Nas, Live from the Kennedy Center with the National Symphony Orchestra

2018 • 52 minutes

About this movie

When Nas was just 19 years old, he composed what would become one of hip-hop’s defining masterpieces, Illmatic. To mark its 20th anniversary, Nas delivers a standout performance alongside the National Symphony Orchestra at Washington DC’s Kennedy Center. With conductor Steven Reineke taking the orchestra through arrangements of beats by DJ Premier and Large Professor, Nas delivers impassioned renditions of tracks like “N.Y. State of Mind”, “The World Is Yours”, and “Memory Lane (Sittin’ in Da Park)”. Between songs, the program cuts away to both archival and new interview footage to document Nas’ rise from Queensbridge upstart to influential rap icon.

Ratings and reviews

I loved this concert so very much! The intervals of his bio gave the audience a much needed glimpse of how it all started for him. Nas was the perfect collaboration wit the National Symphony Orchestra as I am certain the orchestra was not familiar with Nas or the importance of our genra music "hip hop". I'm certain they were totally surprised to hear of this collaboration. Sadly, they weren't aware of the magnificent music and style of hip hop brings to the Arts. Well they know now!! Nas is Hip Hop and they should be honored to have performed with him.. Would love to see this at 'Carnegie Hall' in NYC.

Awesome. I'm not one for rap, but I'm loving this. It was a wonderful experience to look, and listen to this. Nas was on point. The blend with the orchestra was marvelous. I'm going to buy the album.

the greatest of all time! illmatic is a timeless classic