26 years ago today, Nas released his third studio album, “I Am…,” on April 6, 1999.

The album incorporates a mix of hardcore Hip-Hop and storytelling, with themes predominantly based on Nas’ reflections on fame, the rap industry, urban life in America and his childhood in Queensbridge, NY.

The two lead singles from “I Am…” were “Hate Me Now” and “Nas Is Like”. The album also contained the song “We Will Survive”, a tribute to Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G.

The LP debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, selling over 470,000 copies in its first week of sales.

Listen to “I Am…” below.