10 Bands Who Should Have Stopped After One Album

Nas is among the greatest rappers of all time, with terrific technique, a broad scope of concepts, and innovative beats. His discography isn’t without its ups and downs, but he has few out and out duds, and every record tends to offer something interesting.

So why is he on this list? He simply started far too strong. When your career starts with an album like Illmatic, you’re never going to top it. 25 years later, Nas remains defined by his debut, recorded in his teens. It remains one of the most beloved, critically lauded rap records, a classic of a golden age of hip hop.

Rappers from both coasts cite it as a key influence, and due to its sincere, heartfelt content, it has not aged a day (which you can’t say for most ‘90s rap). Changing the game at 19 years of age is a hard act to follow.

It would be unfair to say that Nas should have stopped making music after 1994’s Illmatic, as this would deprive the world of a whole load of good content. But if we’re being realistic, had Illmatic been his sole release, his reputation would likely only be greater today.