As if that wasn’t enough, Blacksmith label-mates Strong Arm Steady join Kweli on stage for “One Step” and display their raw energy and serious flow on “Go With Us.” I know I’ll be checking out some Strong Arm Steady on my next trip to the record shop.
Philly’s Res also impresses with her slick abilities on “Too Late.” A part of Idle Warship with Kweli and Canadian Graph Nobel, we’ll be hearing a lot more of Res when the tentatively-titled Party Robot drops.
Rounding out the tremendous guest appearances on Live at the Shrine, the legendary KRS-ONE joins Kweli on stage. With Talib often sold as the next KRS-ONE, the pairing is compelling. The two roll with the punches and display immaculate chemistry in front of the animated crowd. KRS-ONE’s ability to lay down serious knowledge is on point, even as he’s caught off guard catching a shirt from the audience.
The DVD also packs in some bonus features, including “uncut” rehearsal footage and an Easter Egg freestyle from KRS-ONE and Kweli set to beats from a cell phone. KRS-ONE is featured in a brief interview discussing the Los Angeles crowd and how he views himself as a servant of the people and a teacher in hip-hop. There is also a short Talib Kweli interview.
All in all, this DVD is a must-have for fans of alternative hip-hop and real rap. The performance is tight and the bonus features are well worth a look. With a hot crowd, brilliant lyrics, and the can’t-miss pairing of Kweli and KRS-ONE, you gotta be Live at the Shrine.
Article comments
1 - Adam Brawerman
Here's a short interview of Talib Kweli. He answers some music related questions, like what he listened to growing up.