NaS joined Dave Chappelle onstage at Radio City Music Hall last night--as "it was written" that he would (actually, if you want to get technical it was spake thus on ye olde David Letterman television program). Best believe team Okayplayer was on hand for this one as our Block Party 2: The Electric Boogaloo fantasy scenarios continue to unfold nightly at Radio City. As his brother Jungle and Steve Stoute watched from the wings, Nas played at the end of Chappelle's set (which hewed close to the winning formula established on opening night--no heckler moments). Nas was appreciative and thanked Dave for having him "be a part of history," overall seeming very at home and in high spirits.
The Queens representer performed all of Illmatic with full orchestra (In my mind the best indicator of the marvelous times we live in is that midway through 2014, Nas performing all of Illmatic with a full symphony orchestra is not only a real thing that happens, multiple times, but when you mention it people nod their heads like, oh yeah, Nas and his Illmatic orchestra, must be monday night) plus DJ Green Lantern and his drummer out in front. When the orchestra left the stage Nasir ran down some hits with just Green Lantern and the drummer including: "If I ruled The World"; "Made U Look"; "Hate Me Now" and finishing up with "One Mic." As the lights came on in Radio City, Dave came out to meet Nas center stage with a bottle of champagne capped with a red cup to both take a bow--and you could almost read the thought bubble over his head that said "because I'm Dave Chappelle. My life is dope and I do dope shit... click." Close curtain. Fin.
Watch a fan-captured (goddamn fans!) video of "NY State Of Mind" with full orchestra below:
