Nas is arguably among Hip Hop’s most legendary MCs, and it all began with his debut record three decades ago — he is now set to honor the iconic tracklist with a series of performances this fall.
Illmatic, which was released in the spring of 1994, turned 30 years old last month. On Monday (May 20), the “N.Y. State of Mind” rapper announced that he will be teaming up with the Las Vegas Philharmonic for three shows later this year in celebration of the classic LP.
This Labor Day Weekend, the Queens native will take the stage at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas on August 29, August 31 and September 1 with support from the live orchestra.
“Las Vegas has always served as a creative outlet for my music, and these performances will take that to the next level,” the 5o-year-old veteran told Billboard about the gigs. “I am excited to partner with the Las Vegas Philharmonic to bring this first-of-its-kind performance to Encore Theater and to showcase my music to my fans in Las Vegas in a whole new way.”
AEG Presents Las Vegas senior vice president Bobby Reynolds added: “We could not be more thrilled to welcome Nas to Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas for this historic collaboration with the Las Vegas Philharmonic to celebrate one of the greatest hip-hop albums ever made.
“Marrying Nas’ legendary catalog with the unparalleled sound of the Las Vegas Philharmonic Is guaranteed to be an unforgettable and must-see experience for all Nas fans, and there is no venue more perfect in Las Vegas for this collaboration or a better place to be this Labor Day Weekend for entertainment than Encore Theater.”
Concert tickets will go on sale this weekend and can be purchased here.
In April, the New York City rapper commemorated Illmatic‘s legacy by releasing new merchandise — T-shirts, crewnecks, hoodies, sweats, a leather jacket, air freshener, a button pack and a postcard set. Each of these products were painted and hand drawn by artists Andrew Agutos, Esteban Whiteside, Rushad Kolah and Samborghini.
Additionally, Nas will also set out on a tour that, as of now, is only scheduled to pass through Europe. It will commence in Finland this October and is made up of 15 stops in total, the last of which will take place in London.
This album is like his one album that was mediocre (the rest being garbage) and idiots think it’s a classic.
How’d he go from Illmatic to Industry Baby? Wtf happened to the dude.
Nas is ok, I vibe to some of his songs. But the true Nas is the Lil homie Nas X. That’s who my hood bumps, no disrespect to Nas.
You are funny. This trolling made my week
Somehow I just dont think a bunch of 45-50 year old fans is flying to Vegas to watch him rap over violins and trumpets. This has the potential to be as bad as Andre 3000s flute album. I dont get how all these older rappers swear their fans somehow got into musical instruments.
He’s damn near the ONLY guy from the 90’s still putting out good music and people are still bitching….
Exactly.