9. Nas – Illmatic
Released in early 1994, “Illmatic”, the next one in our list of most important albums of the ’90s is one of the most appreciated rap albums of all time thanks to its lyrics complexity and excellent production. However, the album’s importance is in the fact that it brought back East Cost rap on the scene. In 1994 West Coast rap scene was blooming, while the East Coast rap scene was in decline. “Illmatic” was the album credited that in a particular way revived East Coast rap scene and prepared the field for the success of Notorious B.I.G. and Wu-Tang Clan among others.
