New York, December 18, 2006 – Monday was a big night for Nas, as he celebrated the release of his new album, Hip Hop is Dead, with back-to-back events from early evening until early morning.

After a “secret” concert at Webster Hall, Nas headed over to hotspot Gin Lane, where he joined his wife Kelis for an "intimate" dinner party – for about 100 pals – including NBA star Chris Webber and a tuxedo-clad Mark Wahlberg, who showed up unannounced. The dinner was hosted by Hennessy Paradis, which has been responsible for some of New York’s hottest recent parties.

Around midnight, the posse took off for the official record release party at Capitale, and Nas played up the “Hip Hop is Dead” theme by driving up in a hearse. Somewhere between parties, Kelis changed from her black-and-white Alexander McQueen into a red frock.

We spied Spike Lee, Ja Rule, Omarion, Andre Harrell and Chamillionaire roaming around the cavernous space. Beyonce and Jay-Z, surrounded by refrigerator-sized security guards, made their way through the throng and disappeared into the VIP area.

Bottom row: Caroline Torem-Craig