NAS, LIFESAVAS, LIBRETTO, DJ OG1
(Roseland, 8 NW 6th) Nas might be a megalomaniac but that’s much of his appeal. A self-proclaimed prophet (God’s Son, Nastradamus), he has rapped himself a fleeting halo and a steady stream of swipes. It is unlikely that this critical dissonance will be resolved in July, when his ninth album, Nigger, is slated for release. The tsk-tsks of old and new skeptics have nearly drowned out the confidence of the Queens native’s faithful. But with Nas known to fortify under attack (recall his Jay-Z squabble), the understated—at worst, sleepy—performer should preside with much more verve at Roseland and might just remember the iconic verses he so often mumbles in live shows. JALYLAH BURRELL

MP3:
Nas - Hip Hop Is Dead (featuring will.i.am)