Twenty years after the release of Nas’s groundbreaking debut album Illmatic, Nas: Time Is Illmatic takes us into the heart of his creative process. Returning to his childhood home in Queensbridge, Nas shares stories of his upbringing, his influences (from the music of his jazz musician dad Olu Dara to the golden-age hip-hop scene in New York City), and the obstacles he faced before his major label signing at the age of 20.

Featuring interviews with Illmatic producers Large Professor, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, L.E.S., and DJ Premier, plus musical peers including Pharrell Williams and Alicia Keys, Nas: Time Is Illmatic is a thrilling documentary account of Nas’s evolution from young street poet to visionary MC. Directed by One 9 and written by Erik Parker, the film will be available on iTunes and in select theaters October 1.