Nas returned to the Grammys stage on Sunday night (April 3), almost exactly a year after winning his first Grammy award for 2020’s King’s Disease. Inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, his legendary career deservedly basked in the spotlight.
Looking dapper in a double-breasted suit, the Queensbridge rap icon marked his first solo Grammys performance by delivering a medley of career-spanning classics with help from a live band, which counted jazz pianist Robert Glasper among its ranks.
After being introduced as “your favorite rappers’ favorite rapper” by Grammys host Trevor Noah, Nas opened with “I Can” before diving into “Made You Look” and “One Mic.”
As a photo of an Illmatic-era Nasir Jones filled the giant screen behind him, the 48-year-old MC capped off his victory lap with an emphatic rendition of “Rare,” taken from last year’s King’s Disease II.
While the Recording Academy has historically snubbed his work, Nas’ performance refused to be overlooked as it drew a standing ovation from inside the venue with the likes of Jack Harlow, Lil Nas X and J Balvin applauding on their feet.
In addition to gracing the mic, Nas was also nominated for two awards at the 2022 Grammys, with King’s Disease II up for Best Rap Album and his “Bath Salts” collaboration with the late DMX and JAY-Z in contention for Best Rap Song.
Ultimately, Esco lost out in both categories as Tyler, The Creator‘s CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST won Best Rap Album, while Kanye West and JAY-Z‘s “Jail” walked away with Best Rap Song.
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But after reminding the millions of viewers who tuned into Sunday’s Grammys broadcast of his revered lyricism, refined stage presence and still-flourishing catalog, it would be untrue to say Nas went home empty-handed.
Check out more reactions to Nas’ Grammys performance below.
One Mic is on stillmatic, not Gods Son.
God son for life, the best of the greatest…
Get your facts right next time when speaking on Nasir. The legend is 49; born ’73 and “One Mic” is off his 2001 classic album STILLMATIC.
He’s 48, he’ll be 49 in September
Nas was born in September 1973, we are in April of 2022, so he hasn’t reached his 49th birthday yet..
Yes, correct them though, “One Mic” is from Stillmatic, released in 2001.
He’s 48 he’ll be 49 in September
Yes he finally get his respect no thanks to you fuckers call Shawn nothing but disrespect
R.I.P to Fuck Queensbridge
Ok ok ok guys….I admit it now…Nas is the best. I’ll shut up now
Everybody know I love Nas and been there since Main Source live at the BBQ. Really enjoyed this last Nas LP even more than the KD series. But I have to say the grammy hair is weak. Really? After all this time you gotta try some off-brand seal look? Everybody know you 50. Leave the dreads alone. Once the fro starts twisting up at the ends thats when you find those clippers and regulate
Bro you worrying about another guys hairstyle? Sus….you gay!
do I sound worried? nas will be fine. grammy’s is not the place to show off the brand new weave – just trying to help the god
The last of the dying breed. He is the truest rapper of them all. Nas is simply the best. He is better than all the rest. The GOAT!
Nas is the Leviathan of rap. He is the Thomas Hobbes of our time. Illmatic will live forever.