Today in Hip Hop History: "It Was Written"

Nas released his second album "It Was Written" July, 2 1996. The rapper enlisted the production team Trackmasters, who were known at the time for their mainstream success. Other producers for the album included DJ Premier, Dr. Dre, Havoc of Mobb Deep, L.E.S., Live Squad, and MC Serch as executive producer.

Premier and L.E.S. had previously served as producers for Nas's Illmatic. The album was mastered by Tom Coyne at Sterling Sound in New York City. The album cover was designed by artist Aimée Macauley, and the photography was taken by Danny Clinch.

"It Was Written" has been viewed by music writers as one of Nas' best works and remains Nas' best-selling release, with over 4 million copies in the United States alone.