BEHIND THE SCENES: NAS ALBUM RELEASE PARTY
Post and photos by Nocturnal Charm
This Tuesday marked the release of Hip Hop living legend, Nas’s tenth full-length album, Life
is Good. Ten albums in the
tumultuous world of hip hop by any artist can be seen as an admirable feat, but
not many careers have dealt with as much public drama and strife as Nas has in
his 18 years in the biz. The “Hate me now” debacle, a nasty public
divorce from fellow artist, Kelis, and a lil rap beef with “you know who” are
just a few of the troubles that has accompanied the spoils of the Rap Gods’ success. However, on Monday, Nasir Jones and a who’s
who of hip hops finest, gathered at Bagatelle
in NYC’s popular Meat-Packing district to celebrate not only his finest
offering since 2001’s Stillmatic, but to lionize
resilience and triumph despite what hardships life has to offer.
ATCQ’s frontman, Q-tip manned the 1’s and 2’s as
industry tastemakers, musicians and other cool folk mingled and partied in the
posh Manhattan supper club. Among the
attendee’s we’re radio personalities, Miss
Info and Angie Martinez;
supermodel, Tyson Beckford; producers,
Tony Touch, D-Dot, Swizz Beatz, Jermaine
Dupree and NO-ID; singers, Anthony Hamilton, Eric Benet, Miguel,
Teyana Taylor, Beyonce, Adrianna Bailon; rappers, Jay-Z and Wale; and some
fashions “it” celebs like Vashtie
and Dee and Ricky, among many
others..
Even with a crowd full of megastars, Nas shined the
brightest as he held court, politicked with fellow artists and friends, greeted
well wishing fans and bathed in the praise of his current effort from his peers. As the venue emptied, Nas rushed past this
photog as I yelled, “yo Nas, one more pic!”.. “no more pictures, no more
pictures” he replied.. I assumed he was making a beeline for an afterparty
elsewhere in the city, but he simply began walking throughout the streets of
Chelsea greeting fans and well-wishers. Gladly posing for cell phone pics,
handshakes and hugs. At first I felt a little slighted but then it all made
sense to me. Nas has always represented the people.. the struggle.. the
underdog.. He was simply paying respects to those who’ve stuck by him in even
his darkest days, the fans. His exuberance showed that despite all the
bullsh!t, he’s still here… and Life is indeed, Good.
Life is Good, marks Nas’ tenth studio album, and features guest appearances by Mary J. Blige, Rick Ross, Miguel, and the late Amy Winehouse. The album is available in store now so go get it!
Check out more pics below from Nocturnal Charm of the red carpet.
