Nas to Celebrate 30th Anniversary of ‘Illmatic’ With Three Las Vegas Shows Featuring Live Orchestra

Nas is taking his talents to Las Vegas. The Queensbridge icon is taking over the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas for three shows throughout Labor Day Weekend to close out the summer in epic fashion.

In celebration of Nas’ Illmatic debut album turning 30 this year, Escobar is slated to head to Sin City for a trio of unique performances on Aug. 29, Aug. 31 and Sunday Sept. 1.

The Nas With the Las Vegas Philharmonic collaboration features the rapper performing an array of anthems from his decorated discography, with a live symphony orchestra at his back.

Tickets will be going on sale on Friday (May 24) at 10 a.m. PT via Ticketmaster. Prices start at $69.95 plus applicable fees.

“Las Vegas has always served as a creative outlet for my music, and these performances will take that to the next level,” Nas tells Billboard in a statement. “I am excited to partner with the Las Vegas Philharmonic to bring this first-of-its-kind performance to Encore Theater and to showcase my music to my fans in Las Vegas in a whole new way.”

AEG Presents Las Vegas SVP Bobby Reynolds adds: “We could not be more thrilled to welcome Nas to Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas for this historic collaboration with the Las Vegas Philharmonic to celebrate one of the greatest hip-hop albums ever made. Marrying Nas’ legendary catalog with the unparalleled sound of the Las Vegas Philharmonic Is guaranteed to be an unforgettable and must-see experience for all Nas fans, and there is no venue more perfect in Las Vegas for this collaboration or a better place to be this Labor Day Weekend for entertainment than Encore Theater.”

Nas is no stranger to the dice rolls of Vegas, which Esco raps about on 1999 I Am… standout “Undying Love.” “Pacino life, G a roll, casino dice At The Mirage, Vegas strip, neon lights Gamblers, puffin’ cigars, couples and stars Flashin’ cameras, dealers, shuffling cards,” he rhymes.

In April, the 50-year-old rapper celebrated the 30th anniversary of Illmatic by turning the clock back to reunite with DJ Premier for “Define My Name,” in which the two artists announced a long-rumored joint album.

More information regarding the shows and ticketing can be found on the Wynn website.