As the 27th annual Urbanworld International Film Festival approaches, it’s set to honor the most iconic rap videos of all time. With Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA serving as the festival’s ambassador, a special tribute titled Lights, Cameras, Rhymes: 50 Years of Hip Hop on Screen will spotlight legendary music videos, featuring discussions led by acclaimed director […]
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Nas‘ multimedia company, Mass Appeal, finds itself entangled in a racial discrimination lawsuit as a white veteran documentary producer alleges she was subjected to racist comments and subsequently fired. The woman claims company executives discriminated against her, creating a hostile work environment. The Lawsuit A white veteran documentary producer, Melissa Cooper, who served as the […]
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Mass Appeal, the long-running media company that found new life as a record label when Nas joined a group of investors to purchase the brand in 2013, is being sued for racial discrimination. According to Vibe, Mass Appeal’s former head of development, Melissa Cooper, filed suit in Manhattan against the company and its co-founder Peter Bittenbender, alleging Bittenbender fostered a hostile work environment against her.
Cooper, who is white, says that after she was chosen to work on a project over Senior VP of Content Jenya Meggs, Meggs subjected her to “venomous and racist comments about ‘white folk’ and ‘crackers.’” The comments were supposedly made in messages from Meggs to Terry Ross, an executive producer on Hulu’s upcoming Freaknik documentary. Meggs attributed Cooper’s selection to racial bias, calling another of the doc’s producers, Alex Avant, choosing Cooper an example of “usual white folk behavior.” Meggs began refusing to work on projects with Cooper, leading to Cooper being removed from projects headed by Meggs.
Cooper says although she raised concerns with Bittenbender, there was no investigation of her claims, and she was terminated on June 30, 2023, after her primary role had been reduced so much she had no real function at the company. Nas is not named in the suit but is a partner in Mass Appeal.
On this date in 1992, “Nasty” Nas dropped his first single for an otherwise unknown movie soundtrack.
Not even Nasir Jones himself knew the magnitude of what his career would be when the “Halftime” single dropped on October 13, 1992. Appearing on Nas’ monumental Illmatic album as well as the under the radar silver screen flick Zebrahead, Halftime was the smash single that put Nasty Nas in the position to be considered the “Second Coming” of lyrical pioneer Rakim by none other than The Source Magazine, who gave Nasty the coveted Five Mic rating for the landmark album.
Produced by Large Professor, who found his way onto Nas’ album by way of the LP’s other incomparable single, “It Ain’t Hard To Tell,” this song was the catalyst that launched the Illmatic project and Nas’ illustrious career.
The post Today In Hip Hop History: Nas Released His Debut Single ‘Halftime’ 31 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.
The post Today In Hip Hop History: Nas Released His Debut Single ‘Halftime’ 31 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.
The New York State of Mind tour, featuring hip-hop legends Nas and Wu-Tang Clan, has taken the nation by storm and is now expanding its reach with a second leg. On this unforgettable journey, the tour’s second stop took a unique turn, transforming into an epic pool party at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa.
Breaking away from the typical arena performances, this tour stop offered fans a distinctive experience as they basked in the Florida sun poolside, sipping signature cocktails or relaxing on ledge loungers submerged in up to nine inches of crystal-clear water. The change of scenery and atmosphere brought out a new energy in the rap icons, infusing the performance with a summer party aura.
An ultra-luxury pool was the setting for this exclusive event, hosting a crowd of 2800 loyal members of The Wu and Nas fan bases across three diverse pools. In addition to the pools, private cabanas offered an elevated experience where Wu-Tang symbols adorned bottles, adding to the ultimate show vibe.
The festivities began with an elite DJ set from DJ Scratch that took the crowd on a journey through 50 years of hip-hop hits from all corners of the nation.
De La Soul, a recent addition to the tour, opened the show, bringing in a surprise special guest, Talib Kweli, who assisted in delivering De La’s hits and even treated the audience to “Get By” from his own repertoire.
Following this engaging set, Wu-Tang Clan emerged on the stage, led by RZA, who ignited the crowd with “Bring Da Ruckus,” setting the tone for an unforgettable performance. Maintaining an element of surprise, Wu-Tang Clan showed up fully and thrilled the audience by bringing out Method Man during “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing Ta F’ Wit.”
After Wu-Tang Clan’s explosive performance, Nas made his grand entrance, representing Queensbridge and even teasing the idea of taking a dip in the pool with the ecstatic fans. The excitement peaked when, early in his set, Nas, flanked by DJ Green Lantern, followed up “The Message” with the electrifying “Hate Me Now.” Nas, dressed in a white tee, heavy chains, and shorts, embraced the Tampa sun and assured fans that the temperature wouldn’t be the same for the rest of the tour.
The New York legends Nas and Wu-Tang Clan would take turns on stage, delivering classics from their extensive catalogs. The audience was treated to a spectacular musical journey with hits like “If I Ruled the World” and “C.R.E.A.M.,” “NY State of Mind” and “All I Need,” “The World is Yours” and “Shame on a Nigga,” “Ice Cream” and “Got Ur Self a Gun.” The show reached its pinnacle when Raekwon and Nas shared the stage for a spellbinding rendition of “Verbal Intercourse.”
The New York State of Mind tour’s pool party at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa proved that this tour is more than just music; it’s a unique experience that brings fans closer to their favorite artists in an unforgettable setting. As Nas, Wu-Tang Clan, and their dedicated fans continue their journey across the country, one can only imagine the surprises and musical magic that await at each tour stop. But none of them will be like Tampa.
You can see images from the epic event below.
The post Nas and Wu-Tang Clan Make a Splash at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa on ‘New York State of Mind’ Tour first appeared on The Source.
The post Nas and Wu-Tang Clan Make a Splash at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa on ‘New York State of Mind’ Tour appeared first on The Source.
Nas has delivered a brand new music video for “Fever,” a track from his latest album, Magic 3. This album results from the enduring partnership between Nas and longtime collaborator Hit-Boy, produced under Mass Appeal.
Directed by Leff, the “Fever” video takes viewers inside Nas’s opulent birthday celebration, attended by legendary music and entertainment industry peers. The guest list included luminaries like Diddy, Mary J. Blige, Hit-Boy, Fat Joe, and even Hollywood legend Robert De Niro. They all gathered to commemorate Nas’s 50th birthday and the release of Magic 3
This album features 15 fresh tracks and marks the final chapter of the legendary collaboration between Nas and Hit-Boy. It’s a testament to their extraordinary run together in the world of hip-hop.
In celebration of Magic 3 and Nas’s 50th birthday, fans can now connect to access exclusive merchandise, including limited editions of the album on vinyl, which are available at shop.massappeal.com.
The video is available below.
The post WATCH: Nas Gives a Glimpse Inside His Birthday Party in “Fever” Video first appeared on The Source.
The post WATCH: Nas Gives a Glimpse Inside His Birthday Party in “Fever” Video appeared first on The Source.
On Wednesday night, hip hop enthusiasts in Nashville, Tennessee, were treated to an unforgettable evening as legendary acts Wu-Tang Clan and Nas, joined by special guest De La Soul, took the stage at Bridgestone Arena. The performance marked the beginning of Leg 2 of their highly successful N.Y. State of Mind Tour in North America.
During the two-hour set, Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, and De La Soul delivered an electrifying performance, treating fans to an array of their most iconic hits. Wu-Tang Clan delighted the audience with tracks like “Liquid Swords,” “Triumph,” and “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing Ta F’ Wit,” while Nas wowed the crowd with classics such as “N.Y. State of Mind,” “The World Is Yours,” and “Get Down.”
The N.Y. State of Mind Tour is a testament to the enduring influence of hip-hop, bringing together two of the genre’s biggest acts. It also serves as a celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop music, showcasing its rich history and cultural impact.
The tour’s success in 2022 prompted Wu-Tang Clan and Nas to announce a global 2023 tour with 32 dates. The tour kicked off in May, featuring stops in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, with performances in Auckland, Sydney, Paris, London, Amsterdam, and more.
The celebration of Nas’s 50th birthday was another highlight of the tour. Nas, a GRAMMY-Award winning rap icon, marked the occasion with the release of his new album, Magic 3, produced by his longtime collaborator Hit-Boy and released via Mass Appeal. The album adds to Nas’s remarkable legacy in the world of hip-hop and continues to solidify his status as one of the genre’s greatest artists.
LEG 2 – NORTH AMERICA – 2023 N.Y. STATE OF MIND DATES:
Wed Sep 20 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Fri Sep 22 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live
Sat Sep 23 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place
Sun Sep 24 – Tampa, FL – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino^
Tue Sep 26 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena
Wed Sep 27 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
Fri Sep 29 – Atlantic City, NJ – Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Sun Oct 01 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Mon Oct 02 – Laval, QC – Place Bell
Wed Oct 04 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center
Sat Oct 07 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center
Sun Oct 08 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Tue Oct 10 – Winnipeg, MB – Canada Life Centre
Fri Oct 13 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place
Sat Oct 14 – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome
Mon Oct 16 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
Tue Oct 17 – Portland, OR – Moda Center
Wed Oct 18 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
Sat Oct 21 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena
Sun Oct 22 – Highland, CA – Yaamava Theatre
^ Daytime Pool Party Performance
The post Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, and De La Soul Kick Off Leg 2 of N.Y. State of Mind Tour first appeared on The Source.
The post Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, and De La Soul Kick Off Leg 2 of N.Y. State of Mind Tour appeared first on The Source.
Nas and Hit-Boy have concluded their two rap trilogies but that doesn’t mean there won’t be collaborations in the future. Speaking in a clip shared on Instagram, Nas stated he now knows he could return to create more together.
“For me, there’s an emotional moment because to complete something beyond what you thought you were even working on, we didn’t know we’d do six albums,” said Nas. “So to be at this point, it’s satisfying, it’s gratifying, it’s a feeling of accomplishment on another level for myself as an MC, and I’m lucky enough to work with some of the greatest producers in the world.”
In a monumental celebration of his 50th birthday, Nas, the iconic wordsmith of Hip-Hop, gifts the world with the grand finale of a remarkable trilogy – “Magic 3.” This magnum opus, brought to life by Nas’ longtime collaborator and production maestro, Hit-Boy, comprises 15 brand-new tracks. As the final chapter in their legendary partnership, “Magic 3” solidifies the duo’s status as one of Hip-Hop’s most prolific and dynamic pairings.
This project marks the sixth album crafted by Nas and Hit-Boy in just three years, following their previous triumphs in the “Magic” series. The saga began with “Magic” dropping on Christmas Eve in 2021, followed by the explosive release of “Magic 2” this past July, featuring heavyweight collaborators like 50 Cent and 21 Savage.
What makes “Magic 3” even more extraordinary is that it lands on Nas‘ 50th birthday, aligning perfectly with the golden jubilee of Hip-Hop itself.
True to his word, Nas teased fans with a cryptic video captioned “The Finale” on his social media, leaving the Hip-Hop community in anticipation. The official announcement of “Magic 3” arrived on September 12th, 2023, adding to the mystique surrounding this project.
Throughout their collaborative journey, Nas and Hit-Boy have gifted fans well over 70 tracks, featuring remarkable guest appearances from the likes of A$AP Rocky, Eminem, Lauryn Hill, and The Firm. Their exceptional streak of high-quality music has undeniably etched its name into the annals of Hip-Hop history, leaving fans wondering about Nas’ next move in his illustrious career.
As we eagerly dive into “Magic 3,” here’s a glimpse of the tracklist, promising a sonic journey like no other:
1. “Fever”
2. “TSK”
3. “Superhero Status”
4. “I Love This Feeling”
5. “No Tears”
6. “Never Die” Feat. Lil Wayne
7. “Pretty Young Girl”
8. “Based On True Events”
9. “Based On True Events Pt. 2”
10. “Sitting With My Thoughts”
11. “Blue Bentley”
12. “Jodeci Member”
13. “Speechless Pt. 2”
14. “Japanese Soul Bar”
15. “1-800-Nas-&-Hit”
With “Magic 3,” Nas and Hit-Boy invite us to witness the culmination of an extraordinary era in Hip-Hop, leaving us with a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead in the legendary Nasir Jones’ storied career.
The post Nas on Working with Hit-Boy for Six Albums: ‘It’s Gratifying, A Feeling of Accomplishment’ first appeared on The Source.
The post Nas on Working with Hit-Boy for Six Albums: ‘It’s Gratifying, A Feeling of Accomplishment’ appeared first on The Source.
Nas’ 50th Birthday Bash: A Night of Legends, Love, and Hip-Hop
New York City recently witnessed a legendary celebration as hip-hop icon Nas marked his milestone 50th birthday. The Big Apple’s skyline was lit up with star power, as a who’s who of the music and entertainment industry turned out to honor the Queensbridge legend.
The guest list read like a who’s who of hip-hop royalty: Chris Rock, Fat Joe, Mary J. Blige, Q-Tip, Diddy, Havoc, Kendrick Lamar, Styles P, Sheek Louch, AZ, Robert De Niro, Slick Rick, Steve Stoute, Sizzla, N.O.R.E, Questlove and many more. It was a night to remember as Nas was embraced by his peers, with Hit-Boy, Jadakiss, DJ Premier, Ralph McDaniels, and others showing their love and admiration.
In a heartwarming flick, Diddy, Fat Joe, Raekwon, and Cormega shared a nostalgic moment, highlighting the camaraderie and respect that Nas has earned throughout his illustrious career.
READ MORE: NAS DROPS “MAGIC 3” ON HIS 50TH BIRTHDAY: THE GRAND FINALE OF AN EPIC TRILOGY
But the outpouring of love didn’t stop with those in attendance. Even those who couldn’t make it to the celebration made sure to send their love to the Magic III emcee through Mass Appeal. Cordae, DJ Khaled, Snoop Dogg, Swizz Beatz, and Tobe Nwigwe all took a moment to express their affection for Nas.
Snoop Dogg, in his signature style, welcomed Nas to the “fifth floor” of life, an eloquent nod to the rapper’s 50th birthday. DJ Khaled marveled at the synchronicity of Nas and hip-hop both turning 50 in the same year, showering him with blessings and gratitude. Swizz Beatz, paying homage to Nas‘ significance in the rap game, wished him many more blessings and declared him the “best of the best.”
Nas‘ 50th birthday celebration wasn’t just a party; it was a testament to his enduring influence on the world of music and culture. As the hip-hop community came together to celebrate this milestone, it was a reminder that Nas’ legacy is not just about music; it’s about the love and respect he’s earned from his peers and fans over three decades of greatness. Happy birthday, Nas—here’s to many more years of inspiring us all.
Photo Credit: NAS/INSTAGRAM
The post Nas’ 50th Birthday Bash: A Star-Studded Night in NYC first appeared on The Source.
The post Nas’ 50th Birthday Bash: A Star-Studded Night in NYC appeared first on The Source.
