Wu Tang Clan & Nas Live At The Hard Rock Tampa

Sundays are usually for football, but that wasn't the case yesterday. While many flocked to their tv's and respective bars to enjoy the games, thousands of others surrounded and enjoyed the luxuries of the pool when De La Sol, Nas and the entire Wu Tang Clan took over the stage. We might have been in Tampa, but it was definitely a "New York State of Mind" at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Before we get into the concert, we HAVE to give a shout out to the Hard Rock for their hospitality. Not only did they hook us up with an amazing spot to watch the show, but Darien and everyone at the casino made us feel very welcomed upon arrival. The alcohol could have been a factor, but I assure you I am sober now and still feel the need to say that their warm reception was second to none.

Off rip, De La Soul set the tone for how the day's performances were going to go. There were no vocals on any tracks, just instrumentals. Which means there was no "mailing it in". All lyrics had to be spit by with conviction, and Posdnuos did not disappoint. As many would say, this was REAL hip-hop. If he wasn't good enough for you, you would have definitely been satisfied when he brought out special guest Talib Kweli.

I'm not gonna lie, Wu Tang had me in the first half. The show started of with RZA spraying the crowd with champagne as most of the other members walked out. I was convinced Method Man was not going to show, but after 3 songs he surprised everyone when he emerged for his verse on "Wu Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing Ta F' Wit" came one. The crowd was also treated to the Young Dirty Bastard (Ol' Dirty Bastard's Son) spitting his fathers lyrics which truly made the performance legendary. The best part was having the Clan take breaks so that Nas could come out and interchange performances throughout the day. Chefs Kiss*

Seeing Nas start out his performance alongside members of the Wu Tang Clan was one thing, but having him and the greatest rap collective go back and forward the entire day was something I didn't know I needed in my life. If Nas wasn't in your Top 5 List of All-Time rappers before, he was after you saw this performance. He did right by everyone doing all his classics like "NY State of Mind", "The World Is Yours" and "Made You look", But my favorite part was when he performed "If I Ruled The World". The entire crowd singing Lauryn Hill's chorus gave me goosebumps.