Hip-hop icon Nas celebrated his 50th birthday in style, and it was a star-studded affair to remember. The lavish event, held at The Grill in Midtown Manhattan on 52nd Street, saw a who’s who of the entertainment world turning out in support.
Comedian Chris Rock, rapper Kendrick Lamar, and singer Mary J. Blige were just a few of the luminaries in attendance. Rock, in particular, added his signature humour to the night by delivering a memorable toast, declaring hip-hop as “the first art form created by free Black men.” His comments, which highlighted the genre’s origin in New York’s Bronx borough, elicited laughter from the crowd.
The party featured a performance by The Roots and had DJ Jazzy Jeff on the turntables, providing a soundtrack for the likes of Sean “Diddy” Combs, Robert De Niro, and several prominent rappers, including Q-Tip, Jadakiss, Styles P, N.O.R.E., Fat Joe, and AZ.
Guests were treated to a sumptuous four-course dinner, featuring fillet mignon, branzino, and pasta from the renowned Italian restaurant Carbone. Hennessy, the renowned cognac brand, presented Nas with a specially-commissioned abstract painting as a birthday gift.
Styles P of The Lox paid tribute to Nas during the celebration, praising him for his influence on the rap industry. He referred to Nas as “the golden child from the golden era” and acknowledged his role in paving the way for other artists.
This grand soirée coincided with the release of Nas’ latest album, “Magic 3,” which marks his sixth consecutive album in three years, produced in collaboration with Hit-Boy. Both artists have confirmed that “Magic 3” will be their final project together, following the success of the “Magic” series and the “King’s Disease” albums.
Nas’ journey in music has been nothing short of remarkable, with his first Grammy win for Best Rap Album coming with the release of King’s Disease. His continued success has earned him multiple Grammy nominations, solidifying his place in the pantheon of hip-hop legends.
