Article by Ashlé Grant
Photos by Michelle Feingold
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A live band, B-boys, plus breaks dancers, and beat boxer’s equal one thing: hip-hop. This year’s Hip-Hop Live! concert took place in Ft. Lauderdale at Revolution Studios and brought with it the true roots of hip-hop. The concert was raw, energetic and nostalgic, similar to the atmosphere you get while watching an MTV Unplugged session of your favorite artist. Revolution Studios provided the audience with an exclusive and intimate setting - perfect for enjoying the show.
David Banner
Since its formation in the late 70s, Hiphop has always been a source of controversy. The Hip-Hop Live! Tour was no exception. Headliners included B.O.B., David Banner, Talib Kweli, and the talented Rhythm Roots All- Stars 10-piece band. Each performer made sure to use their lyrics and sidebar notes to address America’s pressing issues.
Starting on time was certainly not the objective of the event organizers. During the roughly 45 minute wait, the local DJ and Rhythm Roots All-Stars band played the crowd-pleaser "Murder She Wrote" and fans possessing true hip-hop talents such as beat boxing and break dancing were allowed on stage to amp up the crowd.
The concert was raw, energetic and nostalgic, similar to the atmosphere you get while watching an MTV Unplugged session of your favorite artist.
David Banner
Soon after, the concert began with the first act B.O.B. - a young, up-and-coming Southern rapper whom you have to look at twice to really understand. His initial on-stage appearance was a bit peculiar in the fashion-sense, wearing a button-up short sleeved shirt, manpri’s (the man version of capri’s) and socks pulled almost to the top of his knees, leaving audience members with their eyebrows raised either in humor or curiosity, or both. He performed songs including "Haters Everywhere I Go," "I’ll Be in the Sky," "Generation Lost" and "Lonely People" and brought the audience raw energy. If you haven’t yet heard of him, he’s certainly an artist to look for since he can intellectually challenge your mind, have your head banging at the club, or singing creative love jams if you have the blues. His energy during performance was 5 out of 5 stars, no debate there.
Next up was none other than Mr. David Banner. Experiencing his performance for the first time will keep you on alert. He started off by jumping into the crowd, grabbing his mike stand and rapping right next to his devoted fans, who sang every lyric right along with him. Soon after he retreated back to the main stage only to grab a loose chair and throw it into the crowd, he cameright back to sing to fans again. You’d think twovisits to the floor would be enough of a thrill ride for his fans – but no, Banner showed his physical stamina and climbed up the railings of both floors of Revolution Studios, still rapping, not missing a word or line from his lyrics. He continued his amped performance by inviting two female fans onstage, one of which he just gave hugs to, the other of which he gave a personal lap dance to on the stage floor. Regardless of personal musical taste, Banner can deliver a performance and speak to you on relatable level. He mentioned theupcoming elections and his preference to Democrat nominee Barack Obama and said we needed the change Obama promises.
B.O.B.
Last up was Talib Kweli, the Great. What is there to say? He performed like as you would expect: amazingly. He featured hit songs such as "Hoppin," and "Hip-hop," and "Get By" and many more. The sad thing about his performance was that it was cut short, or at least the fans thought so. Kweli performed his last song only to abruptly walk off stage after saying bye and leaving his fans hungry for more. For at least 10 to 15 minutes, fans chanted his name in protest that he come back and give them more! Sadly, he didn’t return, concert T-shirts were thrown out to numerous fans for keepsakes.
For all true hip-hop fans, this was a must-see concert. Each performer delivered a five star performance, speaking their minds and representing the true essences of hip-hop. The tickets were worth every dollar
Let us know what you think at outloud@outloud.com..