At one point, it seemed like Nas was destined to be King of New York, the hip-hop star who would hold court over all others.
That’s largely because of his debut album, “Illmatic,” the massively influential and career-defining album that came out 20 years ago. Alas, Nas ended up being eclipsed by his rival Jay Z — but that doesn’t mean the hip-hop star lacks fans.
Nas’ career has seen its ups and downs, with personal issues sometimes distracting him from making music. That said, even an off album by the star — for instance, 2002’s “God’s Son,” not a fan favorite — still manages to debut in the top 20.
The rapper is taking a victory lap now, celebrating the anniversary of “Illmatic” with a show at the Moore Theatre at 8 p.m. Wednesday.The date will feature a screening of the documentary “Time is Illmatic” and a live performance of Nas’s famed debut in its entirety.
Tickets are $42.50 at stgpresents.org or 877-784-4849.
Also on Wednesday, alt-J will play a sold-out show at the Paramount Theatre at 7:30 p.m.
After releasing just one album, 2012’s “An Awesome Wave,” the up-and-coming British group has won comparisons to some impressive acts, including Coldplay and Radiohead. The band’s debut went on to win Britain’s esteemed Mercury Prize and produced a hit on this side of the Atlantic with the song “Breezeblocks.”
The bar is high, then, for the group, known for its radio-friendly blend of dub step, folk and prog rock. The group is touring now shortly after the release of its sophomore album, “This Is All Yours,” which debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200.
Tickets are $39.50 at stgpresents.org or 877-784-4849.
Dance and electronica acts are coming to the Showbox SoDo at 8 p.m. Saturday, with Boys Noize and Baauer headlining the night.
Baauer is possibly the widest known name on the bill, thanks to his viral sensation “The Harlem Shake.” That multi-platinum single inspired a YouTube craze, with everyone from children to NBA teams to senior citizens dancing to the infectious track.
Boys Noize, meanwhile, is a big name among fans of dance music, thanks to albums like “Out of the Black” and “Power.”
Tickets are $35 at showboxonline.com or 888-929-7849.
Of Montreal headline the Neptune Theatre at 8 p.m. Sunday, as the psychedelically tinged indie dance group continues to tour behind its 2013 album, “Lousy with Sylvanbriar.”
The acclaimed group hit a commercial peak in 2008, when its album “Skeletal Lamping” broke into the top 40. Since then, the band has retreated from the mainstream, with loyal fans still scooping up copies of its idiosyncratic albums.
Tickets are at stgpresents.org or 877-784-4849.
Then a pair of shows at the Showbox rounds out the week ahead.
Anberlin plays the venue at 8:30 p.m. Monday, a few months after the release of “Lowborn,” which may be the group’s last album. The group, which has found an audience with both mainstream and Christian rock listeners, announced that it was calling it quits after putting out its new album — its seventh release — making this a farewell tour for fans.
Tickets are $25 at showboxonline.com or 888-929-7849.
Finally, Matisyahu will play the Showbox at 8 p.m. Thursday.
The performer, who first became famous for melding his Haisidic Jewish faith with hip-hop and reggae, is touring now behind “Akeda,” another well-received album.
Tickets are $29.50 at showboxonline.com or 888-929-7849.
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