Nas to Celebrate 30 Years of ‘Illmatic’ with Orchestral Concerts in Las Vegas
Nas, one of hip-hop’s most iconic MCs, is set to commemorate the 30th anniversary of his groundbreaking debut album, “Illmatic,” with a series of special performances this fall.
Released in the spring of 1994, “Illmatic” recently celebrated its 30th birthday. To honour this milestone, Nas announced on Monday (May 20) that he will collaborate with the Las Vegas Philharmonic for three exclusive shows at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas. The performances are scheduled for Labor Day Weekend on August 29, August 31, and September 1.
“Las Vegas has always been a creative hub for my music, and these performances will elevate that experience,” the 50-year-old rapper told Billboard. “Partnering with the Las Vegas Philharmonic to deliver this unique performance at the Encore Theater allows me to present my music to fans in an entirely new way.”
Bobby Reynolds, Senior Vice President of AEG Presents Las Vegas, expressed his excitement for the event: “We are thrilled to welcome Nas to the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas. This historic collaboration with the Las Vegas Philharmonic celebrates one of the greatest hip-hop albums ever made. The combination of Nas’ legendary music with the orchestra’s exceptional sound promises an unforgettable experience for all fans.”
Tickets for the concerts will go on sale this weekend and can be purchased here.
In addition to the orchestral concerts, Nas has also released new “Illmatic” merchandise in April to mark the album’s legacy. The collection includes T-shirts, hoodies, sweats, a leather jacket, air freshener, a button pack, and a postcard set, all designed by artists Andrew Agutos, Esteban Whiteside, Rushad Kolah, and Samborghini.
Furthermore, Nas will embark on a European tour later this year. Starting in Finland this October, the tour includes 15 stops, culminating in London.
These orchestral shows and new merchandise offerings highlight the enduring impact of “Illmatic” and Nas’ influence on the music industry over the past three decades.
