In 2002, Indie-blogging superpower Pitchfork somewhat crudely declared that, had Nasir Jones (aka Nas, Nasty Nas, Nas Escobar etc) been killed just after the 1994 release of Illmatic, “he’d be every bit as revered as Biggie, 2Pac, Big Pun and Big L”. It’s a theory strengthened by the fact that, since then, his work has been decidedly variable; polarizing both critics and fans. At times, it’s just been plain average (see last year’s “untitled” album). Nonetheless, Nas still rightly stands as one of the most respected and important MC’s of all time. Placed alongside Chali 2na, founding member of Jurrasic 5, possibly the greatest hip-hop crew this side of A Tribe Called Quest, and a mind-blowing cameo from a surprise guest; those packing out the Palace were in for a hip-hop feast.

Both Sydney-based L-Fresh and locals Low Budget were provided with a brilliant opportunity for exposure; each given fifteen minute slots on the evening’s bill. The former’s positivity and enthusiasm was infectious while Low Budget MC Gentleman Gene’s slick and often filthy rhymes brought grins to the faces of those present. The downside was, however, that those present only totalled what can best be described as a small huddle. This wasn’t because most of the audience weren’t interested in Australian hip-hop. Or that they were out elsewhere in the city, intending to arrive fashionably late. It was the result of a ridiculously long, snail-paced line that stretched all along the Palace and right to the depths of a side-alley. Certainly, the metal-detector bearing security, frisking for guns, knives and textas (yeah, really) had something to do with it. Yet, too often this occurs at Melbourne’s top venues; depriving support acts of the sorts of numbers they crave. Improved management could and should prevent against circumstances like this, as L-Fresh and Low Budget deserved better.

Having not originally been announced on the bill, it was a real boost for the night to have Chali 2na of the now dissolved Jurassic 5 take part in proceedings; something the $100 ticket-price probably merited. Performing with live-band the Hustle 5 Allstars and requisite fat back-up/echo vocalist, 2na charmed his way through the beginning of his set with International and Lock Shit Down from his 2006 solo release, Fish Outta Water. On Just Don’t Stop, his deep, baritone vocals were used in effective opposition to the high pitched backing of keyboardist Anthony Hamilton.

Half-way through a brilliant night’s entertainment, there came, without doubt, the night’s one definitive highlight. Several songs into his set, 2na welcomed out legendary freestyler MC Supernatural to the surprise and utter delight of the now capacity crowd. Backed by the Hustle 5 drummer, he strutted across the stage, demanding items from the pockets of those in the front row. In an incredible two minutes, Supernatural seamlessly worked an iPhone, pair of sunglasses, digital camera and a joint from the audience into a continuous rap; each punch-line drawing cries of laughter and disbelief. No level of hyperbole could do this guy credit; he is simply unbelievable.

Following Supernatural’s exit, 2na and his band continued to build on the momentum with a couple of clearly desired Jurassic 5 numbers; Freedom and crowd favourite What’s Golden. A reversion back to solo efforts Revolution 9 and So Crazy garnered slightly less enthusiasm, while a call of “who here knows Ozomatli?” fell somewhat on deaf ears. Plugging his headlining show at the Espy and offering to “sign anything thrown at [him]” after the gig suggested that, despite putting in the hard yards over so many years, 2na is still in the process of establishing himself as a solo artist. The applause that greeted the close of his impressive set certainly showed he wasn’t unappreciated. Hopefully those turning out at the Espy will show him a little more of the warmth his talents and charisma deserves.

Even the most ardent Nas fan will admit that production is so often a shortcoming of the NYC rapper. The prospect of a seven-piece live band accompanying him was, therefore, extremely promising. After what can best be described as a heavy metal intro lead by a guitarist wearing a studded gimp mask, Nas emerged; jumping straight into the divisive Hip Hop Is Dead. Although powerfully delivered, following songs Hero, Sly Fox and Breathe, all taken from his Untitled album, showed an ominous leaning towards more recent material. The reflective Can’t Forget About You may have been smoothly abbreviated into a medley with I Can and The Message, but it deserved being played in full.

Thankfully, Represent was next, marking one of six Illmatic tracks for the evening. Curiously, they were delivered all in row and once again curtailed. Rarely stopping between songs, Nas ploughed through One Love, The World Is Yours, Life’s A Bitch (“This is for my weed smokers”), NY State of Mind and Aint Hard To Tell. Fifteen years on from its release, it is rare that Nas is discussed without Illmatic being brought up. Those there purely for his early material should have at least been satisfied, yet it is not entirely clear whether his masterpiece still means something to him or has now simply become a burden.

With Nas taking a deserved breather backstage, his band showed off their chops during a five-minute jazz and blues interlude. On his return, Nas continued at a similarly frenetic pace throughout the second half of the set, with Get Down from God’s Son and Nastradamus providing highlights. The familiar sounds of the A3’s Woke Up This Morning sparked an enormous response during Got Yourself A Gun while the blues-driven Bridging The Gap served as a fitting tribute to Nas’ father and musician, Olu Dara. Fluctuating between the backing of a solitary hand-tapped drum and fierce explosions of sound from the entire band, One Mic proved a powerful close to the evening. Before departing, Nas warmly thanked the crowd who had, in truth, been excellent to him.

With a career spanning almost two decades, you can forgive Nas for making comprises. By sacrificing verses from many of his classics, he was able to fit in well over 20 songs for the evening. His ability to incorporate a backing band into the live setting also brought a new sense of dynamism and urgency to many of those songs; translating them into something more modern. The passion which he and indeed, Chali 2na, brought to their sets suggests that, hopefully, they will both be around for some time yet.