Nas’ 20th anniversary Illmatic celebration continues. After performing at Coachella over the weekend and releasing his album Illmatic XX on Tuesday, the hip-hop icon premiered his documentary Time Is Illmatic on opening night of the 13th Tribeca Film Festival at New York’s Beacon Theatre on Wednesday.
The One9-directed film, which features interviews and concert footage, chronicles Nas’ journey from Queens to the release of his 1994 debut Illmatic.
He was joined by his friends and family including Alicia Keys, Swizz Beatz, Wale, Raekwon, Roxanne Shanté, and father Olu Dara.
“He don’t come out for nothing. This is major,” said Nas of the jazz musician.
Following a musical intro from Alicia Keys, he performed all nine tracks off Illmatic and brought his younger brother Jabari and nephews on stage.
He also thanked Tribeca Film Festival founder Robert De Niro. “Thank you Robert Dinero…. TONIGHT WAS ONE OF MY GREATEST NIGHTS EVER!” tweeted Nas.
Watch footage from the Time Is Illmatic premiere and the trailer below.
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