Hip-hop legend Nas will perform his iconic debut album Illmatic with the Chicago Philharmonic at Ravinia Festival on July 2 (Photo Courtesy of Ravinia.org).
Nas is bringing Illmatic to the orchestra stage.
On Wednesday, July 2, the legendary New York rapper will make his Ravinia Festival debut with a full symphonic performance of his landmark debut album alongside the Chicago Philharmonic. The one-night-only show promises to reimagine Illmatic—widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time—through a powerful blend of live orchestration and Nas’ iconic lyricism.
Released in 1994, Illmatic set a new bar for storytelling in hip-hop, combining sharp observations of urban life with introspective rhymes and head-nodding beats. Now, more than three decades later, this Billboard-ranked #1 Greatest Rap Album of All Time gets a new life with lush arrangements that elevate the emotion and narrative depth of the original tracks.
This performance marks a milestone in Nas’ career, which spans 15 studio albums, including platinum and multi-platinum releases such as Stillmatic, God’s Son, and Street’s Disciple. A 16-time GRAMMY nominee, Nas won Best Rap Album for King’s Disease in 2020, later adding two sequels and the Magic trilogy to his catalog.
Beyond the mic, Nas is a cultural force: a film producer, actor, and co-founder of Mass Appeal Records. His work has helped shape the evolution of hip-hop while honoring its roots—and this latest collaboration with the Chicago Philharmonic adds a new dimension to his legacy.
Concert Details
- Artist: Nas with Chicago Philharmonic + Stuart Chafetz, conductor
- Date: Wednesday, July 2
- Time: Concert begins at 7:30 PM
- Venue: Pavilion at Ravinia Festival
- Gates Open: Donor Gates at 4:30 PM, Public Gates at 5:00 PM
- Tickets: $49–$120
Hip-hop fans and music lovers alike won’t want to miss this rare chance to witness Illmatic performed live with a full orchestra under the stars at Ravinia.