NAS SHOOTING INCIDENT IN FULL

NAS SHOOTING INCIDENT IN FULL The fifth and final date of Nas’ UK tour was cut short on Monday night following shooting inside London’s Brixton Academy. Less than 40 minutes into the show two shots were fired into the ceiling of The Academy. Co-State founder and eyewitness Tee Max relies his account. “I was standing near the front of the stage, when what sounded like loud party poppers were set off at the back of the venue. I just kept watching the stage, when a couple of seconds later we were suddenly pushed forward as people started to rush for the exits to the right of the stage. I didn’t see Nas leave as my friend and I were jammed in against the stage barriers, but he most likely left the stage at that point.”

“I just held on to my friend to make sure she didn’t get trampled, then once the panic died down, the lights came up and you could see the place was half empty from where people had dashed out anyway they could.” The remaining members of the audience stayed to see what would happen next and were rewarded some 15 minutes later when Nas’ could be heard over the speakers, followed by the main man himself as he walked back on stage. Now shirtless he carried on where he left off and then went into ‘Made You Look’, to loud cheers from the remaining fans. As the show continued people slowly filing back in through the exit doors. Nas then jumped down into the photographers pit to get closer to fans and called London based Grime artist Dizzee Rascal on stage. “He then jumped back on stage messing around with his wrist like there was something wrong with whatever he was wearing on it. He then walked over to his DJ while Dizz was performing, said something to him, and he walked off. We never saw him again after that.” Quan then replaced Dizzee on stage and solo, rapped ‘Just A Moment’. Then after hyping the audience for a few minutes, he also left the stage. Moments later Nas' DJ and producer L.E.S. told the crowd that police were stopping the show and wanted everyone outside to be searched, after which they would all be let back in to watch the remainder of the show. With only 30 minutes until the venue was meant to officially close, this effectively brought the night to an end.

A statement issued from Scotland Yard said of the incident, “We have witnesses who saw a man, wearing a balaclava, move away from the crowds and stand behind a pillar, near to the bar area at the back of the venue, before he discharged two bullets. No one was injured.” Later Detective Sergeant John Bishop from the incident room at the Putney Trident Police Station told The State, “We are still in the early stages of the investigation and as yet there has been no further evidence discovered.”

A female witness later conveyed her anger about what had happened. “It was an amazing show and I only wish it had been completed. I feel angry that one irresponsible person can do so much damage, both to the positive things coming out of Hip Hop, and the reputation of the black music culture in Britain.” Police are asking anyone with information to come forward and assist by calling the Trident Incident Room on 020 8785 8580, and if wishing to remain anonymous to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.