Nas tours with Talib Kweli and others, and as part of Rock the Bells

Influential and often controversial New York rapper Nas (Nasir Jones) is heading out this summer on two intertwined tours — the 21-date Jones Experience and 10-date Rock the Bells 2008 International Festival Series. Nas is touring in support of his as yet untitled, ninth studio album and will hit the road July 19 in Chicago, IL, and finish up on September 6 in Quincy, WA.

The Jones Experience is “a big show in an intimate venue,” Nas said in a statement. The tour will also feature special guests Talib Kweli, Jay Electronica and DJ Green Lantern. The shows will take place in between Nas’ appearances on this summer’s Rock the Bells 2008 International Festival Series, which will also features Jay Electronica, DJ Green Lantern and Q-Tip.

“I felt this experience was important because I wanted to touch my fans in an intimate setting with this new album,” added Nas. “All the fans that have supported me over the years, I truly appreciate it, and this is my way of giving back. My album drops on July 15, and I hope to take the movement from the stores to the stage. Bootleg it or buy it. Just make sure you got it.”

The disc is the follow up to his hugely successful, Grammy-nominated album “Hip-Hop Is Dead,” which entered the Billboard 200 album chart at #1 in December 2006. The set features collaborations with multiple MCs, musicians and producers including Busta Rhymes, Mark Ronson, the Dapkings, DJ Green Lantern, DJ Toomp, Stic.Man from Dead Prez, Stargate, DJ Cool & Dre and tourmate Jay Electronica.

Kweli and Nas also performed on the same bill last summer as part of the 2007 Rock the Bells Festival Series. “It is an honor to tour with a legend like Nas, particularly at the point in his career where he is finding ways to make his music even more relevant,” added Kweli.

Nas tour dates
(Dates subject to change)

* Rock The Bells tour dates