Ask the average hardcore hip-hop fan to name their favorite albums and chances are, they’ll mention Nas’ Illmatic. That's almost too obvious. But over here at Complex, we can't help but wonder what some of his favorite albums are.

Although he did speak about the music he’s been listening to in our new cover story, his appreciation of music is so deep, we felt it was only right to get God's Son back on the horn for a more in-depth conversation. Nas told us about what album changed his life, which rapper he thinks all new rappers should listen to, and what Marvin Gaye album is a lot like his new album, Life Is Good...

RELATED: 50 Things You Didn't Know About Nas

RELATED: 25 Pictures of "Illmatic" Era Nas

RELATED: The Best Rapper Alive, Every Year Since 1979

RELATED: The Most Stylish Rapper Alive, Every Year Since 1979