LIFE: Nas presents Illmatic XXV: Memory Lane in NYC Pop-Up in Honor of Album’s 25th Anniversary

Last night, my friend Shabazz invited me out to her event that she was doing to celebrate Nas and the 25th Anniversary of “Illmatic” (aka, one of my Top Favorite 3 Albums OF ALL TIME!). Over the years I’ve casually befriended Nas, which is (for me), UNREAL. I mean, I grew up as a fan of his and now when I see him at an event – we have minor chit chat, all the while I am screaming on the inside.

Nas, Vashtie Kola

Regardless, I always professionally “keep it cool” – but last night, I attended with the full heart of a fan…reliving what the album “Illmatic” did for me and giving thanks to Nas and Hip Hop.

Vashtie Kola

The pop-up was very cool! It was full of classic items that represented 1994; rare photos of Nas, a Walkman, and elements from the album come to life (like an interactive phone booth!)

Vashtie Kola, CJ Fly, Emilia Ortiz

Ralph McDaniels, Me and Nas – Last Night Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of “Illmatic”

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The pop-up is open to the public, starting today! If you’re in NYC, go check it out!

New York, NY (April 19, 2019) — Certified Classics, Legacy Recordings’ division for the celebration of Sony Music and groundbreaking Hip-Hop and R&B catalog, joins forces with The Pop Up Agency in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of Illmatic, the seminal debut album from Hip-Hop icon Nas. Illmatic XXV: Memory Lane in NYC is an immersive multi-media pop-up event open for 8 days in April at Sony Square NYC (25 Madison Avenue), a public space committed to showcasing innovations in products, music, movies and gaming. Illmatic XXV opens today Friday, April 19 (exactly 25 years after Columbia Records released the original album on April 19, 1994) and closes Saturday, April 27.

Open to the public, Illmatic XXV transforms elements of Queensbridge 1994–the public housing development in Long Island City, Queens, NY, where Nas grew up and the source of his debut Hip-Hop masterpiece–inside present day Sony Square NYC to give
visitors deeper access and insight into the world of Nas and the enduring impact of
Illmatic.