High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The Lost Tapes is a compilation album by American rapper Nas, released September 23, 2002, on Ill Will Records and Columbia Records. It follows his artistic comeback in 2001, which led to his record label`s release of the album. The album compiles previously unreleased tracks that were discarded from recording sessions for Nas` previous studio albums, I Am... (1999) and Stillmatic (2001). The songs feature production by L.E.S., The Alchemist, Poke and Tone, Precision, and Deric "D-Dot" Angelettie, among others. The Lost Tapes features a low-key, sparse sound and themes regarding sociology and urban life. Music writers have noted the album for its nostalgic tone, austere production, and Nas` detailed narratives.