42. "Say what you want about the lyrics, and they might be better" In response to In response to 0
But the beats and theme on Illmatic is just another tier--not even comparable. Instead of Pete, Premier, Tip and Extra P, you have Trackmasters, Dre and the like. The increase in lyricism doesn't do enough to bring up the difference in the other half of the album: the music.
This isn't an indictment on It Was Written either--it is a strong record that has aged well--but rather another lens to look through in evaluating just HOW GOOD Illmatic is.