Nas headlined the first London edition of the Roots Picnic at Crystal Palace Bowl, delivering a set heavy on 90s classics. The festival, a US institution for nearly 20 years, featured The Roots and a guest appearance from Common.
Nas's nostalgic set
Nas performed tracks like NY State of Mind and Hate Me Now, focusing on his earlier material. The screens behind him showed old photos from his first London visit in 1994, around the release of his debut album Illmatic. He recalled performing on pirate radio stations and "eating good Jamaican food" during that trip.
The rapper's rhymes were intricate and densely packed, showcasing his skill as an MC. Despite the dark shadow cast by his baseball cap, his performance sounded as vital as ever.
The Roots' energetic performance
Before Nas, The Roots played a set that felt like a long medley, mixing their own songs with funk, soul, and disco covers. They performed a standout version of James Brown's The Payback. The band, driven by Questlove's drumming and jazzy brass solos, demonstrated their unique blend of hip-hop and jam band style.
Common made a guest appearance during The Roots' set, adding to the festival's eclectic vibe. The event highlighted the musical chemistry between the legendary live band and iconic rappers.
