NAS: Time is Illmatic

Twenty years after the release of Nas' groundbreaking debut album “Illmatic,” this 2014 documentary "Nas: Time is Illmatic" takes us into the heart of his creative process. Returning to his childhood home in Queensbridge, Nas shares stories of his upbringing, his influences — from the music of his jazz musician father Olu Dara to the burgeoning hip-hop scene in New York City — and the obstacles he faced before his major label signing at age 19. Featuring interviews with his "Illmatic" producers (Large Professor, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, L.E.S., and DJ Premier) and musical peers (including Pharrell Williams and Alicia Keys), "Nas: Time is Illmatic" is a thrilling account of Nas' evolution from a young street poet to a visionary MC. This film contains explicit language. Professor Adam Bradley, director of University of Colorado’s Laboratory for Race & Popular Culture (the Rap Lab) will lead a dynamic post screening discussion.