Quartile rating: 7/10 · 1 rating
Time Is Illmatic is a feature length documentary film that delves deep into the making of Nas' 1994 debut album, Illmatic, and the social conditions that influenced its creation.
A solid music documentary that contextualizes Illmatic within the broader socioeconomic fabric of Queensbridge housing projects in the early 90s. The film does well to interweave personal history, community backdrop, and archival footage, though it follows a fairly standard 'making of a classic album' documentary structure. Acting is not applicable in the traditional sense — interview subjects are candid and authentic but unremarkable as performers. Cinematography is competent with good archival integration. Novelty is moderate: the subject matter (Illmatic) is singular and legendary, but the documentary format itself is familiar. The ending provides satisfying closure without being particularly revelatory.