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Las Vegas has long been a mainstay for legacy acts. But, in recent years, the city’s iconic strip has began to embrace hip hop like never before. With artists like Snoop Dogg and DJ Khaled taken on successful residencies at the hottest nightspots in the city, other rap stars have been tapped by various venues to bring their talents, as well.
The next rapper who will infiltrate Las Vegas is Drake, who recently inked a $10 million multi-year deal for a residency at The Wynn’s XS nightclub. While no dates have been released yet, sources report that The 6 God signed on for 12 live performances over the span of two years. Revealing the news while onstage during a performance at XS on Jan. 10, Drake latest partnership is not only a win for himself, but, hip hop culture.
With Drake preparing to take Sin City by storm, REVOLT picked out seven rap legends we feel have the catalogue and star power to hold down a Las Vegas residency of their own.
1. JAY-Z
Regarded by many as the greatest rapper to ever do it, JAY-Z has shut down arena stages for over twenty years. Respected for his prowess and presence when performing live, Hova’s residency would surely be one of the hottest tickets in Vegas, and add yet another parallel between him and fellow music icon Frank Sinatra.
2. 50 Cent
At times, 50 Cent’s penchant for beef may overshadow his ability as a hitmaker. But, don’t get it twisted, the G-Unit general can go toe-to-toe with the best of them in terms of classic material. With records like “In Da Club,” “21 Questions,” “Disco Inferno,” and “Candy Shop” in his arsenal; the pride of south side Jamaica, Queens’ residency in Vegas would be electric with an ample amount of grit for good measure.
3. Nicki Minaj
A product of New York City’s famed Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, Nicki Minaj had been glued to the stage long before the late aughts. Known for her outrageous personality and willingness to adopt various alter-egos for creativity’s sake, The Generous Queen is tailor-made for the Vegas lights, and has more than enough hits to keep the audiences packed.
4. Lil Wayne
The template for the modern-day rock star can be traced back to Lil Wayne, who elevated himself from being the runt of the Cash Money Records litter to being the biggest rapper on the planet. While the past few years of Weezy’s career have been tumultuous, the Young Money founder reminded fans of his stature in the rap world with the release of his long-overdue Carter V album, which debuted at No. 1 on the charts. A residency at Las Vegas could result in some magic moments and memorable reunions for Mr. Carter.
5. Kanye West
Kanye West’s political views may be polarizing, but one thing the nation can agree on is that he’s one of the most brilliant and transcendent artists of the 21st century. Boasting a resume that’s superior to the majority of his peers, and a stage show that rivals anyone in the game, a Kanye West residency in Las Vegas would be one for the ages.
6. Diddy
Rap’s self-proclaimed P.T. Barnum has made a career out of creating spectacles, and is known for making a big splash with every endeavor he has his hand in. A veteran showman and performer, Diddy is more than equipped to shut down the Las Vegas strip with an action-packed residency. It would only enhance his legacy.
7. Nas
A supreme soloist and former phenom, Nas has had the spotlight on him since first entering the game in 1994 with his genre-defining debut album, Illmatic. A quarter-century later, the Queensbridge wonder kid turned lyrical legend continues to put in work in the booth and onstage, whenever he’s not tending to his various investments. Nas packing the house in Las Vegas while performing a medley of his hits and deep cuts? Imagine that.
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