Jay-Z/Nas-“I Declare War” Concert-2005
From 2000-2004, hip hop was obsessed with the ongoing feud between Jay-Z and Nas. Two of the top emcees in the game, battling it out for the title of King of New York, keeping it strictly in the lyrics—what more could you ask for? Yet, the beef was seemingly put on hold when Jay-Z announced his retirement in 2003.
As well all know by now, the retirement didn’t last that long, not even two years. In 2005, Jay announced that he was headlining Powerhouse concert, entitling his performance “I Declare War”. Everyone thought that there were going to be lots of shots taken at his rival Nas, but miraculously it was the very opposite. When Jay said “Let’s go Esco!” and the Queens emcee appeared on stage ending one of the hottest feuds in the game, New York’s elite were finally able to reunite and make music. It was definitely one of the biggest moments in hip hop history, and continues to be a major turning point in rap game’s development.