It Was Written

Album Information

It Was Written is the second studio album by American rapper Nas. Released on July 2, 1996, through Columbia Records, the album marked a major commercial breakthrough for Nas and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. While retaining the lyrical sophistication that characterized Illmatic, the album adopted a broader sound and introduced themes associated with the emerging mafioso rap style of the mid-1990s.

Background

Following the critical success of Illmatic, Nas faced significant expectations for his second album. Although his debut had become highly respected within hip-hop circles, it achieved only moderate commercial success compared to some of the genre's biggest releases.

For It Was Written, Nas collaborated extensively with the production team Trackmasters, who helped create a more polished and radio-friendly sound. The album was designed to appeal to a wider audience while preserving Nas's reputation as one of hip-hop's elite lyricists.

The project also reflected changing trends within rap music during the mid-1990s, when themes of organized crime, wealth, and power became increasingly prominent in hip-hop culture.

Music and Themes

The album blends street narratives, introspective storytelling, and cinematic depictions of crime and ambition. Nas adopted a more elaborate narrative style, often portraying characters involved in criminal enterprises while examining the rewards and dangers associated with that lifestyle.

Recurring themes include:

• Success, wealth, and social mobility
• Crime and organized street culture
• Loyalty and betrayal
• Fame and public recognition
• Life in New York City
• Personal ambition and survival

The album's blend of commercial accessibility and lyrical complexity helped make it one of the most influential rap releases of its era.

Track Listing

1. Album Intro
2. The Message
3. Street Dreams
4. I Gave You Power
5. Watch Dem Niggas
6. Take It in Blood
7. Nas Is Coming
8. Affirmative Action
9. The Set Up
10. Black Girl Lost
11. Suspect
12. Shootouts
13. Live Nigga Rap
14. If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)

Notable Songs

The Message

Serving as the album's opening track, "The Message" features vivid imagery, complex wordplay, and memorable lines that helped establish it as one of Nas's most celebrated recordings.

I Gave You Power

One of the album's most innovative songs, "I Gave You Power" is narrated from the perspective of a handgun. The track is frequently praised for its creativity and storytelling.

Affirmative Action

Featuring members of The Firm, the song became one of the defining collaborations of 1990s East Coast hip-hop and helped introduce the group's larger collective project.

If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)

Featuring Lauryn Hill, this single became one of Nas's biggest mainstream successes. Its optimistic vision and memorable chorus helped expand his audience far beyond traditional hip-hop listeners.

Reception

Upon release, It Was Written received strong commercial success and generally positive reviews. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and quickly achieved multi-platinum sales.

Some critics initially compared it unfavorably to Illmatic, arguing that its commercial sound differed from the raw aesthetic of Nas's debut. Over time, however, the album gained broader appreciation and is now widely recognized as one of the strongest releases of the 1990s.

Legacy

It Was Written played a major role in popularizing mafioso rap and helped shape the direction of mainstream East Coast hip-hop during the late 1990s.

The album demonstrated that lyrical sophistication and commercial success could coexist, paving the way for many artists who sought to balance artistic credibility with mainstream appeal.

Today, it is considered one of Nas's most important recordings and remains a landmark release within hip-hop history.

See Also

• Nas Biography
• Nas Discography
• Illmatic
• I Am...