When it comes to hip-hop legends, few names resonate as deeply as Nas. With a career spanning decades and a discography that reflects his evolution as an artist, Nasir Jones has left an indelible mark on the rap industry. Bursting onto the scene in the early 1990s with his debut album “Illmatic,” the Queensbridge native quickly gained recognition for his intricate rhymes and vivid narratives. This album, often hailed as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time, set the stage for a career marked by both critical acclaim and commercial success.
Over the years, Nas’s discography has evolved, traversing various themes, from social issues and introspection to personal growth and the exploration of new sonic territories. With albums like “It Was Written,” “Stillmatic,” and “King’s Disease,” Nas solidified his position as a lyrical wordsmith with a unique ability to capture the essence of urban life. As Nas’s artistry continued to mature, he ventured into collaborations with diverse artists and producers, further expanding his musical palette.
Through triumphs and challenges, his discography remains a rich tapestry that not only chronicles his personal journey but also reflects the broader evolution of hip-hop itself. In this blog post, we take a chronological look at Nas’s albums through their first-week sales.
Album: Illmatic
Release Date: 1994
Record Label: Columbia Records
First Week Sales: 63,000
Debut: 12
Widely hailed as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time, “Illmatic” marked Nas’s debut. While the album received critical acclaim and has since achieved legendary status, its initial commercial success was moderate. In its first week, “Illmatic” sold around 60,000 copies. Although the sales might not have been astronomical, the album’s influence on the genre cannot be overstated.
Album: It Was Written
Release Date: 1996
Record Label: Columbia Records
First Week Sales: 270,000
Debut: #1
Nas’s second album took a more commercial direction, and it paid off in terms of sales. “It Was Written” debuted at No. one on the Billboard 200 chart and sold over 268,000 copies in its first week. This significant leap in sales demonstrated Nas’s ability to adapt to the changing landscape of hip-hop while maintaining his lyrical prowess.
Album: I Am…
Release Date: 1999
Record Label: Ill Will/ Columbia Records
First Week Sales: 470,000
Debut: #1
“I Am…” continued Nas’s streak of chart-topping albums, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The album sold approximately 470,000 copies in its first week. This album marked a pivotal moment for Nas, showcasing his continued relevance and the loyalty of his fan base.
Album: Nastradamus
Release Date: 1999
Record Label: Ill Will/ Columbia Records
First Week Sales: 232,000
Debut: #7
Released later the same year as “I Am…,” “Nastradamus” was met with mixed reviews and a noticeable decline in first-week sales. The album sold around 232,000 copies in its opening week. Despite the drop in sales, Nas’s ability to consistently release albums in such a short span highlighted his work ethic.
Album: Stillmatic
Release Date: 2001
Record Label: Ill Will/ Columbia Records
First Week Sales: 342,600
Debut: #8
“Stillmatic” marked a triumphant return to form for Nas after a period of mixed receptions. The album, which is often credited with revitalizing his career, sold approximately 343,000 copies in its first week. Nas’s resilience and ability to reinvent himself were on full display with this project.
Album: God’s Son
Release Date: 2002
Record Label: Columbia Records
First Week Sales: 156,000
Debut: #18
Following the critical and commercial success of “Stillmatic,” “God’s Son” continued to solidify Nas’s status as a hip-hop heavyweight. The album sold around 156,000 copies in its opening week, showcasing that even when the sales dipped slightly, Nas’s impact remained strong.
Album: Street’s Disciple
Release Date: 2004
Record Label: Columbia Records
First Week Sales: 232,000
Debut: #5
As Nas’s discography expanded, the music industry was changing rapidly. “Street’s Disciple” debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and sold approximately 232,000 copies in its first week. While these numbers were not groundbreaking, they highlighted Nas’s ability to consistently deliver projects that resonated with his fan base.
Album: Hip Hop Is Dead
Release Date: 2006
Record Label: Columbia Records
First Week Sales: 355, 880
Debut: #1
“Hip Hop Is Dead” marked another significant moment in Nas’s career, reflecting his commentary on the state of the genre. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and sold around 355,000 copies in its first week. Nas’s knack for starting conversations through his music remained a consistent theme.
Album: Untitled
Release Date: 2008
Record Label: Columbia Records
First Week Sales: 187,000
Debut: #1
Nas’s ninth studio album initially intended to bear a controversial title, sold around 187,000 copies in its first week. Despite the controversy, the album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, highlighting Nas’s ability to command attention.
Album: Life Is Good
Release Date: 2012
Record Label: Columbia Records
First Week Sales: 354,000
Debut: #1
“Life Is Good” showcased a mature and introspective Nas, earning widespread acclaim from critics. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and sold around 354,000 copies in its first week. This project affirmed Nas’s longevity and relevance in the industry.
Album: Nasir
Release Date: 2018
Record Label: Mass Appeal
First Week Sales: 77,000
Debut: #5
“NASIR,” produced entirely by Kanye West, saw Nas adapting to the era of shorter albums. The project debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and sold around 77,000 equivalent album units in its opening week.
Album: King’s Disease
Release Date: 2020
Record Label: Mass Appeal/ Universal Music Group
First Week Sales: 47,000
Debut: #5
This chapter saw Nas at the pinnacle of his career. The first iteration of his “King’s Disease” trilogy saw the rapper collaborating with Hit-Boy. The album debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and sold around 47,000 equivalent album units in its first week. The project’s critical acclaim earned the rap veteran his first-ever Grammy Award for Best Rap Album at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards.
Album: King’s Disease II
Release Date: 2021
Record Label: Mass Appeal
First Week Sales: 56,000
Debut: #3
Continuing his collaboration with Hit-Boy, Nas returned the following year with “King’s Disease II.” While it failed to secure Nas another Grammy in the Best Rap Album category, King’s Disease II debuted at No. 3 on the US Billboard 200, becoming Nas’s highest-charting album in nine years, and his 15th top 10 entry on the chart.
Album: Magic
Release Date: 2022
Record Label: Mass Appeal
First Week Sales: 22,000
Debut: #27
In 2022, Nas delved into new creative territories with “Magic.” The album’s debut at number 10 on the Billboard 200 chart, along with first-week sales of 22,000 copies, signaled a departure from his earlier works. Produced by a lineup including Hit-Boy, Kanye West, and DJ Khaled, “Magic” embraced an experimental approach, highlighting melody and harmony. While it didn’t resonate as strongly with critics as his previous albums, it still garnered positive reviews.
Album: King’s Disease III
Release Date: 2022
Record Label: Mass Appeal
First Week Sales: 29,000
Debut: #10
As 2023 began, Nas continued his musical voyage with “King’s Disease III,” the third and final installment of the series which began in 2020. Released the same year as Magic, King’s Disease III, gracefully landed at No. 9 on the US Billboard 200 chart, supported by first-week sales of 29,000 copies.
Album: Magic 2
Release Date: 2023
Record Label: Mass Appeal
First Week Sales: 16,000
Debut: #41
Nas released his 16th studio album, Magic 2 on June 2, the sequel to his 2021 Hit-Boy executive-produced album Magic. The album’s debut at number 41 on the Billboard 200 chart, with sales of 16,574 copies, marked a departure from his earlier sales records, representing the lowest first-week sales of Nas’s illustrious career. This performance doesn’t define Nas’s legacy but rather underscores the shifting music industry where streaming and changing consumption habits play a role in shaping sales figures.
