People's Instinctive Travels to the Path of Funk and Rhythm.

In the late 80s during the exit of disco and the short stay of House music, I was introduced to the Jungles Brothers, creators of classic tune called "I'll House you." DJ Red Alert, NYC local DJ for the Weekend evening hiphop show on 98.7 Kiss FM at the time, would play as many songs on the classic album "Straight Out the Jungle" as possible. The JBeez's sound was eclectic with mixtures of funk, jazz, house, disco and of course hip-hop in its purest form. [Hard white for you trap boyz.] The content was very creative, braggadocious, afro-centric, jovial and spiritual from songs like "Jim Brown-ski" to "Black is Black." to the last tune on the record [no CD at the time] called "the Promo", I felt the most. It was the single that gave light to a young teenager called Q-Tip from A Tribe Called Quest. As Jungles Brothers later released the classic "Done by the Forces of Nature," A Tribe Called Quest later released the LP (still no CD at the time) which is the title of my blog. (In the credits Leaders of the New School was shouted on the LP as well.) Tribe later released classics like "the Low End Theory" and "Midnight Maurauders" but before these releases a connection was made with a trio in Long Island called De la Soul. De la Soul's disography is bananas. but the song which bridged the bands together was an integral hip-hop single called "Buddy". "Buddy" was the origination of Native Tongues which then
consisted of Jungle Brothes, De la Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, Prince Paul of StetsaSonic, Monie Love and Queen Latifah. The band later grew with the addition of official and unofficial members of the likes of: Common (sense, at the time), Leaders of the New School, Chi-Ali, the Beatnuts, Black Sheep, Bush Babees, Slum Village. I became big fans of the Native Tongue movement which was somewhat orchestrated or managed by "Baby" Chris Lighty creator of Violator Management which is responsible for the success of LL COool J, Busta Rhymes and Missy Elliot just to name a few.

As a youngin' I wanted to go to a show that would bring some of favorites that had a soulful, eclectic vibe some what like members of the Native Tongues. I almost had a chance when I went to Howard Homecoming in the early 90's but we got lost and never made it to the stadium.

The people have changed but years later comedian David Chappelle created the concert of the century in "the streets of New York" (shameless plug for Kool G. Rap who also attended.) my friend Reality sent me the email which guaranteed my admission. But my dear friend Tresa was getting married the same day. Needless to say, I missed the show.

Dave made history by creating a line-up that no concert could ever top. schedule to perforem was Kanye West, the Roots, John Legend, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Common, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, and dead prez. Lauryn Hill was schedule to appear but instead the Fugees were reunited.
Big day for hip-hop. I did wish I was there but I got to see my dear friend walk down the path of love.

Dave created a documentary of the event and released it to the Theater and on DVD. I went to the theater opening night to see the night I missed. It would have be more lively if there were more in attendance. but it was an ok experiece. I got goose bumps when Lauryn performed. She was finally back. The film was very simlar to Jay-Z's Fade to Black, detailing all that took place to get to the final product. The biggest hip-hop concert/block party on the east coast ever.

This week I bought the DVD hoping to catch extra performances when I came to realization about themes that we miss when reading a story or watching a film. His film was about a journey. Dave wanted to create a concert similar to that on the west coast (Watts, Los angelos to be precise) many year ago. He went to his hometown and invited "friend" to come along. A marching Band, Shop owners, barbers, random people of different ages and ethnic backgrounds. He caught all of this on film. He gave the youngsters the opportunity to meet and greet artists that they would probably never met. He hooked up with a couple which provided access to their home which would be front stage of the concert. They told a phonomneal story about the grounds which already was historic in its own right. He hooked up with a teacher of a nearby school and connected with the children to talk about the importance of school in the urban areas. Lil Cease made an appearance to talk about all the rappers that were connected to the neigborhood.

They all had a story and a journey. Even though it rained for a good portion of the time they all had fun with the comedy and the music as the connection/conduit/path.

We all have journey's or quests. For some of us it could be to get marrried, have children, buy a house, start a career, graduate from high schhool/college/grad school or to do it all. There are many obstacles but none the less we get through by sure will or with the assistance of a friend/family member. Follow your dreams. Make your journery. Look back to remember and not to regret.

I am glad that even if I could not do it but some created a concert of my dreams. Dave you got to do it again. You a genius in your own right keep doing what you do.

sidebar:
I missed that one but the Roots at Radio City was a mini-reunion and I had a blast both nights. Peace.