From 40-16 Vernon Blvd., to a sold out show at The Garden.
From the largest housing projects in North America, to the “World’s Most Famous Arena.”
In a venue that has witnessed its fair share of historic performances, Nas put Queens on his back, and tore it down from beginning to end. It was a night where hip-hop royalty was honored, and we were just fortunate to be in attendance.
But before the night even started, we needed to walk the same streets where Nas once called home. We needed to pay homage to the neighborhood that created the legend. We walked the cracked concrete; we touched the bricks; we sat in the stairwell; we breathed in the crisp February air off the project rooftop.
The neighborhood was quiet that morning, a sure contrast to its infamous reputation.
NYC should be a mandatory pilgrimage for any hip-hop head. Each borough is a pillar for the genre, where significant contributions and sacrifices have been made for its posterity.
Once we fully paid our respects, we took the train back to the city ready for something historic. Nas did not disappoint. New York City did not disappoint.
I got hype when DJ Green Lantern kicked off the night, running through the classics. I was thankful for Hit-Boy’s appearance mid-show, knowing he helped rejuvenate Nas in this latter part of his career. When Mary J. Blige graced the stage, I knew anything was possible that night. However, when the beat dropped for “Life’s A Bitch,” I damn near cried knowing AZ was about to spit what’s without question a top-five verse in hip-hop history. I rapped every fucking word. Then Slick Rick appeared, and my heart was full. The rest of the night I’ll keep for myself as a treasure in my memories that I’m sure I’ll go back to often.
Thank you, hip-hop… YOU KNOW QUEENS IN THE HOUSE.