"Illmatic" is the debut studio album of American hip hop recording artist Nas, released on April 19, 1994 through Columbia Records. Released when he was 20 years old, Nas signed to Columbia Records with the help of MC Serch, who would later become his manager. The album was recorded during 1992 and 1993 at Chung King Studios, D&D Recording, Battery Studios, and Unique Recording Studios in New York City. Its production was handled by Nas, Large Professor, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, L.E.S., and DJ Premier. The album features multi-syllabic internal rhyme patterns and inner city narratives based on Nas's experiences in Queensbridge, New York.