This debate topic went up first last year, November 18 2021. Let’s revisit the topic and then we’ll discuss it on HipHop-Album-Debate, “The Podcast” Episode 53. Sounds like the play
Let’s go back to the ’90s on this debate — 1994 to back exact. This is the year Nas and Scarface’s Illmatic and The Diary, respectively, entered the universe. The former came first, so we’ll start with that one.
After exceptional features on Main Source’s, “Live at the Barbeque” and MC Serch’s “Back to the Grill,” the Hip Hop world was ready for Illmatic.
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In “NY State of Mind,” one of the more popular songs on the album, Nas gave us the gritty side of the city that’s mostly known for fashion & bright lights.
AZ, Nas fellow partner in rhyme, nearly stole the show in “Life’s A Bitch.” But of course, Nasir wouldn’t allow that.
“I woke up early on my born day; I’m 20, it’s a blessin’,” Nas spits. “The essence of adolescence leaves my body, now I’m fresh and…”
The album was influential in more ways than one. Jay-Z would borrow a line from “The World is Yours” to create “Dead Presidents II,” a song on his debut, Reasonable Doubt.
Illmatic peaked at the number 12 spot on the US Billboard 200 and number 2 on US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. It was certified Gold within a year. It would go onto reach Double-Platinum status.
Like Nas, Scarface had already made a name for himself, but in a different way. As a member of the Geto Boys, Face along with group mates, Bushwick Bill and Willie D, released several highly successful albums. In addition, Face was two albums in by ’94. The Diary was his third release as a solo artist.
The Dairy was a street record, but not your typical. For example, any foe of Face didn’t rest well after listening to “The White Sheet” and “Jesse James.”
The album was recognized for it’s dark themes, which involved death. Face had discuss the topic like no other. “I Seen a Man Die,” the album’s lead single, was a clear example.
One of my personal favorite aspects from the album was Face piggybacking off an early Geto Boys classic.
“I finally found a woman who could deal wit me,” Face raps in “Minds Playin’ Tricks ’94.”
“Back then I had a woman who wasn’t real wit me/And now she’s back with her old lady/And now, I got it goin’ on and they sure hate me.”
The Diary peaked at the number 2 spot on both the US Billboard 200 and US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. It was certified Platinum.
We have two albums — Illmatic and The Diary — by most critics accounts were worthy of a perfect score. In your opinion, which was better?
Nas’ ILLmatic or Scarface’s The Diary?
[Polls Are Closed!]
Nas – ILLmatic – 70%
Scarface – The Diary – 30%
