Photos by Andy Argyrakis

The 50th anniversary of hip-hop has prompted a multitude of artists to hit the road, though the genre-wide celebration may have possibly reached a pinnacle when Wu-Tang Clan, Nas and De La Soul brought the “N.Y. State Of Mind” Tour to a packed United Center.

That’s because all three acts played a pivotal role in bridging the old and new school while always having something of substance to say to a cross-generational crowd, many of whom sported the performers’ apparel.

Wu-Tang Clan’s winged “W” logo is nearly as iconic as its music, which was split between three sets filled with a hearty helping of 1993’s classic “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers),” what followed and solo standouts.

After all, this is a supergroup of the tallest order, currently comprised of RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa and Cappadonna following the passing of Ol’ Dirty Bastard, whose son Young Dirty Bastard guested.

Yet there was nothing better than seeing all the guys united together for “C.R.E.A.M.,” “Protect Ya Neck” and “Triumph” when they came across as arguably the best rap collective ever, and at the very least, a game-changing presence with fingerprints left on so many of its descendants.

Individually speaking, the same could be said about Nas, whose socially conscious 1994 debut, “Illmatic,” is a benchmark that laid the groundwork for a remarkably prolific streak through 2023’s “Magic 3.”

During two parts, he tag teamed with Wu’s Raekwon and Ghostface Killah for “Verbal Intercourse,” then later, dropped “The World Is Yours,” “If I Ruled The World (Imagine That)” and the full cast finale “One Mic,” including a cameo from Chicago’s own Twista.

De La Soul opened by recalling 1989’s jazz and psychedelia-influenced “3 Feet High and Rising” album, amongst others, as members Posdnuos and Maseo, plus Talib Kweli and fellow local Common, honored late group mate Trugoy The Dove.

In fact, this entire “N.Y. State Of Mind” occasion shined a much-deserved light on those lost along the way, while championing just how far hip-hop has come in a half-century as it continues to thrive and direct practically all aspects of popular culture.

For additional information on Wu-Tang Clan, Nas and De La Soul, visit WuTangClan.com, NasSirJones.com and WeAreDeLaSoul.com.

For a list of upcoming Live Nation concerts, visit LiveNation.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the United Center include SZA (Oct. 10); Phish (Oct. 13-15); John Mayer (Oct. 18); Joji (Oct. 20); Enhypen (Oct. 22); Ms. Lauryn Hall & The Fugees (Oct. 28); Queen + Adam Lambert (Oct. 30-31); Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull and Ricky Martin (Nov. 1-2); Depeche Mode (Nov. 13); Rod Wave (Nov. 22); Mariah Carey (Dec. 03); Doja Cat (Dec. 13) and Travis Scott (Dec. 15). For additional details, visit UnitedCenter.com.

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