With new programming driven by the biggest names in R&B and hip-hop, Hakkasan Nightclub is bringing back the energy and atmosphere that made club culture so iconic in the first place.
In February, the nightclub hosted Cardi B’s official tour afterparty. And that set the tone for a fresh direction in nightlife, one that combines a love for hip-hop with an emphasis on culture-forward entertainment.
Among the highlights to come are performances by Tyga (May 2), BigXThaPlug (May 23) and Fabolous (June 13). In addition, R&Bae Wednesdays—anchored by resident DJ Franzen—has become a must-attend midweek event.
R&B and hip-hop laid the groundwork for today’s nightlife scene. From the pulse of the music to the style it defines, the genres have always been at the heart of club culture. The beats of hip-hop shape everything from fashion to dance, and its influence stretches far beyond music, shaping entertainment hubs and community spaces, too.
DJ Franzen, who has been a staple in the Vegas scene since moving here in 2001, has played a central role in reviving hip-hop on the Strip. Franzen held a residency at Drai’s for over a decade and has seen his share of entertainment cycles, but nothing quite hits home as these genres do.
“SunDrai’s is actually what brought hip-hop back to the Strip,” Franzen recalls. “I would open up for EDM DJs on Friday and Saturday nights, and that led to Drai’s becoming a full rotation of hip-hop.”
For years, Drai’s Beachclub and Nightclub was the prime place to catch live hip-hop and R&B performances. Its closure in 2025 created a void. But Hakkasan is closing the gap.
Franzen’s current Wednesday nights at Hakkasan are dedicated to R&B, creating an atmosphere where people aren’t just standing around and collecting content for their socials, they’re actually connecting.
“My favorite thing [about R&Bae] is that people dance,” he shares. “You go to some clubs, and people just stare at the DJ booth. But here, you can tell it’s a different vibe. It brings me so much joy to see people singing these songs, especially the younger generation.”
The music spans decades, with classics from artists like Jodeci, Usher and Mariah Carey resonating with listeners, even those too young to have experienced the songs when they were first released.
“It’s a great feeling seeing people enjoying these songs, even when they weren’t born when the music came out,” says Franzen. “It lets me know that the music is still alive, passing down through generations.”
HAKKASAN NIGHTCLUB MGM Grand, taogroup.com. Wednesday-Saturday, 10:30 p.m.-close.
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