The Impact of Large Professor’s Production on Nas’ Classic Albums
Introduction
When discussing the greatest lyricists in hip-hop history, Nas is a name that consistently comes up. With classic albums like “Illmatic,” “It Was Written,” and “Stillmatic” under his belt, Nas has solidified himself as one of the most influential and talented rappers of all time. But behind every great rapper is a great producer, and one of the key figures in Nas’ early career was Large Professor.
Early Collaboration
Large Professor, also known as Large Pro or Extra P, is a legendary producer and rapper hailing from Queens, New York. He was a member of the group Main Source, and it was through this connection that he first collaborated with Nas. Large Professor produced a number of tracks on Nas’ debut album, “Illmatic,” which is often regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time.
The Sound of Illmatic
One of the key elements that Large Professor brought to Nas’ debut album was his signature boom-bap production style. “Illmatic” is known for its gritty, raw sound that perfectly complements Nas’ introspective and vivid storytelling. Tracks like “Halftime” and “One Time 4 Your Mind” showcase Large Professor’s ability to create beats that are both hard-hitting and soulful, providing the perfect backdrop for Nas’ complex lyrical content.
It Was Written
Following the success of “Illmatic,” Nas released his second album, “It Was Written,” in 1996. Once again, Large Professor was instrumental in the production of the album, contributing tracks like “It Ain’t Hard to Tell” and “Life’s a Bitch.” “It Was Written” marked a departure from the raw, street sound of “Illmatic,” incorporating more commercial production elements while still maintaining Nas’ lyrical prowess.
The Evolution of Nas’ Sound
Large Professor’s influence on Nas’ sound can be seen in the evolution of his style over the years. While Nas is often praised for his storytelling abilities and intricate rhyme schemes, it was Large Professor’s production that helped shape the sonic landscape of his early albums. From the jazzy samples of “Illmatic” to the more polished production on “It Was Written,” Large Professor played a crucial role in defining Nas’ sound in the 90s.
Stillmatic
In 2001, Nas released “Stillmatic,” a critically acclaimed album that marked a return to his roots. Once again, Large Professor played a significant role in the production of the album, providing beats for tracks like “One Mic” and “Got Ur Self A…”. “Stillmatic” was seen as a return to form for Nas, with its hard-hitting production and introspective lyrics reminiscent of his early work with Large Professor.
Legacy
The impact of Large Professor’s production on Nas’ classic albums cannot be overstated. From the gritty sound of “Illmatic” to the more commercial appeal of “It Was Written,” Large Professor’s influence can be heard throughout Nas’ early discography. His ability to create beats that complement Nas’ lyrical prowess helped solidify the rapper’s place in hip-hop history, and their collaborations continue to be celebrated by fans and critics alike.
In conclusion, the partnership between Nas and Large Professor resulted in some of the greatest hip-hop music of the 90s. Their collaborations on albums like “Illmatic,” “It Was Written,” and “Stillmatic” helped shape the sound of hip-hop during that era, and their influence continues to be felt in the genre to this day. With Nas’ lyrical prowess and Large Professor’s production skills, the two artists created a body of work that will stand the test of time.
