Kevin Bronson on April 14th, 2014

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Who: Nas at the Outdoor Theatre:
In 3 or fewer words: Illmatic’s Big 2-0
Memorable because: Despite the fierce winds, biting sand and 15-minute delay, a mass of diehard fans went crazy at the sound of “The Genesis,” the intro track to Nas’s 20-year-old “Illmatic” album. At the song’s conclusion, a single spotlight lit up to reveal Nas underneath, reviving the outfit he wore back then – black long sleeves, black pants, black beanie and Timberland boots. Clearly, those that braved the sandstorm were in for a treat, as Nas performed the album nearly front-to-back – with two songs swapped, and some surprises mixed in. The biggest shocker came by the fourth song, when Jay-Z joined Nas on stage and performed “Dead Presidents II” and “Where I’m From,” with unrelenting chemistry, despite their now-forgotten ancient beef with each other. Prior to his departure, Mr. Beyoncé took time to say, “I had to come out and celebrate 20 years of ‘Illmatic.’ One of the greatest accomplishments,” at which point the fervent crowd erupted in agreement. Nas enthusiastically continued with the record’s remaining tracks, frequently making date-acknowledging comments: “Are all my weed smokers over 18 out there? This song is older than you!” and the repeated (and repeated), “This album came out on cassette!” The second surprise guest, Puff Daddy, emerged during the second-to-last song, 1999’s “Hate Me Now,” but, despite the song’s title, Sean [fill-in-the-blank] Combs had nothing but love for Nas saying, “If it wasn’t for you, rap wouldn’t gotten here today [to Coachella].” Of course, Nas closed out his time alone on stage, in the glare of just two spotlights performing “One Mic” interspersed with expressions of gratitude and inspiration; “To all the future writers in the crowd, to the future emcees, rappers, all you need is one [mic],” he said. “Live your life to the fullest,” Nas said, just before he exited the stage. “This is real life – not a rehearsal.”
What I’d Tell My Friends Who Got Stuck In A Sandstorm On Their Way To The Car: You made two bad choices, friends.
– Claudia Gonzalez (Photo by Timothy Norris via LA Weekly)