Train Freeman

April 5, 1999 - Nas drops his third studio album, “I Am.”

My favorite Nas album for the special connection I had during a pivotal time in my life. The moment I heard “Escobar Season has returned” and he walked out that fire in the “Hate Me Now” video, he became my favorite rapper.

Some of you may know about the original double disc concept album entitled “I Am….The Autobiography. What you may not know is this was the first Rap album that leaked to the masses on the internet.

Because of this, his label made the decision to revamp to a single disc, salvage some of the songs & release a second album later that year (Nastradamus). Many of the songs that were cut/leaked from the original can be heard on 2002’s “The Lost Tapes.”

I’m of the belief if “I Am” in its original form, it not only changes the rap game, but the trajectory of Nas’ career in MANY aspects including Nastradumas never existjng.

Many people have It Was Written up there with ILLMATIC, but I personally enjoy I Am more than IWW (I know, crazy right lol). Amazing records like NY State Of Mind Pt II, You Won’t See Me Tonight w/ Aaliyah, my favorite Nas song ever, Nas Is Like and more elevated the album.

Flowers to and I Am on 25 Years .
🌹🏆🤴🏾👑🐐

What’s your favorite songs on the album and where do you rank I Am in Nas’ catalogue?