Close to ten hours before NAS was scheduled to hit the Mass Appeal x GrooveShark #SXSWTakeOver stage, fans started lining up five blocks away to witness the greatness. On the eve of the 20th anniversary of his seminal debu “Illmatic,” he ran through classics like “New York State Of Mind,” “The World Is Yours,” and “It Ain’t Hard To Tell” with dj Green Lantern flipping the beats. Nas’ energetic set also included fan favorites like “Made You Look,” “Got Yourself a Gun,” and “If I Ruled The World,” and as a celebration of the next generation during which Nas invited Mass Appeal recording artists Bishop Nehru and Fashawn, Boldy James, Nylo to share the stage.
Experimental multi-genre producer Flying Lotus blessed fans with two performances: one as his rapper alter ego Captain Murphy; and a dj set showcasing the creativity that has. Speaking of electronica, seen backstage, Jay Electronica showed support for both Flying Lotus and Nas performances
B.o.B stunned the crowd bringing Future on the stage to perform, “Ready,” while A$AP Mob ruled the stage like modern day Wu-Tang. The newer acts were equally impressive with stellar performances by the likes Thundercat, BADBADNOTGOOD, Boldy James, Bishop Nehru, Cali Smoov, SBOE, and TJ Mizell
Other celebrities showing support includedErykah Badu Ludacris, Lil Bibby, Hip Hop, Luke James, Victor Cruz, Whookid, and media personality Amanda Seales,
The 2014 SXSW Takeover continues on Saturday, March 15 with the Remember Music Showcase featuring Mac Miller, Remember Music artists and surprise guests.