Nas Tapped To Headline Essence Now Playing Concert Commemorating 20 Years Of ESSENCE Fest And 20 Years Of ‘Illmatic’
Legendary hip-hop artist and musical innovator Nas, whose critically-acclaimed documentary, ‘Time is Illmatic,’ was the hit of last month’s Tribeca Film Festival, will kick off the 20th Anniversary Essence Festival weekend as headliner of the Essence Now Playing concert, also featuring R&B crooner Trey Songz, as well as R&B/soul songstresses K. Michelle and Jazmine Sullivan. More artists will be announced in the coming weeks. The Essence Now Playing concert is taking place at the Louisiana Superdome on Thursday, July 3, leading in to the 20th Anniversary Essence Festival weekend, July 3-6, in New Orleans, LA.
“Essence is excited to welcome hip-hop legend and musical prodigy Nas to kick off our 20th Anniversary celebration, especially as he commemorates his own impressive 20 year milestone,” said Essence President Michelle Ebanks. “The ESSENCE Festival promises 20 stages of programming to honor our 20th anniversary with more than 70 artists performing across our music stages. The addition of Nas, Trey Songz, K. Michelle and Jazmine Sullivan for the Essence Now Playing concert is an incredible lead-in to Festival weekend and rounds out an entertainment experience not-to-be-missed!”
Essence tapped legendary hip-hop artist Nas to headline the special Now Playing concert performance in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Essence Festival and also his iconic debut album, Illmatic. Illmatic has been lauded by critics as one of the most exemplary hip-hop recordings of all time and contributed to the revival of the New York City rap scene; consistently ranked near the top of many “best album” lists.
