Over the years (I would say with the emergence of forums/social media), IWW has experienced a critical reassessment where it's viewed more favorably than when it was initially released. I feel we need to do the same with Vol. 1

Vol. 1 is essentially a Bad Boy album so that explains the departure in sound from Reasonable Doubt. Production that's more glossy and jiggy. But man I love this album. It's got that bounce that I love Jay for.

The intro is classic. City Is Mine is fire. I be riding around my city like I'm finna take over. Imaginary Players x Who You Wit 2 are excellent pmf feeling like that nigga tunes. Some introspective highlights with Lucky Me and You Must Love Me. A few duds with I Know What Girls Like, Sunshine, and Face Off. A f***ing BANGER with Where I'm From.

Vol. 1 and IWW both aimed for the same target, but IWW was a miss compared to Vol. 1. Niggas saying it's better than Illmatic is trippin. It's a decent album but I could never get into it like that. There are amazing tracks on there but with Nas sabotaging I Gave You Power with "it's like I'm a gun" it's very telling.

Both artists were shooting for the charts, and they both accomplished that, But as far as the music, Vol.1 > IWW

love this. will they be doing this for drake and kendrick in 30 years too?

IWW was reassed and became a classic. Classic songs, influenced rappers, some even hold it above illmatic. Also, if i ruled the world is the greatest outro in rap history (arguably a top 10 rap song ever)

Vol. 1 was never going to be a classic. Great album. Always overhated due to a few songs. Got some of Hov's best gems

vol 1 got it imo but it was written is pretty good too

i never agreed with it was written > illmatic niggas either lmao

Where I'm From clears unfortunately even though a lot of Vol 1 is aight tbh

No idea why hip hop nerds considered It Was Written too commercial, the writing on it is top tier

Vol.1 > IWW.

Disrespectfully disagree

"It Was Written" is better, but i'm probably biased because i'm a bigger fan of Nas than Jay-Z.

And yes, It Was Written is a classic.

One of Jay-Z’s most mid album is not better than Nas’ top 3

vol 1 not better than iww be srs

Imma go wit IWW as a full project but Vol 1 has some of my favorite hip hop songs of all time. Some of the more “jiggy” songs drag it down a bit

it was written by a mile

Vol 1 got classics fr

The intro, imaginary players, where im from, streets is watching, real niggaz, Lucky me, friend or Foe, you must love me.

The highs are very high

Vol 1 not even a question

The fall off from Illmatic was huge

IWW is just such a. Cinematic album time
I feel like that could’ve been a movie fr. Ironically Vol 1 led to a movie lol

It Was Written is Nas' best album

IWW clears

Vol 1

my thoughts exactly

No.

Vol 1 is my favorite Jay Z album ever

Vol 1

IWW never vibed with me. I actually listen to I Am more

Lost Tapes is better too

Shietttt it’s close imo. The highs are higher and the lows are lower on IWW imo. But I like more songs on vol 1

This is a great match up IWW is probably the better album but I like the highs on Vol. 1 just as much as the one on IWW. Lucky Me >>>