Who released the influential album “Illmatic” in 1994?

Nas

Nas's "Illmatic" is often cited as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. Featuring production from legends such as DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, and Large Professor, the album provided a vivid portrayal of urban life through poetic lyrics and complex narratives. "Illmatic" not only established Nas as one of the greatest storytellers in the genre but also raised the standards for storytelling in hip-hop, influencing many artists in the following decades.