It Was Written stands as a monumental achievement in Nas’s discography. While Illmatic captured the struggle of the Queensbridge housing projects, It Was Written captured the ambition that followed survival. Tracks like "If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)" and "Street Dreams" showcased a broader sonic palette, utilizing samples from musical theater and pop to create a sound that was both accessible and lyrically dense. The album solidified Nas as a commercial powerhouse, proving that complex poetry could coexist with mainstream success. For hip-hop purists, the album is often debated alongside its predecessor, but its influence on the narrative structure of rap is undeniable.
The gamble paid off. It Was Written debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, spawned massive crossover hits like "If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)," and solidified Nas as a commercial powerhouse without sacrificing his legendary lyrical complexity. nas it was written zip free download 2021