Hennessy, the renowned cognac brand, has unveiled a Very Special Limited Edition bottle in collaboration with Grammy-Award-winning rap legend, Nas, to honor the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop. This milestone was celebrated in style at the South African Hip Hop Museum in Newtown, Johannesburg, with TV presenter and cultural figure Scoop Makhathini (Siyabonga Ngwekazi) as the host.
The night sizzled with electrifying performances by South Africa’s Hip-Hop royalty, both seasoned and emerging stars, including A-Reece, Stogie T, DJ Ready D, Amu, Moozlie, and Uncle Party Time. But that’s not all; Hennessy orchestrated an enthralling conversation among these SA Hip-Hop luminaries, delving into the past, present, and future of this genre-defining culture. Brace yourself for an intimate look behind the scenes, as this riveting discussion unfolds on SlikourOnLife and GQ South Africa.
The star of the show, undoubtedly, is the Limited-Edition bottle itself—an artistic masterpiece seamlessly intertwining Hip-Hop’s soul with Hennessy’s legendary brand. Adorned with handwritten notes from Nas’s love letter to Hip-Hop and splashed with vibrant orange accents (Nas’s signature hue), this bottle boasts a visual collage anchored by a commanding black-and-white portrait of the rap icon.
Nas expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, “It’s an honor to collaborate with Hennessy to commemorate this moment for the art form.” Hennessy’s CEO, Laurent Boillot, acknowledged the brand’s deep connection with Hip-Hop and emphasized their support for the culture over the years.
Hennessy’s relationship with Nas dates back to 2013, and their connection to Hip-Hop spans decades. Hennessy remains one of the most lyrically referenced alcohol brands in Hip-Hop, featured in over 2,500 songs.
As Hip-Hop marks its 50th anniversary since its inception in the Bronx, New York, it continues to influence and unite people globally. South Africa, with its vibrant Hip-Hop scene, plays a significant role in this movement, estimated to be 40 years old.
The celebration will persist at Africa’s largest Hip-Hop festival, Back To The City, with Hennessy as the title partner. This festival, on the 7th of October in Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown, promises an exceptional lineup of both local and international Hip-Hop acts, further solidifying Hennessy’s commitment to the culture.