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If you love hip-hop like we love hip-hop you already know this show was one for the books!

Nas, Wu-Tang Clan, De La Soul Tampa Hard Rock Casino

Source: David Galindo / Hard Rock Tampa

Last weekend, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa hosted BOSSIP for a series of events, culminating with a history making stop of the NY State of Mind tour featuring Nas, Wu-Tang Clan and special guests De La Soul, who were joined by none other than Talib Kweli.

Nas, Wu-Tang Clan, De La Soul Tampa Hard Rock Casino

Source: David Galindo / Hard Rock Tampa

Thousands of rap fans flocked to the Hard Rock pool to watch multiple hip-hop legends hit the custom-built stage (literally mounted over the water!). De La Soul thrilled audiences with classics like “Stakes Is High,” “Buddy” and “Rock Co.Kane Flow.” Posdnuous and Maseo were joined by Talib Kweli, who performed verses made famous by the late Trugoy the Dove (David Jolicoeur) who passed away in February of this year.

Nas, Wu-Tang Clan, De La Soul Tampa Hard Rock Casino

Source: David Galindo / Hard Rock Tampa

Kweli also performed a couple of his own songs, including his hit “Get By” to the audience’s delight.

Nas, Wu-Tang Clan, De La Soul Tampa Hard Rock Casino

Source: David Galindo / Hard Rock Tampa

Many fans lined up as early as 10 a.m. to secure prime viewing spots poolside or even in the pool to see their favorite acts perform.

Nas, Wu-Tang Clan, De La Soul Tampa Hard Rock Casino

Source: David Galindo / Hard Rock Tampa

DJ Scratch kept the crowd entertained before the show and as they awaited the arrival of Wu-Tang to the stage.

Nas, Wu-Tang Clan, De La Soul Tampa Hard Rock Casino

Source: David Galindo / Hard Rock Tampa

The show was well worth the wait — the Wu delivered in full — from their litany of group and solo hits.

Nas, Wu-Tang Clan, De La Soul Tampa Hard Rock Casino

Source: David Galindo / Hard Rock Tampa

In addition to flexing his lyrical skills, Method Man had the ladies going crazy over the body he recently flossed for the cover of Men’s Health.

Nas, Wu-Tang Clan, De La Soul Tampa Hard Rock Casino

Source: David Galindo / Hard Rock Tampa

The Staten Island MC’s took turns with Queensbridge’s finest — the one and only Nasir Bin Olu Dara Jones, who made several rotations to the stage to perform hits including, “One Mic,” “If I Ruled The World,” “Oochie Wally” and more.

Nas, Wu-Tang Clan, De La Soul Tampa Hard Rock Casino

Source: David Galindo / Hard Rock Tampa

For nearly three hours Florida hip-hop lovers were thrilled by their favorite emcees, who seemed equally ecstatic over the unique setting and excited audience.

The concert was truly incredible — and while it will be hard to recreate the poolside show we experienced, the NY State of Mind tour still has several more dates in the coming days and weeks. Check out the schedule below, and purchase your tickets HERE.

09/29 – Atlantic City, NJ @ Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall *

10/01 – Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena *

10/02 – Laval, QC @ Place Bell *

10/04 – Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Center *

10/07 – Minneapolis, MN @ Target Center *

10/08 – Chicago, IL @ United Center *

10/10 – Winnipeg, MB @ Canada Life Centre *

10/13 – Edmonton, AB @ Rogers Place *

10/14 – Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome *

10/16 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena *

10/17 – Portland, OR @ Moda Center *

10/18 – Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena *

10/21 – Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Garden Arena *

10/22 – Highland, CA @ Yaamava Theatre *

But while we have your attention, please allow us to tell you more about the incredible experiences available at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa.

Hit the flip for details.

Hard Rock Tampa hosts NY State of Mind Tour

Source: Janeé Bolden / Janeé Bolden

Upon arrival we were treated to a special guided tour of the property, which includes Elvis’ golden piano and costumes worn by Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande — just to name a few.

Hard Rock Tampa hosts NY State of Mind Tour

Source: Janeé Bolden / Janeé Bolden

If you’re hungry, there are no shortage of options including sweets like chocolate and gelato.

Hard Rock Tampa hosts NY State of Mind Tour

Source: Janeé Bolden / Janeé Bolden

We really enjoyed our dinner Saturday night at Council Oak Steaks and Seafood. We started off dinner with an up-close look at the kitchen and meat locker.

Hard Rock Tampa hosts NY State of Mind Tour

Source: Janeé Bolden / Janeé Bolden

The chilled seafood tower was definitely delicious, but the wagyu special might be the best thing we’ve ever tasted.

 

Hard Rock Tampa hosts NY State of Mind Tour

Source: Janeé Bolden / Janeé Bolden

 

That’s not hyperbole either – it was delicate, tender and flavorful. Everything you could possibly want in a meal.

Hard Rock Tampa hosts NY State of Mind Tour

Source: Janeé Bolden / Janeé Bolden

We highly recommend the old-fashioned which comes with a phenomenal presentation that includes a glass cover and a whole lotta smoke!

Hard Rock Tampa hosts NY State of Mind Tour

Source: Janeé Bolden / Janeé Bolden

In addition to being well-fed and entertained, we also got a top-notch Blackjack lesson at the Hard Rock Tampa, and we hope you’ll be proud to learn that BOSSIP’s Sr. Content Editor Janeé Bolden won the 12-round media tournament — winning the top prize of the night.

 

Hard Rock Tampa hosts NY State of Mind Tour

Source: Janeé Bolden / Janeé Bolden

We were also privileged to experience the best the Rock Spa has to offer — in the form of a hot stone massage and use of their sauna, steam room and jacuzzi.

Hard Rock Tampa hosts NY State of Mind Tour

Source: Janeé Bolden / Janeé Bolden

After such an incredible day — we definitely rested easy on the guitar embroidered pillows that night!

 

Hard Rock Tampa hosts NY State of Mind Tour

Source: Janeé Bolden / Janeé Bolden

So whether you’re looking for a great night of entertainment, an intimate concert from your favorite performer, a relaxing spa day or to take your chances at matching the dealer’s hand, we highly recommend Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa.