Nas and Lauryn Hill are frequent tour partners, previously embarking on Hill’s 2016 tour “MLH Caravan: A Diaspora Calling!” With their latest North American tour about to commence tonight (September 7th), the duo have revealed the concept behind it.
Titled the PowerNomics Tour, the name is derived from Dr. Claud Anderson‘s book of the same name, which suggests a plan intended to produce economic enfranchisement for the African-American community in America. Throughout the tour Nas and Lauryn will raise funds supporting various education, health, agriculture, technology, and community-based businesses throughout the country, and proceeds from ticket sales will support worldwide initiatives such as The Harvest Institute, Yes We Code, Equal Justice Initiative, Soronko Academy, and several others.
“The PowerNomics Tour is our way of being a part of the solution,” Nas said. “We are here to lend a hand where it is needed and hopefully to inspire. I’m a part of a mission to help build a more diverse tech industry and to encourage my people to see beyond what they believe is in their reach. Music is spiritual, and we are a musical people, so what better way to contribute to our situation than to bring some spirituality. It is an honor to be on this tour with MLH, and what better time than now, in the midst of the devastation of Hurricane Harvey as well as the dire situation of many African-American communities.”
Lauryn also adds, “My interests have always centered around encouraging empowerment, and focusing on ways to help heal, repair, educate and promote enfranchisement to the disenfranchised. I’m excited to share this platform for community, creativity, and progress, helping to expose, educate, and magnify the beauty of cultural amalgamation.”
The likes of Dave Chappelle, Nick Grant, Fefe, DJ Lakim, Hannibal Buress and Chronixx will join the two throughout the tour. Dates can be seen below.
09-07 Chicago, IL – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
09-08 Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill
09-10 Toronto, Ontario – Budweiser Stage
09-12 Boston, MA – Blue Hills Bank Pavilion
09-14 Camden, NJ – BB&T Pavilion
09-15 Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
09-20 Raleigh, NC – Red Hat Amphitheater
09-22 Miami, FL – Bayfront Park Amphitheater
09-23 Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place
09-27 Sugar Land, TX – Smart Financial Center at Sugar Land
09-27 Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Irving Music Factory
09-30 Austin, TX – Austin360 Amphitheater
10-03 San Diego, CA – Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU
10-05 Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl
10-07 Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
10-10 Seattle, WA – WaMu Theater
10-11 Vancouver, British Columbia – Pacific Coliseum
