On October 16, 2023, Vancouver's Rogers Arena became the epicenter of a hip-hop odyssey as the "N.Y. State of Mind" tour hit its stage. The night, much more than just a rap concert, was a night of classic throwbacks narrated by the legendary Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, and initiated by the vibrant De La Soul. As the autumn breeze blew through the city streets, inside the arena, it was the rhythmic beats and profound lyrics that spoke volumes to the eager audience.
The night kicked off with De La Soul's lively beats, drawing everyone into the vibe as he moved into "Stakes Is High." De La Soul kept the energy high with tunes like "Get By" and "Rock Co.Kane Flow" and brought old hits like "A Roller Skating Jam Named 'Saturdays'" to life, creating a warm, fun atmosphere. Their set wrapped up with "Me Myself and I," leaving a reflective mood as the crowd eagerly awaited the next act.
The anticipation in the arena soared as the setup morphed, reflecting the gritty aesthetics of New York's hip-hop scene. It was time for the maestros to take over.
The Wu-Tang Clan's performance was a series of intertwined lyrical narratives. A rotating cast of Wu-Tang Clan members took the stage, with a sequence of songs flowing smoothly from one to another. The first set started with an invigorating cover of "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)" which set the tone for the epic voyage ahead. Tracks like "Clan in da Front" and "Liquid Swords" reverberated through the arena, each beat resonating with years of hip-hop legacy.
Their second set was a showcase to their diverse discography with tracks like “Criminology” and “Ice Cream” while the third set delved deeper with “Tearz” and “4th Chamber,” concluding with a spirited performance of “Triumph.” Each set was a narrative, giving the audience a glimpse into the enduring legacy of Wu-Tang Clan.
Nas took the helm with "Verbal Intercourse," sharing the stage with Ghostface Killah and Raekwon, marking the start of a lyrical expedition. His sets, intertwined with Wu-Tang's, narrated the sagas of life, struggle, and triumph.
Tracks like "The Message" and "N.Y. State of Mind" were not just songs but conversations with the crowd, while "Street Dreams" and "If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)" were lyrical canvases painting vivid imagery of aspiration and retrospection. The encore, “One Mic” performed with Wu-Tang Clan, was the epitome of collaborative resonance that marked the night.
Nas notably delivered a biting performance of the Mobb Deep track "Eye for an Eye (Your Beef Is Mines)" with Raekwon, returning for a more energized second set featuring older classics. The audience reacted enthusiastically to Method Man's appearance, who had missed many tour stops due to acting commitments.
The concert was a celebratory nod to hip-hop's 50th anniversary, where the genre's veterans were rightfully highlighted. The structure of the concert, an action-packed, revue-style format, ensured a high-energy experience for attendees. The performers, backed by a six-piece band, creatively presented their classic tracks, melding their sets into one long marathon performance.
The "N.Y. State of Mind" tour, a tribute to authentic hip-hop, has been narrating the global landscape with its lyrical tales. From Auckland's Spark Arena to Vancouver's Rogers Arena, each stop is a chapter in this rhythmic narrative, with more chapters awaiting to be written in Portland, Seattle, Las Vegas, and Highland, CA.
As the echoes of the night lingered in the Rogers Arena, the "N.Y. State of Mind" tour had added a profound chapter to its global narrative. The collaborative genius of Wu-Tang Clan and Nas, initiated by De La Soul, was not just a concert but a lyrical dialogue that traversed through time, resonating with the essence of hip-hop. The tour continues, with each city awaiting its turn to become part of this enduring legacy.