This summer, the Grammy Award-winning hip-hop icon Nas will become the first nationally renowned rap artist to perform with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in the organization’s 109-year history.
“NAS: Illmatic Live with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra“ will feature the 51-year-old trailblazer performing his legendary 1994 debut album with new full orchestrations, the BSO said in a news release.
Mark Hanson, the symphony’s president and CEO said in the release that the July 23 concert “will be a highlight of the year.”
He added that the lyrical sophistication and stylish storytelling of Nas will be on full display when backed by the sound of a 94-piece orchestra.
“It is an honor to bring this iconic album to life in a new way and shine a spotlight on our musicians’ incredible range and talent,” Hanson said.
The Brooklyn-born Nas — his original stage name was “Nasty Nas” — was named the third greatest rapper of all time in 2015 by Billboard magazine. ”Illmatic” routinely makes Top 10 greatest hip-hop album lists and is included in the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry.
Nas has been nominated for 17 Grammy Awards but has won only once, when “King’s Disease” picked up the prize for best rap album in 2021.
Though this will be the rapper’s first performance with the BSO, it will not be his first concert in Baltimore.
In 2019, he performed at the Royal Farms Arena (now CFG Bank Arena) with Mary J. Blige. Five years earlier, he headlined the Preakness Infieldfest in 2014 along with the New Zealand singer/songwriter Lorde.
Tickets to the concert will range from $75 to $299 and can be bought online at bsomusic.org.
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