Reasonable Doubt has aged considerably better than Illmatic

[Not Crodie]

Revisiting these two classic debuts, RD is way, way easier to go back to and enjoy. Lyrically, they're pretty equal. Maybe the content of Illmatic appeals to people more, but the quality of the rapping is A+ on both. The production on RD absolutely blows Illmatic out of the water though.

Obviously both albums are considered historically great rap albums, but RD still sounds pretty fresh almost 20 years later

 

[Number21000]

lol at people comparing RD to a masterpiece like illmatic

 

[mortuus est]

both good albums tbh

 

[NoHalfWay]

Both recorded in different eras

 

[Prince.Skeletor]

You are wrong, but let's put that aside for a moment and say you are right.

JayZ's catalogue has not aged well AT ALL compared to Nas's catalogue!
now let's put that one aside as well...

Nas is STILL releasing heat today as JayZ releases subpar music that may have been ghostwritten(hey Lupe) as singles.
Nas da Don and Nasty and oh man... u know what it is!

but put that aside as well.

Nas released very memorable albums from the album with Damien Marley to Life is Good while Jay is releasing absolute trash nowadays.

But let's put that one aside as well...

With Nas people can argue which is his best CD, with Jay it's always his first... HAHAHHAA
But let's put that one aside too!

Nas........... MAN NAS IS NAS!!!! CLOSE THREAD!

 

[LucaBrasi]

You are wrong, but let's say you are right.

JayZ's catalogue has not aged well AT ALL compared to Nas's catalogue!
now let's put that one aside!

Nas is STIL releasing heat today as JayZ releases subpar music that may have been ghostwritten

He's not talking about their cataloge tho, he's comparing two specific projects

Anyway for me it's Illmatic >>> RD

IWW >>> Illmatic

 

[DeuceCypherUno]

both albums are in my top 2 all time I switch which is #1 every year or so


lllmatic does sound more dated but it fits the aesthetic of the album better. that rawness goes along with Nas lyrics. RD is by nature a more glossy album so it isnt as raw.

 

[Anti-Anime]

Either way you can't go wrong about which is better.

 

[hiphip]

illmatic definitely sounds more dated

 

[hiphip]

its crazy people think they're equal when reasonable doubt has 5 more songs than illmatic

 

[TheBEASTCOASTrevival]

done with these illmatic threads

 

[TheDarceKnight]

Yeah I mean Illmatic definitely sounds older. Illmatic will always be arguably the GOAT hip hop album, but RD has aged very well, and I actually listen to it pretty often. I definitely play RD a lot more.

 

[KENNY DA COOKER]

Reasonable Doubt has a SHALLOW THEME....its primarily MONEY.and DRUGS from a narcisstic yet contemplative perspective..so its entertainment value still has relevance.amongst in this money driven society

ILLMATIC had.more.depth and was empowering with.anthems like THE WORLD IS YOURS.which motivated me when i was young

and was like an aquired taste for the few who can grasp its.gritty.yet sublime themes

 

[BulletProof]

RD sounds just as dated production wise or at least 96 wise.

At least illmatic has the superior lyrics.

 

[Foxmulder]

The fukk Is this dated shyt?Thats one of the dumbest shyt people say.It's supposed to sound dated its a classic.