Thug Life Army

Hip Hop’s Influential and often controversial multiplatinum New York rap artist Nas aka - Nasir Jones, has announced his full summer tour schedule, in support of his untitled ninth studio album. Produced by Guerilla Union (Rock the Bells, Paid Dues), THE JONES EXPERIENCE--"a big show in an intimate venue," as described by Nas--will feature him along with special hip hop guests Talib Kweli, Jay Electronica and DJ Green Lantern performing in small clubs across North America.

The 21-date tour kicks off Tuesday, July 22 in Montreal and wraps up Labor Day weekend in Minneapolis. The shows will take place in between Nas'' previously announced appearances on this summer's Rock The Bells 2008 International Festival Series, which will also feature Jay Electronica and DJ Green Lantern.

On THE JONES EXPERIENCE tour, Nas states: "I felt this experience was important because I wanted to touch my fans in an intimate setting with this new album. 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."

Nas'' untitled album arrived in stores on July 15 via the Def Jam/Jones Experience imprint and features the first single "Hero." 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 hip hop and rap 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.

Talib Kweli will be performing in support of his sixth studio album Eardrum--featuring a variety of collaborators, including will.i.am, Norah Jones, UGK, Justin Timberlake, Kanye West, KRS-ONE, Jean Grae and Musiq Soulchild. The album was released in August 2007 on Blacksmith Music/Warner Bros. Records. Talib 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."

Newcomer Jay Electronica, who will be performing tracks off of his debut LP Abracadabra: Let There Be Light, has been co-signed by Erykah Badu, Just Blaze and Nas to Badu's Control FreaQ Records. "Jay Electronica is the future," said Nas recently. "He's what rappers are trying to be or what they are aspiring to be. He's the whole package. (MTV.COM, 5/19)"

DJ Green Lantern currently hosts radio shows on both New York's Hot 97 and Sirius Satellite Radio. He has just launched his Future Green Entertainment and recently produced exclusive music for Grand Theft Auto IV. His production will also be featured on Nas's upcoming album. "I definitely look forward to being a part of this tour with 3 artists I really respect and that I know give a crazy show. My bags are packed... let's go already!"