Headliner Nasir Jones has flourished as the archetypal MC – one of the standard bearers of hip-hop. Commemorating the 20th anniversary of unparalleled debut Illmatic, the Brooklyn-born rapper gave a colossal, pinch-yourself performance that doubled as celebration of a still-thriving career.
Son of cornetist Olu Dara, Nas began with a verse on Main Source’s “Live at the Barbeque,” a star-making turn that led to the creation of what many consider the greatest rap album in history. International stardom then cemented on 1996’s It Was Written, 2002’s God’s Son, and his latest, 2012’s Life Is Good.
Rocking a vintage DJ/MC set with Green Lantern, the wordsmith proceeded directly into Illmatic, which was performed in its entirety with some captivating change-ups. Lantern interpolated Notorious B.I.G.’s “Sky Is the Limit” for the second verse of “One Love.” Nas gave props to Michael Jackson and Large Professor for respective sample clearance and production of “It Ain’t Hard to Tell.”
The rapper’s multi-syllabic flows from 1994 sound as vital as ever:
“I trip, we box up crazy bitches/ Aimin’ guns in all my baby pictures/ Beef with housing police/ Release scriptures that may be Hitler’s.”
If that wasn’t enough, he gave the huge assemblage more, including a run down of major hits since his acclaimed debut, including another lyrical breakdown for “One Mic.”
There were no flashy entrances, trap bass, hype men, or elaborate sets, just a legendary MC with an exhaustive catalog and a great DJ. Nas came, saw, and conquered. Greatness was witnessed:
“Hit the Earth like a comet – invasion! Nas is like the Afrocentric Asian, half-man, half-amazing.”
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This article appears in November 7 • 2014.
