2008 Woodie Awards
Two great rappers resolve differences, promote unity
By Colin McGuire
Rocket Life/A&E Editor
Issue date: 11/4/05 Section: Entertainment
The biggest story in music over the past two weeks could quite possibly be the biggest story the world of hip-hop has seen, or will see in years. After nearly five years of taking shots at one another through words and songs, two of the greatest rappers alive, Jay-Z and Nas, united Thursday, October 27th on stage at the Continental Airlines Arena as part of Power 105.1's "Powerhouse 2005: Operation Takeover," the New York City radio station's annual concert.
According to reports, while nearing the end of the night and Jay-Z's set, the retired rapper announced that he had seemed inspired by all of the collaborations that had been taking place throughout the night. He then called out "Let's go Esco" to the crowd of thousands and out appeared his former enemy, Nas, to perform the song "Dead Presidents" together in front of what was said to be a deafening crowd.
After this monumental night ended, reports surfaced throughout all of the week that Mr. Carter may indeed be looking to sign Nas to the record company he recently took over, Def Jam Records or work with him on a studio track. Though the reports may be a bit premature, after seeing the two arch rivals on stage together, you have to think that anything is possible at this point.
While the most jubilant night in hip-hop history may have occurred this past week, one of the saddest moments in the punk rock world will not soon be forgotten. Drummer John Holohan, drummer for the band Bayside died last week when their van flipped over after hitting a patch of ice outside of Cheyenne, Wyo.
The accident occurred on the band's nation wide tour with fellow Victory Records artists, Hawthorne Heights, Aiden, and Silverstein and left bass player Nick Ghanbarian seriously injured, though he is expected to make a full recovery. Donations to Holohan's family can be made to the John Holohan Bayside Memorial Fund which can be found on the bands website at http://www.baysiderocks.com.
Remember, musicians, especially musicians on independent record labels, don't have the luxury of health plans or insurance policies, so any donations anyone could make would surely be greatly appreciated. The band will continue their touring with the Never Sleep Again tour on Nov. 16, and will perform acoustic sets each night.
According to reports, while nearing the end of the night and Jay-Z's set, the retired rapper announced that he had seemed inspired by all of the collaborations that had been taking place throughout the night. He then called out "Let's go Esco" to the crowd of thousands and out appeared his former enemy, Nas, to perform the song "Dead Presidents" together in front of what was said to be a deafening crowd.
After this monumental night ended, reports surfaced throughout all of the week that Mr. Carter may indeed be looking to sign Nas to the record company he recently took over, Def Jam Records or work with him on a studio track. Though the reports may be a bit premature, after seeing the two arch rivals on stage together, you have to think that anything is possible at this point.
While the most jubilant night in hip-hop history may have occurred this past week, one of the saddest moments in the punk rock world will not soon be forgotten. Drummer John Holohan, drummer for the band Bayside died last week when their van flipped over after hitting a patch of ice outside of Cheyenne, Wyo.
The accident occurred on the band's nation wide tour with fellow Victory Records artists, Hawthorne Heights, Aiden, and Silverstein and left bass player Nick Ghanbarian seriously injured, though he is expected to make a full recovery. Donations to Holohan's family can be made to the John Holohan Bayside Memorial Fund which can be found on the bands website at http://www.baysiderocks.com.
Remember, musicians, especially musicians on independent record labels, don't have the luxury of health plans or insurance policies, so any donations anyone could make would surely be greatly appreciated. The band will continue their touring with the Never Sleep Again tour on Nov. 16, and will perform acoustic sets each night.
