It Was Written solidified Nas as one of hip-hop’s defining voices, expanding upon the raw brilliance of his debut Illmatic with a broader, more cinematic vision. Released in 1996, the album reflects both the gritty realities of New York street life and the aspirational pull of success, establishing Nas as a master storyteller navigating between two worlds.

From the haunting introspection of “I Gave You Power”—where Nas raps from the perspective of a gun—to the commercial triumph of “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” featuring Lauryn Hill, the record balances artistry with accessibility. Tracks like “The Message” and “Street Dreams” cement his reputation for lyrical depth, weaving narratives that are both poetic and unflinchingly direct.

Though initially polarizing for its polished production and mafioso themes, It Was Written has since been reappraised as one of Nas’s most ambitious works. It not only broadened his audience but also helped define the sound of East Coast hip-hop in the mid-1990s, influencing countless artists in its wake.