Illmatic : Where Are They Now?

Nas's debut was backed by an all-star lineup.

Aimee Macauley - The original, unreleased Illmatic artwork reportedly featured Nas holding Jesus Christ in a headlock. Thankfully, instead of that needlessly provocative image, art director Aimee Macauley crafted the iconic, unforgettable album cover featuring a photo of a young Nas superimposed over a picture of his native Queensbridge housing project. The image perfectly encapsulated the vivid, first-person street narratives of the album. Macauley has continued to work as an acclaimed designer, with Will Smith, the Jonas Brothers, Katy Perry and more.(Photo: Courtesy Commodi-t.com)
Pete Rock - Iconic beatmaker and MC, Pete Rock had already produced classics for Heavy D, Public Enemy and his go-to MC CL Smooth when he collab'ed with Nas. But the result, "The World Is Yours," is undoubtedly one of his greatest works, and arguably one of Nas's best songs as well. PR has recorded, DJ'ed and toured extensively since then, dropping several solo albums and producing for various rappers and singers. He recently thrust his name back in the spotlight by producing "The Joy" from Jay Z's and Kanye West's Watch the Throne.   (Photo: Terrence Jennings/PictureGroup)
Nas - Despite this amazing list of collaborators, Illmatic is primarily about Nas: his perspective, his raspy delivery, and above all, his virtuous mic skills. We don't need to tell you that he's become one of hip hop's greats in the years since Illmatic, dropping several acclaimed albums including his eleventh studio album, Life Is Good, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in 2012, and was widely praised as one of his best full-lengths in years. This year, to celebrate 20 years since his seminal debut, God's Son released Illmatic XX complete with remixes of all the originals, plus a bonus track; and he opened his first documentary, Time Is Illmatic, at the Tribeca Film Festival.(Photo: Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images)

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Pete Rock - Iconic beatmaker and MC, Pete Rock had already produced classics for Heavy D, Public Enemy and his go-to MC CL Smooth when he collab'ed with Nas. But the result, "The World Is Yours," is undoubtedly one of his greatest works, and arguably one of Nas's best songs as well. PR has recorded, DJ'ed and toured extensively since then, dropping several solo albums and producing for various rappers and singers. He recently thrust his name back in the spotlight by producing "The Joy" from Jay Z's and Kanye West's Watch the Throne.   (Photo: Terrence Jennings/PictureGroup)

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