Grammy-award-winning icon Nas, celebrates the 30th Anniversary of his 1994 debut album,Illmatic, with the release of new single “Define My Name,” which is produced by DJ Premier; who also produced three tracks (“N.Y. State Of Mind,” “Represent,” and “Memory Lane” (sittin’ in da park) on the timeless classic. “Define My Name” is now available!
“Define My Name” is not only a celebration of Illmatic’s born day, but also the announcement of a new beginning for the legendary artists, one that fans have dreamed about & anxiously anticipated for years; as Nas & DJ Premier have also revealed they will be releasing their landmark collaborative album later this year.
On this day in Hip Hop history, Queens legendNas released the video for his hit single, “Hate Me Now.” Although the song may be a fan favorite, the video came with a lot more controversy than any music video should. Shot by Hype Williams, the video features the crucifixion of Christ with Nasir himself playing the role of Jesus. Diddy, who was then known as Puff Daddy, was featured on the track, was also cast as one of the criminals on a cross beside Nas.
Conflict arose on April 15, 1999, when the video was premiered onMTV’s TRL. Diddy, who is a devout Catholic, had requested his image on the cross be removed from the cut of the video that was to air nationally. Whether it was an honest mistake or done intentionally is unknown; but, the fact of the matter is the request was ignored and the full video was broadcast across the country.
The events that followed could be deemed as outlandish by some. Diddy’s reaction to the lack of consideration of his religious views turned violent when he stormed into Nas’ manager, Steve Stoute’s office with several bodyguards and allegedly attacked Stoute by smashing a bottle of champagne on his head. The assault led to a suit that was settled out of court.
When asked about the incident and the inspiration for the video Nas explains,
“There’s a play in New York where a Black man played Jesus, and caught a lot of flak. I think, even the mayor at the time, Giuliani, was against it. So my thing was I wanted to be crucified like Jesus in the video, to get back at all those people that don’t want to see a Black man doing his thing. Me and Puff got hammered to the cross, but after Puff expressed his religious beliefs and spoke to his pastor, he wasn’t ready to take that stance, so it was really my idea anyway, so we took his part out. For some reason, I think Steve Stoute let it fly with Puffy still being crucified to the cross, so there was that fight at the office, where Puff jumped on Steve or some s*it like that. Both of them were friends of mine, so I squashed the whole thing, and it’s all in the past. Just growing pains. We were all growing up. That brings back a lot of memories. Even when I throw it on onstage now, it still kills.”
Released by Columbia Records, Nas’ third album, I Am, debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album sold 470,000 copies in its first week and was certified double platinum in the United States. The album was nominated in 2000 for Best Rap Album at the 43rd Grammy Awards.
Originally intended to be a double album titled I Am…The Autobiography, the album was arguably Nas’ most honest and poetic project at the time. Although the additional tracks were scrapped due to bootlegging of the original sessions, the intention for the theme and tone of the project can still be felt on the released single-disc LP.
Nas’ cover art has always been an iconic staple of his work. Usually consisting of his face superimposed over his native Queens, each cover has served as a visual representation of Nas as an artist. Famed portrait photographer Danny Hastings shot this particular cover. To create the image of Nas’ face in the Pharaoh mask in a pre-Photoshop world, Hastings made a clay mold for Nas’ face (which, in fact, almost killed him when clay got lodged in his nostrils, nearly suffocating him).
This album wasn’t only popular in the United States. I Am… made appearances on music charts in Australia, Canada, Norway, France, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The two official singles from this project claimed spots on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Nas Is Like..” peaked at #86, and “Hate Me Now” climbed a little higher to take the #62 spot.
After the release of this album, Nas released seven more solo albums and two collaborative projects. Nas continues to perform and is known as one of the most prolific rappers of his or any generation. Take some time today to listen to this album appreciate the career of a living legend.
In a bold move that could reshape the landscape of New York City’s entertainment scene, rapper Nas has unveiled a $5 billion proposal to transform Resorts World Casino New York City into a state-of-the-art casino complex in his hometown of Jamaica, Queens.
Partnering with Resorts World Casino, Nas aims to revitalize the neighborhood while creating new opportunities for local residents. The ambitious project includes plans for a multi-functional casino featuring a 7,000-seat capacity entertainment venue for hosting events and concerts. Additionally, the development will encompass park space, housing, hotels, restaurants, and upgraded transit options to JFK Airport and Manhattan, promising to generate an estimated 5,000 union jobs.
“This is an ambitious project that will give new opportunities to the hard-working families who call Queens home, attract top-tier talent, and build up the next generation of leaders,” Nas expressed during the unveiling, as reported by Rhyme Junkie. “It’s an honor to be here, to be a part of this with Resorts World, realizing the future, seeing what this can be and what it will be.”
The announcement comes as Nas’ proposal competes with fellow hip-hop icon JAY-Z’s bid for a NYC casino license. JAY-Z, through his entertainment company Roc Nation, has partnered with SL Green and Caesars Entertainment to propose a boutique-style casino at the iconic 1515 Broadway office tower in Times Square.
“New York is the epicenter of culture. We have the opportunity to create a destination at the heart of the true crossroads of the word,” JAY-Z stated in a press release. “My partnership with SL Green and Caesars has all the promise and commitment to economic opportunity, growth, and enrichment for the community and everyone that visits the Empire State.”
The competition for the coveted casino license underscores the potential economic impact and cultural significance of these projects. Nas and JAY-Z are not only vying for the license but also aiming to shape the future of entertainment and hospitality in New York City.
“When we stood here more than a dozen years ago to break ground on Resorts World New York City, our vision extended well beyond that already-ambitious original plan — today, that vision can soon become a reality,” remarked Robert DeSalvio, president of Genting America East, in a statement.
As both Nas and JAY-Z present their visions for the city’s entertainment landscape, the decision on the casino license remains in the hands of New York City officials. With their respective proposals, these hip-hop moguls are not only competing for a business opportunity but also aiming to leave a lasting impact on their communities and the city at large. The stakes are high, and the outcome will shape the future of entertainment in the Big Apple.
The acclaimed Roots Picnic festival, a beacon of musical excellence and cultural celebration, is back for its 2024 edition, promising an unforgettable two-day experience. Presented by GRAMMY® Award-winning hip-hop icons The Roots and Live Nation Urban, the event will occur at The Mann in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, PA, on June 1-2, 2024.
Launching the excitement, Roots Picnic alumni presale tickets will be available starting Tuesday, February 20th at 10 AM ET, followed by general on-sale beginning Friday, Feb. 23rd at 10 AM ET.
The festival lineup boasts an impressive array of talent, with GRAMMY® Award-winning legend Lil Wayne headlining alongside The Roots, treating audiences to a journey through decades of hits and a special tribute to Lil Wayne’s hometown of New Orleans, featuring guests PJ Morton and Trombone Shorty. Joining the bill is powerhouse Jill Scott, captivating audiences in her hometown with her soulful style.
The festival’s spirit of collaboration continues with performances from Victoria Monét, André 3000, Gunna, Sexyy Red, Tyla, Smino, Babyface, Adam Blackstone featuring Fantasia & Muni Long, Cam’ron, Nas, Wale, Robert Glasper featuring Yebba, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and more.
Roots Picnic 2024 promises to be a cultural landmark, bringing together generations of artists and fans for an unparalleled celebration of music and community. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary event in the heart of Philadelphia.
30 years ago today, Nas dropped his debut LP, ‘Illmatic.’ Released by Columbia Records in 94′ Nas recorded the album at Chung King Studios, D&D Recording, Battery Studios, and Unique Recording Studios in New York City. Produced by DJ Premier, Large Professor, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, L.E.S., and Nas himself, the bangers on the album will be embedded in Hip Hop culture as classics merely based on their production alone.
The album sold 60,000 in the first week and debuted at number 12 on the US Billboard 200 chart. On January 17, 1996, the album was certified gold by the RIAA. In 2001 it earned a platinum certification after shipping 1,000,000 copies in the United States alone.
Lyrically, Nas delivered certified street verses on ‘Illmatic’ that influenced the majority of the ’90s and is regarded as one of the greatest LPs of all time by critics and major publications globally.
30 years ago today, Nas dropped his debut LP, ‘Illmatic.’ Released by Columbia Records in 94′ Nas recorded the album at Chung King Studios, D&D Recording, Battery Studios, and Unique Recording Studios in New York City. Produced by DJ Premier, Large Professor, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, L.E.S., and Nas himself, the bangers on the album will be embedded in Hip Hop culture as classics merely based on their production alone.
The album sold 60,000 in the first week and debuted at number 12 on the US Billboard 200 chart. On January 17, 1996, the album was certified gold by the RIAA. In 2001 it earned a platinum certification after shipping 1,000,000 copies in the United States alone.
Lyrically, Nas delivered certified street verses on ‘Illmatic’ that influenced the majority of the ’90s and is regarded as one of the greatest LPs of all time by critics and major publications globally.
As we bid farewell to 2023, it’s only fitting to celebrate the lyrical maestros who owned the rap game throughout the year. From the electrifying presence of Latto to the rising force of Offset, the seasoned brilliance of Nas, the chart-topping prowess of Drake, and the poetic mastery of J. Cole – these artists left an indelible mark on the hip-hop landscape. Join us as we journey through the standout moments, impactful releases, and cultural influence that solidified them as the undisputed champions of the rap scene in 2023. Let the countdown begin as we honor the Top 5 Rappers of the Year, each weaving their narrative into the rich tapestry of hip-hop.
Latto
A new generation of female artists have been dominating hip-hop for the past few years and this year was Latto’s chance to lead the pack. Following multiple “Best New Artist” nominations in 2021 and 2022, Latto hit 2023 running, securing a “Best New Artist” nomination at the Grammy Awards in February of 2023 and winning the BET Artist award in 2023. In February, she also released her hit single “Lottery” and was featured on South Korean singer Jungkook’s solo single “Seven,” which debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song won Billboard’s “Top Global K-pop Song” of 2023 award and multiple MTV and MTV Europe awards and nominations. She was named iHeartRadio’s artist of the year for 2023 and her song “Big Energy” received their coveted Titanium award for 1 billion total plays on iHeartRadio stations. She was also honored on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list of musical artists of 2024. Her performance on Amazon Prime’s Thursday night Amazon Music Series (following Amazon Prime’s Thursday Night Football) broke records for the platform about viewership. As her track record shows, she is one of hip-hop’s most versatile artists and has shown that her popularity can crossover to not just other genres, but other countries as well.
One of the most well-respected names in the industry, Nas, has continued to influence hip-hop and music in general in 2023 significantly. Following multiple award nominations for his 2022 album, King’s Disease II, Nas hit the ground running in 2023. In July of this year, Nas dropped Magic 2, his sixteenth studio album. Magic 3, a collaboration with Hit-Boy, dropped in early September with his 50th birthday. Both albums were met largely with positive reception from audiences and music critics alike. His documentary, Supreme Team, which debuted at the Tribecca Film Festival, was nominated for an Outstanding Crime and Justice Documentary Emmy award in 2023. His two albums this year follow a string of successful releases in which he has shown his versatility and range, collating with artists of varying genres and generations. He also continues to show how he is not only a master lyricist but also creates timeless classic beats and music that will continue to inspire future generations of artists.
Drake was everywhere and doing everything in 2023 it seems. Following the release of his 2022 studio album, Honestly, Nevermind, Drake entered 2023 prepared for a whirlwind year including a major tour and album release. In July, Drake kicked off his It’s All a Blur North American Tour with 21 Savage. (The tour, his first major one in five years, will continue through March of 2024.) In October, he dropped his eighth studio album, For the Dogs, which featured guest appearances from album features guest appearances from Teezo Touchdown, 21 Savage, J. Cole, Yeat, SZA, PartyNextDoor, Chief Keef, Bad Bunny, Sexyy Red, Lil Yachty, and more with the Scary Hours edition of the album dropping in November. His song “Rich Flex” won the 2023 Billboard Music Award for Top Rap Song and the Billboard Music Award for Top Rap Album. He also won the BET Hip-Hop Award for Best Album of the Year in 2023 and nominations in multiple other categories. In late 2023, he reunited with Nicki Minaj on the song “Needle,” courtesy of her new album, Pink Friday 2. As Drake continues his tour, fans can expect even more collaborations and Drake to push even more creative limits in the coming years.
J. Cole was all over the place in 2023- literally and figuratively. He appeared on numerous other artists’ tracks including 21 Savage’s song “a lot,” 6LACK’s “Pretty Little Fears,” Wale’s “My Boy,” Lil Durk’s “All my Life,” J-Hope’s (of BTS) track “On the Street,” Summer Walker’s “To Summer, From Cole,” and more. “All my Life” earned him the BET Award for Best Collaboration and Impact Tract (he was also nominated for four other awards including Best Artist). In 2023, he began teasing a new album, It’s A Boy, the follow-up to his 2021 hit The Off-Season. He also is preparing for a 2024 tour which kicks off in January. Considering that his 2022 Off Season Tour was nominated for Billboard Music Best Tour Award, fans can expect to be in for an epic performance from this multifaceted and extremely talented artist who has mastered the art of blending complex melodies, beats, and lyrics to create some of the generation’s top hits.
Despite the recent relationship struggles, 2024 proved to be a key year for Offset. Taking in the pain of his fallen brother, Takeoff, Offset put the focus on the music delivering his album, SET IT OFF. Powered by “Jealousy,” Offset delivered an album full of quality, showing a range of bangers with rappers like Future and Latto, reviving the Hip-Hop and R&B collab on “Princess Cut” with Chloe, and delivering a sleeper song of the year candidate on “Worth It” with Don Toliver. And when it comes to music videos, very few can find the range of Offset, evoking the energy of Michael Jackson to Baby Boy in each video he delivers. Who said a rapper can’t hit an eight count? The brand of Offset also stretched into film, becoming the animated Offshark in Baby Shark’s Big Movie and fashion, showcasing that he is one of the figures to watch in Hip-Hop. A key moment for Offset this year was his reunion with Quavo on stage in celebration of their fallen member’s legacy. What’s best about Offset, he seems to just be getting started.
Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary took center stage in 2023, marking a year of celebratory events honoring the birth of the influential genre. From LL Cool J’sRock The Bells Festival to the iconic ESSENCE Festival, the prominence of the 50th year of Hip-Hop was evident, alongside it being featured at culture’s biggest award shows such as the 65th Annual Grammy Awardsand theMTV VMAs.
3. Happy 50th Anniversary, Hip-Hop!
ESSENCE Festival Honors Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary
The ESSENCE Festival, held in July 2023, served as a platform to pay homage to several hip-hop icons and celebrate Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary. The festival featured an unforgettable performance by Lauryn Hill, who headlined the event alongside other pioneering figures of the genre.
Hennessy & Sprite Partnerships Reflect the Milestone Year
RapperNasembraced the spirit of Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary through various brand collaborations. One notable partnership was with renowned liquor brand Hennessy, presenting a special edition release celebrating the milestone.
Additionally, Nas joined forces with Sprite for a collaboration that involved fellow artists Rakim, Latto, and GloRilla, further emphasizing the significance of the genre’s 50-year legacy.
5. Queen Bey’s ‘Renaissance Era
In the vibrant landscape of 2023, where the essence of Black culture thrived,Beyoncé claimed the top position with her monumental “Renaissance” era. As we delve into the top 23 highlights of the year, Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary stands out as a pivotal moment that shaped the cultural landscape and showcased the genre’s enduring impact.
On this day in 2001, the self-crowned “King of New York” released his fifth studio LP, Stillmatic. During Nas’s musical absence the power in New York had shifted and Jay-Z had stepped up and eclipsed Nas as the best MC in New York. The title itself shows that Nas had a chip on his shoulder and used this album to show the world who was STILL the best rapper alive out of the five boroughs.
Nas and Jay-Z were in the midst of one of the biggest feuds in rap. With this being the theme of the time, the lyrics of this album carried a malicious flavor. This new side to Nas’ sound is most prominent on the track Ether that is one of the most straightforward diss tracks in rap. The disrespect that was put on on this record makes the Drake/Meek Mill conflict look like a childhood dispute. Throughout the album Nas continues to showcase his no-holds-barred style of lyricism, dropping names of those he feels have disrespected him left and right and setting records straight about his spot in Hip Hop. With every bar, you can feel Nas attacking the game and making sure his place is felt by everyone listening. This album is also a lot less openly righteous than his previous work. Nas is a righteous individual so there will always be undertones of positivity in his work, but on this album, the focus was on the cold and darker side to Hip Hop and New York City in general.
Released on Columbia Records, the album debuted at #8 on the Billboard 200 chart and sold 342,600 albums in its first week. Within a month, the album claimed the #5 spot and was certified platinum on January 16, 2002. By July 2008, the album had sold 2,026,000 copies. This “comeback” album received majority positive reviews from critics. Nas was praised by critics from Rolling Stone, AllMusic and The Source, who gave this album the coveted 5 Mics.
