Large Professor’s Reflection on Nas’ Musical Journey Post-‘Illmatic’
In the annals of hip-hop history, few albums have attained the iconic status of Nas’ 1994 debut Illmatic. Widely acclaimed by critics and fans alike, this seminal work is often regarded as one of the greatest rap albums of all time. The creative forces behind Illmatic, including the legendary producer Large Professor, helped to establish a template for lyrical depth and sonic texture that would shape the landscape of hip-hop for generations. However, as Large Professor recently revealed during his appearance on Math Hoffa’s My Expert Opinion, his relationship with Nas’ music following Illmatic has not been entirely positive, indicating that he found himself at odds with some of Nas’ post-Illmatic work.
Large Professor’s candid assessment highlights a critical aspect of artistic evolution: the divergence in creative direction that can arise between collaborators. Having co-produced several standout tracks on Illmatic, Large Pro possessed a unique insight into the artistic decisions that followed. His admission—“Some of it I didn’t agree with. I’m like, ‘Damn, I didn’t like where my man was taking it musically’”—speaks to the complexities of artistic expression and the personal connection that exists between artists. For Large Professor, the progression of Nas’ sound represented a departure from the thematic and stylistic choices that originally defined their collaboration.
Musical evolution, while often necessary for growth, can generate friction among artists. Large Professor’s critique is not merely nostalgic; rather, it underscores a universal truth in the artistic community—that change is not always embraced by peers. Nas, whose oeuvre has evolved significantly over the decades, has faced scrutiny for his shifts in style. In a 2021 interview with i-D magazine, he himself expressed some regret over elements of mid-career albums like I Am… and Nastradamus, indicating an awareness of the divisions that his choices had created within his fanbase and among fellow artists.
Despite his critiques, Large Professor expressed admiration for Nas’ recent collaborations, particularly with Hit-Boy, highlighting the transformative nature of Nas’ sound in a modern context. This shift suggests that while certain artistic choices may have displeased collaborators in the past, there is also the potential for reconciliation and growth. Large Professor’s acknowledgment of their shared history emphasizes that despite his differences, he continues to have immense respect for Nas as an artist and as a person. This respect paves the way for the possibility of future collaborations, as Large Professor remarked on the potential for a new project, envisioning “high-bar exquisite shit” that could arise from a resurgence of their partnership.
As Nas approaches the release of a long-anticipated joint album with DJ Premier, the conversation between Large Professor and the public serves as a reminder that the journey of an artist is often fraught with shifts in perception and artistic identity. The fact that Large Professor is willing to openly discuss his preferences regarding Nas’ music illustrates a broader theme present in artistic discourse: the balance between personal conviction and respect for another artist’s freedom of expression.
Ultimately, Large Professor’s reflections on Nas’ trajectory post-Illmatic encapsulate the intricate dance between collaboration, creativity, and the evolution of artistic identity. His comments serve not as a definitive critique but rather as a nuanced perspective on the complexities inherent in the world of hip-hop. As both artists continue their journeys, the possibility for collaboration remains, suggesting that even amid disagreements, there is a foundational respect that can inspire extraordinary future endeavors in music.
