It Was Written (Gold Vinyl)

“It Was Written” stands as the second studio album by American rapper Nas, released on 2 July 1996, through Columbia Records. Departing from the raw, underground feel of his debut album “Illmatic” (1994), Nas opted for a more polished, mainstream sound for this project. The majority of the album was produced by Trackmasters and embraced themes of mafioso and gangsta culture. Additionally, it marked the debut of Nas’s short-lived supergroup, The Firm, featuring Foxy Brown, AZ, and Cormega.

The album achieved commercial success, selling 270,000 copies in its debut week and securing the top spot on the US Billboard 200 chart. While receiving mostly positive reviews, it also attracted criticism for its departure from Nas’s acclaimed debut and accusations of “selling out” within the hip-hop community. Despite this, “It Was Written” remains Nas’s best-selling album, with over three million copies sold.

After the critical success of “Illmatic,” Nas shifted towards a more mainstream direction, influenced by his shy persona and lack of involvement in promoting his debut. Collaborations with artists like Kool G Rap and Raekwon signalled this transition. Financial strains prompted Nas to seek a loan for attire to attend the Source Awards, where the success of The Notorious B.I.G. and Puff Daddy urged him to recalibrate his commercial approach. This led to the hiring of Steve “The Commissioner” Stoute as his manager and collaboration with the production team Trackmasters for his second album.

The album’s production was mastered by Tom Coyne at Sterling Sound in New York City, with Aimée Macauley designing the album cover and Danny Clinch handling the photography.

“It Was Written” departed from the minimalist production of “Illmatic,” adopting a more elaborate G-funk sound characterised by sampled funk grooves. Nas adopted the persona of “Nas Escobar,” inspired by Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, exploring themes of materialism and mafioso culture. Notably, the album featured guest vocals from Lauryn Hill on “If I Ruled the World” and depicted vivid narratives such as “Street Dreams” and “I Gave You Power,” where Nas raps from the perspective of a gun.

The album received generally positive reviews, with critics praising Nas’s lyricism and storytelling. However, it faced criticism for its commercial leanings and departure from the authenticity of “Illmatic.” Despite this, it was recognised for its impact on mainstream hip-hop and Nas’s expanding fanbase. In hindsight, critics have praised Nas’s lyricism and the album’s production, acknowledging its significance in bridging critical acclaim with commercial success. Despite initial comparisons to “Illmatic,” “It Was Written” is viewed as Nas’s commercial breakthrough, establishing his prominence in mainstream hip-hop. While opinions on its superiority over “Illmatic” vary, the album’s impact on Nas’s career trajectory remains undeniable.