LOLA AT COAT CHECK

NEW YORK CITY
1986 - 2004

Nell’s was the opposite of the massive super-clubs of its time, with a small size and intimate atmosphere, but its influence on music in New York was immeasurable. Its regulars were some of the industry’s most famed rappers and musicians, with the songs played in sets at Nell’s later appearing as samples on their albums. As DJ Jazzy Nice said, “I think we all influenced each other.” Everybody came: Tribe, Jungle Brothers, Native Tongues, LL Cool J, Chris Rock, Eddie Murphy, Basquiat, Dionne Warwick, Sting, Bob Dylan, Deborah Harry and more. Nell’s set itself apart by blending hip-hop, house, funk and punk, while the commercial clubs often focused on a single genre. DJs such as DJ Clark Kent and Belinda Becker helped break new records, while iconic moments like Notorious B.I.G.’s “Big Poppa” music video shoot cemented the club’s legacy.