“My photo is the Jordan logo on this rap,” raps Nas on his Grammy-nominated 2021 “YKTV” (“You Know the Vibes” for short). King’s disease Sequel.Of course, that “picture” is none other than his Bunker Buster debut morbidlaunched hip-hop into the future in 1994. Beyond its impact, this album certainly makes a strong case for being the definitive icon of the genre. But for now, the ferocious cold vibes of Friday night (February 24) in New York City are already mistaking for his one pivotal occasion: Nas’ first headliner show at Madison Square Garden. It was a sure thing.
Never mind how long it’s been a journey to get to this point. The timing for this evening was perfect. Nas has been hot since release King’s Disease III, the third in a Grammy-winning series with super-producer Hitboy, his wide-receiver quarterback, and more, all as hip-hop celebrates its 50th anniversary. It was a win for Nas as well. It was a proud opportunity for a generational sea of fans, from those who remembered the first time they heard “Live at the Barbecue” to those who recently listened to his more recent work. All in all, the Garden could not have been a more perfect place to host this celebration.
“I live in Madison Square now. It dripped.
And he’s on fire, proving himself one after the other throughout the 34-song set. Sticking to the night’s “King’s Diseases Trilogy” bill, Queens’ rap icons ranged from storytelling favorites like “Blue Benz” and “Car 85” to “Spicy” and “Get Right.” MSG effectively turned into a park jam as fans swayed, bopped and two-stepped from row to row across sold-out arenas. It refused to stop the momentum.Between King’s disease He also made room for some records from his 2021 project. magic, Sprinkle fanfare with cult favorites like “Speechless” and “Wave Gods.”
The fact that Nas was playing these relatively fresh cuts to an enthusiastic audience at a sold-out Madison Square Garden was a real eye-opener. A moment to enjoy the atmosphere. At one point, he paused to reminisce, then spotlight the secret to his winning streak: Hitboy.
“I love these brothers for bringing out my art again,” raved Nas, tapping the producers onstage for the floor-shaking “Michael & Quincy.” There was no soul left to sit, especially as more surprises rolled in.
After playing “Reminisce,” a song that samples a certain queen of hip-hop soul, Nas pulled out, you guessed it, Mary J. Blige.After running through King’s diseasewhere he hopped over the rest of the hits in the catalog. I am sick. you always have to go back to morbidThis time, he wears an all-orange jumpsuit with a skull-like wheat construction of Timberland boots and his signature diamond-encrusted ‘QB’ chain for a ‘NY State of Mind’ look. sent. He then featured his AZ on “Life’s a Bitch,” and his Slick Rick, one of his “My Mother’s Heroes,” on “Hey Young World.” Embracing the greatness and significance of that night, he steps into the gas and sings “Message,” “Street Dreams,” “If I Ruled the World,” “Hate Me Now,” We ran through a medley of tracks like “Made in the Year.” You Look” and “One Mic”.
One of the best moments happened while playing “Memory Lane (Sittin’ In Da Park)”. He eliminated the instrumental for his second verse, mic provided a masterclass in his control, and performed the tongue-twisting verses a cappella with absolute clarity and supreme breath control of his . One thing became clear as he bowed to the applause of the crowd.
At the encore, after Nas admitted he “didn’t want to go home yet”, he returned his energy to the party spirit and was on high all night. With his hands waved and cheers erupting from every corner of the arena, he sang one hit after another, including “Hot Boyz (Remix),” “Oochie Wally,” and “Owe Me,” with moving reminders to make the night go by. concluded. that! ”