The Justice

Media Credit: Julian Agin-Liebes Nas commands the stage at Student Events' fall concert Saturday night in Shapiro Athletic Center.

Media Credit: Julian Agin-Liebes

Media Credit: Julian Agin-Liebes

Media Credit: Max Matza Student photographers at the front of the crowd reach for a clear shot as Student Events concert staff member Laura Mirkin '10 looks on in delight

Nas says that hip hop is dead, but is it?

This was the question asked of the over 1,800 people who poured into the Shapiro Athletic Center Saturday night to see Nas perform. The room slowly filled up over the course of the evening until people were packed so close that those of us under six feet in height could no longer receive fresh air. But all discomfort was forgotten when, after the opening acts of John Hope and DJ E-Nygma, Nas took the stage. With strobe lights flashing and his bling blazing, Nas rapped many of his well-known songs and got the crowd excited. Walking onto the stage, he asked the crowd, "Do they sell alcohol here? No? It's OK, 'cause we are on a natural high."

Over the course of the night Nas performed many of his hits, such as "Hip Hop is Dead," "Hero," "One Mike" and "Made You Look." Nas also brought his political views to light during such songs as "Sly Fox," in which he criticized the Fox TV network, Bill O'Reilly and the manner in which they treated him. His new album, Nas said, "help[ed] him to get back at a lot of people." Before his song "Black President," Nas exclaimed, "I don't believe in politics. I believe in people." He went on to quote Tupac's song "Changes," adding to the line "and though it seems heaven sent, we ain't ready to see a black president" with the line "Yes, we can … Change the world!"

Nas, who was born Nasir Jones in Queensbridge, N.Y.C., has been a recording artist for over 10 years and produced such records as It Was Written, God's Son, Hip-Hop Is Dead and his latest album Untitled. He is also well known for his very public feuds, which he uses as material for his songs. Nas has been involved in disputes with Jay-Z, 50 cent and, most recently, the Fox News Network, Bill O'Reilly and Reverend Al Sharpton. Throughout his career, Nas has made a name for himself as an artist who is extremely honest about his opinions regarding politics, role models and violence.

At the concert, it was clear that Student Events had taken extra measures to guarantee a safe experience. The security for the concert was very tight, with students being required to walk through metal detectors and forbidden from bringing in any bags, liquids or food. In addition, members from Brandeis police, Waltham police and the private security firm Knight Security were present. Student Events worked hard to make sure that the concert went well and were rewarded with a flawless set-up and relatively seamless concert.

"One of the biggest misconceptions about the concert is how much time and effort goes into putting it all together," said Sarah Richardson, the activities advisor for Student Events. "We started setting everything up around 5 [p.m.] yesterday and we will be here until around 2 [a.m.] tomorrow taking everything down."

Ronnie Dorfzawn '11 added "I really enjoyed working at the concert. It was very hard, but a lot of fun."

Student Events managed to sell 1,841 tickets in the span of one week, with at least 300 of those tickets purchased by non-Brandeisians. After the concert, multiple students expressed their enjoyment of the event and especially of the artist.

"Nas is one the top five rappers that I know. He really knew how to energize the crowd and had great stage presence," said Mike Stone '09. "It was nice to see something different from the previous concerts that we've had."

The Nas concert was an overall success and provided a nice change from the type of entertainment usually provided on campus. His dynamic personality helped to give more life to his lyrics, and his thoughts and reactions to politics were a refreshing change from the usual material used in rap songs.

"­I very much enjoyed seeing Nas at his finest, energetically performing a career-spanning collection of songs. Also, his political commentary throughout, especially showcased in the song 'Sly Fox,' was refreshing and well received by the crowd," said Jeremy Karp '10.

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