I recently attended an old school hip hop show at The Dell Music Center in Philadelphia. The line up was bananas! Public Enemy, Stetsasonic, The Alumni, Lady of Rage, Three Times Dope, and Sam The Beast–with over 5,000 in attendance the crowd roared as they heard all of their favorite songs from the 80’s and 90’s. Stetsasonic was one of the first hip hop crews to use a live band. They delivered all our favourites such as “Sally,” “Just Say Stet” and “Talking All That Jazz.” They did not disappoint!!! Next, Phillies own Three Times Dope rocked the stage with “The Greatest Man Alive” and “Funky Dividends.” The Alumni, which consists of Chubb Rock, Special Ed, Dana Dane, Kwame and Monie Love killed it with all of our favorites from each artist. Lady of Rage best known for her collaborations with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dog also an actress on Major television shows and movies is described as one of the most skillful Mc’s with her hard core lyrics. Sam The Beast who started off as a DJs transformed into a rapper drawing large crowds rivaling any artists from the 80’s an 90’s. Therefore gaining “Beast” title. Not to mention all the surprise guest and performances by Greg Nice, Schoolly D, Vivian Green and several DeeJays and last but not least Public Enemy known for their politically charged music and criticism of theAmerican media with an active interest in the frustration and concerns of the African American community they gave the people what they wanted as Chuck D and Flava Flav took over the stage to end the night leaving us wanting more. This was a great night for Hip Hop! LET’S BRING HIP HOP BACK!!!
Written by Iris Doveran