June 29, 2007
Concert Preview: Nas
By DCist contributor W Jacarl Melton
The hip-hop industry is a cruel and fickle creature. It’s built up many an emcee based on one nice record only to devour them during their next Soundscan. Very few artists have been able to recover from missteps. However, if there’s a poster boy for career resurgence, Nas might be him.
It’s hard to find a hip-hop writer who’d ridicule Nas’ first solo album, Illmatic (this writer included). The 1994 release featured some of the most vivid rhymes ever written as he detailed life in his New York neighborhood. Tracks like “N.Y. State of Mind” and “One Love” highlighted what is arguably an all-time classic album.
Then came It Was Written, I Am…, and Nastradamus interspersed with The Firm album and a role in the film Belly. Although he was working with the likes of Lauryn Hill, P. Diddy, and Dr. Dre, the folks who were fans of Nasty Nas (such as this writer) tuned out as alter ego Nas Escobar took center stage. How could the second-coming of Rakim let us down?
Stillmatic’s release in 2001 got Nas back on track as he sparred with his then-rival Jay-Z and reestablished himself as a deft wordsmith. Two albums of new material later, 2006’s Hip Hop Is Dead surfaced. The title song sounds like a lament his own fans would’ve aired in the late-1990s when Nas was spitting Cristal while restaging a Jesus-like crucifixion in the “Hate Me Now” video with Mr. Diddy.
He’s publicly dismissed the idea that his latest album is a knock on the current crop of rappers or his own slip-ups, but it’s hard to believe Nas thinks all is good in hip-hop. Otherwise, why launch the “Hip Hop Is Dead” tour? Well, the pay is good. But the easiest conclusion is that Nas knows the game needs someone with his abilities. After going down a route populated by a litany of half-talents in shiny suits, the Queensbridge kid has seemingly turned things around to regain some of his previous shine.
Nas performs at Love, 1350 Okie Street NE, tonight at 9 p.m., $20.
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Nas w/ Korn on "Play Me"... Awesome.
Nice mention of an artist and venue that typically don't get mentioned on DCist. Are you actually going to the show Ian?
Hillrat-
Actually, this piece is by our new music contributor Jacarl Melton, who also wrote last week's Jaguar Wright preview. We're looking forward to expanding our hip-hop coverage with him on board!
How are shows at Love? Are they full-on concerts - long sets, good sound, staging, etc.?
Or is it more like a nightclub "appearance" where they get onstage and do a medley of 3 songs with the house DJ?
Basically, it is true venue or is it a club?
Ian - Thanks for answering, about ten seconds after I hit send I realized you hadn't written that piece. I look forward to reading more of Mr. Melton's writing.
More like this.
So that's what Nas Is Like...
BTW, he's part of the Rock the Bells tour lineup...unfortunately, it's not in DC, but it's worth travelling to see groups like Rage, Wu-Tang, The Roots, Public Enemy, Cypress Hill, Rakim, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, EPMD, MF Doom, MOP, Pharoahe Monch, Slum Village, Felt, Living Legends (feat. Murs), Heiroglyphics, Blackalicious, Sage Francis, Jedi Mind Tricks, Brother Ali, Mr. Lif, Supernat, Rahzel...and/or Nas. And then some. Check it out if there are still tickets: rockthebells.net
And like "guest" mentioned, I'm also curious to hear the Love venue lends itself to a concert experience.
Even though I signed on as a guest, this is indeed the author of this article, W. Jacarl Melton. Thanks for the positive feedback and I look forward to writing more about hip-hop and hip-hop related goings on in the DC area in the future.
To answer the question about Love as a concert venue, I can't honestly tell you. I've only been there once and it wasn't for a concert, it was for a Danity Kane party (don't ask). I paid for the A Tribe Called Quest show held there but didn't go after my friends bailed on me. Based off from accounts I heard of the ATCQ show, it's hit or miss. Plus, it's not as if the Love is going to shut down just for the show. Concert goers probably won't be segregated from club goers. That's why I think everyone entering Love's doors will be paying $20.
Even though I signed on as a guest, this is indeed the author of this article, W. Jacarl Melton. Thanks for the positive feedback and I look forward to writing more about hip-hop and hip-hop related goings on in the DC area in the future.
To answer the question about Love as a concert venue, I can't honestly tell you. I've only been there once and it wasn't for a concert, it was for a Danity Kane party (don't ask). I paid for the A Tribe Called Quest show held there but didn't go after my friends bailed on me. Based off from accounts I heard of the ATCQ show, it's hit or miss. Plus, it's not as if the Love is going to shut down just for the show. Concert goers probably won't be segregated from club goers. That's why I think everyone entering Love's doors will be paying $20.
The funny thing is if you remember when Illmatic came out, lots of people felt it was a let down. There was so much hype that he was the second coming. Then it came and the album seemed a little short.
But Illmatic has stood the test of time. If you play it now, it sounds like it was recorded recently.
I have only been to one show at Love and it was a full-on concert but it was for the Aterciopelados and they give a full show even if they are playing a sidewalk.
Jacari--Why do you hedge every opinion? Illmatic is not "arguably" a classic; it undeniably IS a classic. What rock n roll critic would write that Blonde on Blonde is "arguably" a classic? Illmatic is at least as good as that album.
Bobby D.
i remember illmatic coming out and everyone being blown away. definitely not a let down.
great intro, no skits, short and sweet. damn near a perfect album.
Sorry for the late response, I've been travelling and computer access has been hit or miss. I see what youre saying re: hedging.
I tend to stay away from the terms "classic" and
"all-time" since they make me feel old and because time hasn,t ended yet. The album has had its detractors, namely the then credible Source staff (save Miss Info, the writer of the 5 mic review). That said, I would consider it one of my favorites, aka a classic, but so is Jeru's first. I could go on about "all-time" lists but
The main reason I used those terms was to illustrate how highly regarded Nas was and how a few miscues have him still trying to surpass what he did 13 years ago, IMO. Thanks for the
comment, though.
--Jacarl