and mob themes, and produced largely by the Trackmasters, which were seen by some as a departure from his debut. Despite some criticism, it became his best selling-album buoyed by a incredibly successful single with "If I Ruled The World" featuring Lauryn Hill.
Since then, the perception of the album has improved, with praise for Nas' improved lyricism and ability to tell stories with vivid imagery. A few emcees actually cite this work as their favorite Nas album over Illmatic.
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Show notes:
Complex: The Making of Nas' It Was Written
https://www.complex.com/music/2016/07/nas-the-making-of-it-was-written
Albumism: Nas' 'It Was Written' Turns 25 | Anniverary Retrospective
https://www.albumism.com/features/nas-it-was-written-turns-25-anniversary-retrospective
Revolt TV: Remember Nas' 'It Was Written' 25 Years Later
https://www.revolt.tv/2021/7/2/22561080/nas-it-was-written-album-25-anniversary
Legacy Recordings: Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Nas' 'It Was Written' with Newly Expanded Digital Addition
https://www.legacyrecordings.com/2021/06/24/legacy-recordings-celebrates-25th-anniversary-of-nas-it-was-written-with-newly-expanded-digital-edition/