"With Time is Illmatic, Erik (Parker, the movie "s writer) and I wanted to celebrate Nas " groundbreaking album, Illmatic, and shed light on the socio-economic conditions that created it," said One9, who was born Michael Baluyut Silverman, in a statement. "We are confident that our partnership with Tribeca will give the proper platform for this important American experience."

The Tribeca Institute, the nonprofit arm of Tribeca Enterprises, provided some of the funding to complete the film. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"The film is unique.," said Jane Rosenthal, Co-founder and CEO of Tribeca Enterprises, in a statement. Nas is the truest of artists, reflecting his community. Tribeca was founded on community and filmmaking and we could not be more proud of our continuing association with a work as honest and inspirational as Time is Illmatic."

The festival was founded after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks as a way to bring people downtown. It just celebrated its 13th anniversary, and ticketed attendance at this year "s festival rose 3% to 120,000.