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Nas - It Was Written

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description Nas - It Was Written Overview

It Was Written is the second studio album by New York rapper Nas, released in July 1996 on Columbia Records. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and included the commercial hit single 'If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)' featuring Lauryn Hill. Its production, largely handled by the Trackmasters, shifted toward a more polished, mainstream sound compared with his debut, Illmatic. The album also includes the track 'The Message,' which helped introduce the mafioso rap subgenre to a wider audience.

help Nas - It Was Written FAQ

Why did It Was Written sound different from Illmatic?

Nas adopted more polished production, a stronger narrative persona, and several radio-oriented hooks on his second album. Trackmasters contributed prominently, while Dr. Dre produced the collaboration "Nas Is Coming."

Who are The Firm on It Was Written?

"Affirmative Action" brings Nas together with AZ, Foxy Brown, and Cormega as an early version of The Firm. Cormega was later replaced by Nature before the group's 1997 album.

Which songs were the biggest singles from It Was Written?

"If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)," featuring Lauryn Hill, became the album's signature crossover single. "Street Dreams" was another major release and uses a melody associated with Eurythmics' "Sweet Dreams."

Did It Was Written debut at number one?

Yes. The 1996 album entered the Billboard 200 at number one and remained there for four consecutive weeks, giving Nas a much larger commercial audience than Illmatic initially reached.

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