The year 2009 is coming to a close and everyone is reflecting on memorable moments through out the year whether its personal or musically related memories. I feel fortunate and privileged to have attended an overwhelming number of shows and events this year, having encountered many artists, photographers, promotors, fans, etc and making some really great friends along the way. I have been able to discover firsthand how the stigma usually attached with Hip-Hop is far from the truth despite the media and any individuals implication that Hip-Hop music especially from the underground scene is the root of crime and all things negative within our society. For the most part the underground scene has been truly a bonding moment and displayed a lot of positivity in the New York City community, whether it was building a family amongst friends or showcases and events for fundraising. Some may say Hip-Hop is the heart of our city while it seems like it is more like the heart of our soul.
During CMJ week I had attended the Raekwon show at BB Kings, the same show where OJ Da Juiceman was booed after his performance. I personally did not care for his performance nor do I bother to listen to his music, but I do not take part in bashing or humiliating a performer when they are on stage. To add a lil more fuel to the fire, Miss Info called out the crowd on their reaction and tried to convince an audience who primarily went to BB Kings to see Raekwon and Styles P. and not OJ that they in fact know nothing about music as she tried to push her hip-hop preference onto others. It was quite an uncomfortable scene to say the least and turned out to be one of my least favorite CMJ shows that week for more than one reason. The OJ booing moment became the talk and gossip on social networks and blogs. I became even more annoyed when I had read on someone's blog review that New York Hip-hop fans are ignorant and only like music from their coast, which cannot be further from the truth. That false statement would linger in my mind throughout the next couple of months as I feel you can't blame east coast fans for not liking ignorant rap when so many emcees are working hard to show what hip-hop really represents.
The next night I headed out to my favorite brooklyn hip-hop spot, Southpaw for what became the redemption show from the night before. Souls of Mischief...*cough cough* from California were headlining what i feel was by far the best CMJ show that week. Southpaw was completely packed and was treated to opening performances from Jern Eye, Finale, Truthlive, Kam Moye aka Supastition, Oddisee, Tanya Morgan, Trinity (Sadat X, A.G. and DJ Jab) and hosted by Wyatt Cenac and Che Grand. As music fans, bloggers and photographers spent the week picking and choosing which cmj show to attend, this was undoubtably the one that was not to be missed. It was definitely the icing on the cake, cherry on top, have your cake and eat it too show amongst many of the other really great showcases occurring that week and even that night.
Souls of Mischief were celebrating their then upcoming LP of Montezuma's Revenge, which is now officially released. Audible Treats really deserves a high five, pat on the back, chest bump for putting together such a well organized showcase as each performer really complimented the sound and vibe for that night. It was my first time seeing Souls of Mischief perform as they usually make the journey once a year to the east coast. A-Plus, Phesto D, Opio and Tajai took the stage and performed as though they were unknowingly schooling other artists as to what hip-hop really is. There was no need for any gimmicks or flashiness or a 50 person entourage of people on stage just standing there. I respect their originality, setting themselves apart from other artists with their style and sound and reaching a point to where artists want to imitate them. They say imitation is the highest form of flattery and yet their will always only be one Souls of Mischief. Their ability to deliver a great show with old and new material and relying on their rhymes and instrumentals was what proved successful. It was also an emotional night as A-Plus paid respect several times throughout the evening to Roc Raida, whose tribute at BB Kings was being held at the same time.
Many people say they grew up on Souls of Mischief and wanted to replicate the sound and style of 93 'till Infinity and I won't pretend I was one of those people because as a youngen I was not an aspiring emcee nor was I engulfed or fully knowledgeable about hip-hop music 24/7 aside from what was being played on MTV or the Music Box or what my older siblings were playing in the house or talking about. Although it may seem as though I missed out on really experiencing the hip-hop culture fully growing up, I am thankful and privileged for the opportunity to be able to truly appreciate it now that I am older and recognize its significance in our society. I don't go to shows for the sake of saying I saw this artist perform or for bragging rights, but rather I go for the whole experience and I believe everyone who was at southpaw that night was there for the same reason or at least I would hope so.
Having attended hundreds of shows and events this year, sometimes even 4 in one night, I can honestly say that the Souls of Mischief show is definitely in my top 10 and probably even top 5 music experiences this year. I look forward to them returning to the east coast for another performance and perhaps even a trip to California to see them on their stomping ground will be marked on my calendar for next year. It's not about where you're born or what coast you're from or grew up or live in, Music is Music! The ignorant statement to say New Yorkers only like music only from artists that haul from our state or coast line is in fact ignorant itself. As Opio said that night "Its about Love, Peace and Unity"
Thank you Hip-Hop for an amazing Year. Best Wishes and Blessings for 2010 to everyone.
Much love and Respect and Happy Joyous Holidays
- NattyNiGhT =)
more photos below...enjoy!
