I think people have varying definitions of the term "dated", though.

To the above posters, "dated" just seems to mean "representative of the times and/or current when it came out." This definition has a neutral to positive connotation.

To others, "dated" is like some old, rotten-ass milk.. 3 or 4 weeks after the printed expiration date on the carton. It is old, spoiled, AND no longer of any good use. An often used antonym to this version of the term "dated" would be "timeless" or "classic."

To me, "Illmatic" is timeless and classic but never "dated."

To me, "dated" is Bobby Brown ruining a perfectly dope soundtrack song by referencing "The Ghostbusters" and "Vigo." It's still a good and fun song, but the timelessness and universality of it gets overshadowed by the specificity of the movie title and the plot of said film.

Somebody mentioned Rakim. His classic cuts are timeless, but those Eric B scratch songs definitely have a "dated" sound to them. They just do.