In today’s world of rap, the formula that once was adherded to by all those involved in the genre has been thrown totally out the window. The old guard of the Golden Age emcees has been sanctimoniously dumped, in favor of the new gunslingers. The young bucks of the rap game sneer loudly, showing disrespect to their musical elders with every repetitive hook they come up with.
To make matters worse, many of the newbies of Hip-Hop show no interest in sitting in history class and learning more about their culture. Some of today’s superstars have gone as far as saying they refuse to listen to their older peers or their body of work.
While they occupy the stage now, the real question is if these rookie rappers can stand the test of time and become a true legend in the game. You see, in Hip-Hop, you really are only as good as your last record. It is very hard to get people to remember you, let alone a song you record in the past. It takes a real emcee to hold die hard Hip-Hop fans interest. That’s why there are only a handful of emcees that we include in the greatest of all time categories. I wish some of the new jacks were with me last weekend when I stepped into the legendary rock venue, The Roxy. You see, I was there for a live presentation of Hip-Hop history, being put on by the Teacher himself, The Blastmaster KRS-One.
Los Angeles is a busy town, so busy that on any given Friday, there are probably 4 rap groups of major interest, playing somewhere in the SoCal region. This was true last week as I turned down invitations to other venues, and headed out to Hollywood. While the other venues had quality performers, nothing compared to hearing KRS-One do his thing!
Watching KRS-One live is like going to the gym, because by the time you leave the show, you will be drenched in sweat, and tired from all the jumping around and cheering. Last week was no exception either. After the opening acts finished up their set, and Los Angeles favorite Ahmad Jamal got done with his incredible set, it was time to take it back to the essence. KRS One was in the building.
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
Sounds like a great night Laron. You got to see a hip-hop legend, more or less hang out with the A-listers, and you even nearly shared a fatty with B-Real. Just another night in L.A., right?
-Glen
2 - NYC G
This review leaves out a pretty important detail - KRS ONE has lost his mind. What used to be meaningful musings on society, racism and the role of Hip Hop culture has turned into the rantings of a madman. After only a handful of songs, KRS launched into a 30 minute diatribe with comments like: "...the roach walking up the wall doesn't exist in this dimension..."
After 30 minutes he was still going strong and showed no signs of resuming the concert so I gave up my spot 5 feet away from the stage and got out of there.
I started listening to KRS at the very start of his career with BDP and he has remained my favorite artist ever since. Before Saturday I would have never thought this - but the man HAD to have been high or on something. Either that or he has truly lost his mind.
3 - Laron
NYC G, what show did you attend where he was talking about roaches, lol? Hilarious! Thanks for the comment, sorry you didn't enjoy the show.
4 - NYC G
It was his show at the Roxy in LA last Saturday, Feb. 12th. I can't find a single bad review of the concert or even other blog posts like mine where someone points out that he crossed the line from preacher to crazy person. His PR people must be working overtime.
But I swear - he really has crossed over into a different reality. I still love him, regardless. From now on I just may skip his shows and stick to his music.