The popular PBS series, Great Performances will feature Nas's groundbreaking performance with the National Symphony Orchestra of his classic debut album, Illmatic.

Nas performed live from the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. back in 2014, for the 20th anniversary of Illmatic, which debuted back in 1994.

Of course, Illmatic has long been hailed one of the best albums in hip-hop history, and its impact on music as a whole is significant, anchored by Nas's crisp delivery, insightfulness and storytelling. Nas was excited to bring the album to the Kennedy Center while he was doing his run of the project for its big 20th anniversary.

"This is a whole different approach, it was new to my ears. It's a big thing to just see myself keep up with the orchestra and them keep up with me. It was crazy to me, that made it fun," Nas said of the performance.

During the show Nas ran through the classic album, including performances of "One Love" and "N.Y. State of Mind."

Great Performances — Nas Live From the Kennedy Center: Classical Hip-Hop airs on Feb. 2 at at 9 PM ET on PBS.

 

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