How Far would you walk to see Big Daddy Kane return to his stomping ground of Brooklyn, New York? As it begins to sink in that summer is starting to wind down, Hip-Hop in New York City is coming out in full swing showing that the best is still to come. Though Rock The Bells and the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival was repeatedly the discussion of must see Hip-Hop mega shows for native New Yorkers during the summer, Big Daddy Kane performing in Prospect Park was the show everyone waited all summer for and most likely even planned their vacation around. It was definitely a save the date show. When I learned a few months back that he would be performing, it was immediately marked on my calendar that nothing would come between seeing him on stage, not even the monsoon weather we’ve had this summer.
I won’t even pretend like I grew up doing the worm in my living room, or that I’m an expert in his discography or Hip-Hop in general, However, when you think of the culture of Hip-Hop especially in Brooklyn, Big Daddy Kane is on top of the list. It may seem redundant but if you ask most rappers who influenced them growing up and their musical vision, BDK is usually cited as having an impact in their lives. It’s an honor and a powerful thing for one person to have such an impact on many others in a positive aspect. He still remains a role model for not only the older generation that grew up with his music but as well as the new generation of hip-hop artists and fans alike. Despite repeatedly being referenced as one of the greatest emcees of all time, he still remains humble and true to who he always was from when he started to the present, and people recognize and respect that. Thousands of people showed up, the crowd lined up far back in the park just to be there for that experience and to hear him live even if their vision was hindered by the standing crowd that used their chairs more as a place to set their bag rather than sit in.
It was my first time going to see a show in Prospect Park and I had made the mistake of taking the wrong train (never take the Q to Prospect Park). I had discovered I was about 2 miles from the Bandshell… one quick bus stop later and about a 10-block walk in the park and I finally arrived to see a plethora of people already there. When there is a free show in any park there are a few things to factor in when preparing to head out there.
1. It’s a free show so most people who like the music/artist are definitely going to go, which means there will be a lot of people there and since it’s first come first serve, if you want a good spot somewhat at least in the vicinity of the stage then you have to go early! Sure someone can save you a seat (if its one of those seated outdoor shows), but don’t expect someone to be able to hold down a row of chairs for everyone and their mother. Rule of thumb: move your feet lose your seat.
2. Despite the $3 donation, the show is pretty much free compared to some other wallet draining shows. I think its wonderful that New York has summer shows outdoors for the people, it’s the city finally giving back a little something, especially since its primarily volunteers giving up their time to help put this together. However, a free show brings out EVERYONE! Expect to encounter every good, bad, strange and indescribable type of person in this city that displays how much New York City really is the melting pot of the world. It’s nice to be surrounded by people of different cultures, races, religions and gender as well as age groups.
3. Sitting is optional! It doesn’t matter if the chairs are provided or if you brought your own to lounge out on the lawn, when the show begins you have no authority to tell people to sit down because they are blocking your view. I feel like standing up while an artist performs is a sign of respect especially when the artist insists you “get up”. People are not at a show especially one outdoors to sit down as though they are getting a pedicure or tanning on a rooftop. If you want to “feel” the music from your seat then that’s your choice, but do not complain when you cannot see. Your vocal complaining is far worse offensive and more of a distraction.
The night started off with DJ JS-1 keeping the crowd entertained with tracks that people actually want to hear, there is nothing worse than hearing bad music when you’re lounging around waiting for a show to start. DJ JS-1 never disappoints and host for the night Rahzel, formally of the roots demonstrated without a doubt why he is the King of Beatboxing. I’m sure anyone trying to dethrone him is in store for some embarrassment, but that’s only a matter of opinion.
You may have thought it was Dj JS-1 providing the beat but It was all Rahzel as he beatboxed a throwback to the 80s and a tribute to Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick with La di da di as the crowd sang along. Rahzel did not hold back throughout the night as he made a “phone call" to Michael Jackson and beatboxed of course to Billie Jean. I could watch him all night beatbox and not be disappointed as he intermixes his skills with his humor.
The Retro Kidz were the first set of performers to kick off the show as they bounced on stage with their “we’re bringing back the 80s” style, I had a flashback to my childhood. It made me miss the days of watching fraggle rock and thundercats cartoons, wanting to actually be a Goonie, listening to Madonna’s music pre-British accent era, buying 5-cent bazooka joes and quarter waters, and playing Duck Hunt and the Legend of Zelda on Nintendo as we upgraded from our Atari system. I’m pretty sure these fellas and lady can dance to just about anything, but old school Hip-Hop is definitely their forte. They really amped the crowd and made me wish that I was old enough to have experienced and recognized Hip-Hop back in the days. The style and the sound is much different now than it was then. It was the commencement of a nostalgic night in many ways than just one.
Emilio Rojas came out on stage for a few songs, although I don’t think his performance did his work justice simply for the fact that his time was limited which is unfortunate. He jumped on the stage earlier that week with Donny Goines at Blender Gramercy Theater and he’s definitely a memorable performer and someone to keep track of.
I’m almost hesitant to write about Blitz the Ambassador, because I do not think a small blurb about his performance is sufficient. When I was first introduced to his music I was instantly intrigued with his musical styling. I was able to see him live almost a year ago and within the first thirty seconds I knew this was someone who is raising the bar amongst talented artists. It was the first hip-hop show I went to that has one rapper on stage with a whole orchestra performing behind him. That is the kind of entourage I can get use to seeing. It was a pleasure to see him once again on stage especially outdoors where the sounds from the orchestra linger throughout the park. Hyping up the crowd with a performance that could have fooled any parent that this was a hip-hop show their child was attending.
Of course what’s a show in New York City without Ralph McDaniels! He put out a tribute video to Music Video Box that the Retro Kidz returned to the stage to dance to as the crowd watched, reflected, laughed and reminisced with clips of such artists as Biz Markie and Whodini. The Documentary on Big Daddy Kane was an insightful portrayal of the loyal MC and the man behind the mic to those who know him from throughout his career and even those who know of just the name Big Daddy Kane. Ain’t No Half Steppin’ is about a 20-min video definitely worth the time to watch. His longtime DJ and friend Mister Cee thought his name was inspired from his mother’s house that had numerous canes hanging from the ceiling, but we discover from watching the film that it derives from the show Kung-Fu, we learn something new everyday.
The one and only Big Daddy Kane sans the infamous flattop took to the stage with Connie Price and The Keystones performing classics such as Smooth Operator, Set It Off, I Get The Job Done, Young, Gifted and Black, Ain’t No Half Steppin’, Warm It Up, Kane and even a new track off his upcoming album. One of the definite highlights amongst many memorable moments was Juice Crew members Craig G. and Masta Ace performing The Symphony. His show was cut short after performing Raw due to time constraints, which is abit unfortunate, because I’m sure the crowd would have had no problem staying out all night but no one can really complain because BDK delivered.
Despite almost getting into a fight with four old women who were a bit racist/ageist, the crowd was filled with familiar faces, Kurtis Blow was celebrating his 50th birthday a day early, Hired Gun from Third Party was also in attendance, Mercury from The Dugout, Sav Killz, DJ J-Ronin, Torae, as well as many strangers who walked away with friends for a day as the night brought a very harmonious vibe. Who else could really get everyone in the crowd to join in the Shimmy of the Snake. BDK says, “It ain’t about beefing, it ain’t about a bunch of drama, its just about having fun” right before a rap battle with Sur Fresh A lot from the Retro Kidz… at 40 years old Big Daddy Kane still got it!
Natty S. aka NattyNiGhT =)
p.s. This blog post was definitely long, but it was my first and I wanted to do that night justice so if you read it to this point…Thank You.
Big Thanks to D-Kasp for the Photos!
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