Nas Teams Up for Resorts World's Monumental $5 Billion Queens Expansion

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 11: Hip-hop luminary Nas electrifies the crowd at Hip Hop 50 Live, held at Yankee Stadium on ... [+] August 11, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

In an exciting turn of events, Resorts World Casino New York City disclosed plans for an eye-watering $5 billion revamp, transforming it into an iconic, Las Vegas-esque hotspot. This ambitious makeover is in harmony with Queens rap royalty, Nas, ensuring a bright horizon for the Jamaica, Queens enclave.For more details on this thrilling development, click the next page.

The overhaul is set to introduce a slew of attractions, among them 1,600 new hotel lodgings affixed to the existing Hyatt Regency near JFK Airport, a 7,000-seat arena for thrilling entertainment, an electric dance hall, and an indulgent spa, as per US Bets.

Parent company Genting America East is poised to invest in 3,000 units for employee accommodation, a sprawling 10-acre community park, and bolstered transport links to John F. Kennedy Airport, as reported by Commercial Observer.

Framing the entryway to Genting's new Resorts World New York is the casino at Aqueduct Race Track in the ... [+] Jamaica sector of Queens, pictured on an autumn day, October 26, 2011 (Photo by Ramin Talaie/Corbis via Getty Images)

The grand unveiling transpired on a Thursday at the southeastern Queens casino, ushering in a new epoch for the New York borough with aspirations to erect one of the planet's largest casino spaces, spreading across 350,000 square feet.

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Robert DeSalvio, the president of Genting America East, reminisced, "When we first broke ground on Resorts World New York City over a decade ago, our vision was always grander than the formidable original blueprint — today, those grand plans are on the cusp of fruition."

Queens' very own hip-hop legend, Nas, graced the event with his presence, brimming with excitement for the potential it holds for local families and the magnetic pull it would have for talent across Queens.

Nas took to Instagram with a compelling video, throwing his weight behind the transformative project.

“This forward-thinking project promises to unveil new horizons for the diligent families that call Queens their home, to allure premier talent, and to nurture future leaders. With this endeavor, it's clear that the world is within our grasp,” Nas articulated in his post.

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 17: Rapper Nas commands the stage, captivating fans at the Meadows Music and Arts Festival ... [+] - Day 3 at Citi Field on September 17, 2017, in New York City. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images)

In what could be a nod to his track "Queens Get The Money," Nas's partnership with Resorts World on this redevelopment scheme is not merely artistic but a tactical stride. Their goal is to nail one of the precious three $500 million downstate casino licenses on offer in New York. To morph into a true Las Vegas-style casino, Resorts World is on the hunt to snag these downstate licenses, upgrading from their current "race-ino" permit, which restricts them to offering only racing and slot machine entertainment.

The local community board has welcomed the project with open arms, thanks to its constructive influence on the Jamaica, Queens community since its inception in 2011.

“Resorts World New York City has been a staple in our community for over twelve years, proving day in and day out to be an attentive and engaged neighbor. They've listened to us, respected our opinions, and have been responsive to the needs of our neighborhood," said Betty Braton, chair of Queens Community Board 10. "They've stood by us through thick and thin, offering their unwavering support and time. I'm confident that this alliance will only grow stronger as Resorts World not only meets our immediate needs but also paves the way for a vibrant future."

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 27: Rap icons Jay-Z (R) and Nas share the stage, showcasing their prowess during Power 105.1's ... [+] "Powerhouse 2005: Operation Takeover" at the Continental Airlines Arena on October 27, 2005, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)

Such endorsement from the local board fuels optimism for a possible thumbs-up from the New York Gaming Commission as they mull over the casino license applications. Competing for these licenses are high-profile contenders like SL Green Realty's SLG proposal for a Times Square casino and Ceasars Entertainment's collaboration with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, heralding a possibly fierce rivalry between the two giants.

The Related Companies have set their sights on Hudson Yards with Wynn Resorts in sight, whereas Thor Equities, Saratoga Casino Holdings, The Chickasaw Nation, and Legends have their eyes on a prospective establishment in Coney Island, Brooklyn. Steve Cohen of Point72 Asset Management is eyeing the vicinity of Citi Field in Queens for a casino venture, and the Soloviev Group is teaming with Mohegan for a planned entertainment district near the United Nations.

Nas, a visionary trailblazer of hip-hop's golden age, the '90s, has grown into an entrepreneurial force to be reckoned with. His investment endeavors through QueensBridge Venture Partners, his own cigar brand Escobar Cigars, and the media company Mass Appeal, position him not just as an iconic emcee, but a true mogul reshaping culture.

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