Just days are receiving his very first Grammy award, Nas has received another honor.
His seminal and influential debut album, Illmatic, will be added to the National Recording Registry by the Library Of Congress. The album will be one of 25 new additions that will be preserved by the Library, alongside Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814, “When the Saints Go Marching In” by Louis Armstrong, Labelle’s “Lady Marmalade,” Kermit the Frog’s “The Rainbow Connection,” Kool & the Gang’s “Celebration,” and others.
“The National Recording Registry will preserve our history through these vibrant recordings of music and voices that have reflected our humanity and shaped our culture from the past 143 years,” Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden said. “We received about 900 public nominations this year for recordings to add to the registry, and we welcome the public’s input as the Library of Congress and its partners preserve the diverse sounds of history and culture.”
Illmatic follows the inductions of Jay-Z (with The Blueprint, in 2019) and Dr. Dre (with The Chronic, in 2020).
