Nas is like...

“Braveheart, braveheart, braveheart,” the filled-to-the-Hammerstein’s-capacity crowd chanted on December 26 as they impatiently waited for “Escobars return.” For about a two hour wait after the promised 7:00pm start of the concert the lights finally dimmed. The potent stench of marijuana filled the air and every “hip hop head” in the building was prepared for this euphoric occurrence that they were about to witness. With Mr. C on the 1’s and 2’s playing every throw back from all the hip hop legends i.e. Wu-tang, Method Man, Capone, Noreaga, even down to Big L. The crowd began to get amped up and was ready for Nas to come on stage. Once on stage Nas rocked it, dressed in a simple t-shirt and jeans. He was there for one thing and one thing only, to spit lyrics that would leave people speechless. He started off with some of his newest songs like "Sly Fox", and "Fried Chicken" and once he was warmed up he brought it back to the ‘90s and did some of his most memorable songs such as "Hate Me Now," and "N.Y. State of Mind." Just when the crowd was at its peak, and thought it couldn’t get any better, Nas brought out his lifetime friend and partner AZ. They began to do songs together from their old ‘90s rap group, The Firm, and before leaving, AZ recited his notorious verse from "Life’s A B#$%^." AZ’s surprise appearance was most definitely a treat for the audience, but Nas didn’t stop there. He eventually brought out Busta Rhymes who performed some of his new music, as well old music like "If You Really Wanna Party With Me." By this time, the audience was sure that Nas couldn’t top what he had already done. What more could he give them? “Yeah what up ma, take a look, you hypnotized,” Naish from Qb’s finest began to recite from one of their most famous songs with Nas "Oochie Wally" as him and Jungle walked onto the stage. The audience couldn’t believe it, but once the two rappers were standing next to Nas, the crowd went out of control. Not only did Nas bring to the table more than expected, he left the crowd wanting more. He took the beautiful Hammerstein Ballroom venue and made into a meeting place where all hip-hop lovers alike could listen to the greatest rap music of all time. With New York being the breeding ground of hip-hop, there was no better place to hold such a concert.

-Tawny