Release Date: 08/21/2026

Celebrate the legacy of Nas with the vinyl release of It Was Written, his influential 1996 album. This polished follow-up to Illmatic showcases a cinematic soundscape, largely crafted by the Trackmasters with contributions from DJ Premier and Havoc. The album features standout tracks like the chart-topping “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” featuring Ms. Lauryn Hill, the introspective “Street Dreams,” and the poignant “The Message.” With its lush production and thought-provoking lyrics, It Was Written solidified Nas’s statue as a lyrical genius and influenced countless artists. 

2LP Track Listing:

Side A 
1.  Album Intro 
2. The Message 
3. Street Dreams 
4. I Gave You Power 
 
Side B 
1. Watch Dem Niggas 
2. Take It In Blood 
3. The Set Up 

Side C 
1. Black Girl Lost 
2. Suspect 
3. Shootouts
4. Nas Is Coming 

Side D 
1. Affirmative Action 
2. Live Nigga Rap 
3. If I Ruled the World (Imagine That) 
4. Silent Murder