On Saturday, Dec. 13, Nas took over the stage outside T-Mobile Arena during the semifinals of the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup in Las Vegas. Presented by Amazon Music as part of its In The Paint concert series, the Queens legend delivered a powerful set that celebrated more than three decades of hip-hop excellence while spotlighting new music from Light Years, his recently released album produced by DJ Premier.
Fresh off introducing his beloved New York Knicks ahead of their win over the Orlando Magic, Nas arrived at Toshiba Plaza around 5:15 p.m. PST. Backed by a live band, he commanded the crowd for nearly 40 minutes, opening with “Represent” and immediately setting the tone for a performance rooted in lyricism, legacy, and presence.
The concert served as a centerpiece in Amazon Music’s continued effort to connect sports and culture. Kristen Gambetta, global head of partner marketing at Amazon Music, described the moment as an example of how music enhances the fan experience beyond the game itself, noting the cultural impact of live performances in major sporting moments.
Throughout the set, Nas moved effortlessly through his catalog, drawing loud reactions as he transitioned from “The Message” into “Got Yourself a Gun.” The performance felt less like a festival appearance and more like a curated celebration of endurance, reinforcing Nas’ place as one of hip-hop’s most consistent voices.
Addressing the crowd, Nas reaffirmed his roots before launching into new material from Light Years, including “Welcome to the Underground” and “Git Ready.” While the DJ Premier-produced tracks were well received, the energy peaked when Nas leaned into classics such as “It Ain’t Hard to Tell,” “New York State of Mind,” and “Made You Look,” each drawing massive crowd participation.
Nas also took a moment to spotlight his women fans, performing “Owe Me” and his verse from Missy Elliott’s “Hot Boyz.” The loudest reaction of the night came when longtime collaborator AZ joined him onstage for surprise performances of “Life’s a B—h” and “Phone Tap,” turning the plaza into a full-scale singalong.
Before closing out the night, Nas delivered a final stretch of fan favorites including “Nas Is Like,” “Street Dreams,” and “If I Ruled the World.” He ended the set with “One Mic,” a fitting conclusion that underscored how, after three decades, his voice alone still carries undeniable weight.
