Time is Illmatic, a music documentary on Nas’ rise to fame and the release 20 years ago of his classic album, Illmatic, opened the Tribeca Film Festival on Wednesday, April 16 at New York’s Beacon Theatre.

In 1994, Nas erupted on the music scene with his debut album, Illmatic, when he was only 20-years-old. Illmatic is associated with a movement that aims to focus rap music on powerful lyrics and wordplay, and Nas is, certainly, still considered one of the best. Illmatic celebrated its official 20th anniversary on Tuesday, April 15. For Nas and the Illmatic filmmaker, the 1994 album is still just as relevant today as it was 20 years ago.

“If you look at conditions then and now, not much has changed for the people Nas represented. But so much has changed in the world. What was important for us to tell is that Nas is a genius, but he’s one of just a few that made it out,” said writer and producer Erik Parker.

The film exposes the violence and drug use that surrounded Nas growing up in the 1980s and 90s, and the social struggles that influenced his writings. Time Is Illmatic follows Nas’ childhood in Queensbridge, and his journey to educate himself after dropping out of school in the 8th grade. The focus of the documentary, however, lies in the making of his breakout album, and features interviews of family members and producers who worked with Nas at the time.

Interestingly, Nas was not a part of the film until it was almost finished, perhaps a bit apprehensive at the idea of being vulnerable with the filmmakers, cameras and viewers.

“It was hard. But I’m happy I did. I’m forever grateful,” Nas admitted when asked what it was like to open up in front of the cameras.

Along with the documentary, Nas is also revisiting his first album this summer, when he will be going on tour and performing the 20th anniversary edition, Illmatic XX, from start to finish. At the premiere, Nas said that he is enjoying revisiting his old songs because it gives him the opportunity to truly experience his first album in ways he didn’t when he was younger.

“I think when it originally came out, I was so out of it – like, gone. I was in this party state where I didn’t get the chance to enjoy most of it. Now I enjoy it a lot more,” Nas said.

Robert De Niro introduced the premiere screening next to Tribeca co-founder Jane Rosenthal, and Nas offered him a shout out while onstage, saying, “I want to thank Robert De Niro. He plays me in the movies.” The next day, Nas thanked De Niro again, this time on twitter, declaring the night “one of my greatest nights ever.”

The premiere of Time is Illmatic was followed by a performance by Nas, who did songs from his 1994 album for a packed crowd. Alicia Keys joined Nas onstage for a surprise guest performance, and Nas also invited his younger brother, Jabari, and his two nephews to join him onstage during the set.

– Olivia Truffaut-Wong

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