Nas And Lauryn Hill Light Up Yankee Stadium for Epic Hip-Hop 50 Celebration

On a historic Friday evening (August 11), the heart of Hip-Hop’s birthplace, the Bronx, witnessed an electrifying event at Yankee Stadium, marking the 50th anniversary of the genre’s inception.

A star-studded lineup of artists representing the roots and the future of Hip-Hop graced the stage under the starry Bronx sky. Legends like the Sugarhill Gang, Kurtis Blow, Ice Cube, and Snoop Dogg, alongside contemporary icons such as Lil Wayne, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, and Fat Joe, delivered unforgettable performances, keeping the energy soaring through the night.

Nas, the visionary co-founder of Mass Appeal alongside label head Peter Bittenbender in 1996, was a headlining act on the bill. As the concert ventured beyond the six-hour mark, the legendary rapper from Queensbridge took center stage, delivering live renditions of his chart-topping hits, including the powerful “One Mic” and the fierce “Shoot ‘Em Up,” igniting the crowd’s enthusiasm.

However, it was the moment when Lauryn Hill, dressed in a captivating fluffy pink blazer adorned with beaded braids, a classic blue Yankees hat, and towering platform heels, graced the stage that truly stole the show. Her appearance was a surprise to the audience, and she joined Nas for an unforgettable collaborative performance. The crowd was entranced as the duo delivered a captivating rendition of “If I Ruled The World” a timeless classic from Nas’s 1996 album, “It Was Written.”

The energy only soared higher as Lauryn Hill continued to mesmerize the audience, transitioning seamlessly into Fugees’ hits like “Ready or Not” and “Killing Me Softly” and treating fans to her own iconic solo single, “Doo Wop (That Thing).” The chemistry between Nas and Lauryn Hill was palpable.

The significance of this collaboration goes beyond the performance itself. Lauryn Hill’s appearance for “If I Ruled The World” marked her first musical venture outside of the Fugees, a milestone in her illustrious career. The single soared to No. 53 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, also securing a spot in the Top 20 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart. Notably, it earned a well-deserved nomination for the Best Rap Solo Performance category at the 1997 Grammy Awards.

This unforgettable night at Yankee Stadium was a true celebration of Hip-Hop’s past, present, and future. It was a reminder of the genre’s incredible journey over the last five decades, with Nas and Lauryn Hill sharing a remarkable moment that will undoubtedly be etched in the annals of Hip-Hop history.