Wu-Tang and Nas celebrated 50 years of hip-hop in London

Nas recently surprised his UK fans in London by inviting the Wu-Tang Clan to perform with him on stage as he concluded the UK leg of the ‘NY State Of Mind’ tour. The Wu-Tang Clan had performed in front of a sold-out O2 arena, but the two acts joined forces for a secret afterparty at KOKO in North London for superfans. 

This year rappers are going all-out with their shows as the culture celebrates 50 years of hip-hop. Nas was initially billed to perform at KOKO. However, he invited his 1990s New York counterparts to come and surprise fans with an electrifying set. 

Nas (real name Nasir Jones) also sought to celebrate the progression of UK hip-hop by inviting two British lyricists to open his concert. Before the Illmatic creator made his appearance, Sam Wise and Strandz. The latter pumped up the crowd, stating, “We’re here to celebrate hip-hop, right?!”

Jones also deployed the hailed turntablist, DJ Shortee Blitz, to spin some classic hip-hop records from both sides of the pond playing an array of tracks from KRS-One’s ‘Sound Of Da Police’, to Giggs’ ‘Talking The Hardest’ and more.

Following the opening acts, the ‘Ether’ emcee appeared on stage and commenced the show by expressing how grateful he is to have a career and name in hip-hop, declaring, “I just finished The O2 with Wu-Tang, and it is the best tour I’ve ever been on in my life,” 

He continued, “Doing what we do is something special. As you know, it’s been so many years and doing this tour is such a blessing. This is my 50th year on the planet, the same time as hip-hop is turning 50. Ain’t that some shit?”Following his heartfelt monologue, the Queensbridge icon proceeded to perform his classics, including, ‘Hate Me Now’, ‘Ooochie Wally’, ‘If I Ruled That World’ and, of course, ‘N.Y. State Of Mind’.

Following this, Jones invited fans to “throw those Ws up” as the Wu-Tang Clan surprised fans with an enthralling entrance. Wu-Tang Clan members Ghostface Killah and Raekwon proceeded to rap their own generational hits; ‘C.R.E.A.M’, ‘Protect Ya Neck’, and more. You can watch footage of the intimate yet legendary KOKO afterparty in the video below.