When it Rains, it pours.....

Since Kanye West, Chi-town emcess are repping their city hard body. Common, Bump J, Lupe Fiasco, Mickey, Shawnna and Twista all rep Chicago including and R&B pervert who's trial is still pending. Luda is from Windy city but he reps the "A" (Atlanta,GA). Among them is an emcee by the name of Rhymefest. He is the freshest act to step on the (mainstream) scene . His album is not out yet but he was already credited with a Grammy Award for writing "Jesus Walks" featured on Kanye's album "College Dropout". Rumor has it that he beat Eminem in a freestyle battle. Usually I am slow to jump aboard when an emcee comes out. I heard "Brand New" and I wasn't really impressed (although I am a BIG kanye fan). I read he was signed to J Records and my feeling was CLive Davis must be riding the fact that he wrote "Jesus Walks" for Kanye. I finally heard a song produced by Just Blaze called "Dynamite (Going Postal)" The title alone lets you understand the track is Hiroshima on waxx. Now I am a fan. His other songs are funny and witty but this one made you ignore the heavy lisp in his speech. Lucky me I found an early release of the album. WHAT?!?!? I know it will get slept on like the "Gravity" LP by the Bush Babees but it's crack. Production-wise it is on point. No I.D. laces this sick track "Fever" (pun intended.) I can't wait for it to drop. That was my main motive for going to this concert. Oh yeah! and Lupe.

Back to reality, I was supposed to go to the Marc Ecko 2nd Annual "Save the Rhino" concert among the acts were DJ Z-trip, Kid Capri, Lupe Fiasco, Rhymefest, Rakim and Common. Remeber I said when it rains it pours well I meant that literally. The show was schedule in the Amphitheater on the grounds in Central Park. and it was a rainy day Just like it was last year for the Roots. I went to work early to get out at 5 PM to hopefully make it for 6 ish. But there was a crisis which required me to stay until 7 PM. I still had no form of protection from the weather so I trekked to Target first to grab a poncho. As I reach the register all my cards were getting declined. (I did anticipate that to happen.) Traffic was not bad but everyone drove at a careful pace because it was a bit slippery. (not me, I was late) It took about an hour to get there. Lucky me I found a supreme parking on the east side and dashed over to show. (okay walked quickly) I knew I missed most the show. things are looking up, no rain in sight, I found a sweet spot in front and Rakim is next on stage.

Rakim deserves a blog on his own but I will keep it brief. He has shot up to number 1 on my top five. I was totally oblivious to all the classics that he has but more surprise at how articulate and sharp it was incomparison to the wack BS on the radio. He rocked hard and the fans knew all the lyrics to songs that were about twenty years old. I mean some of them shouldn't even know who he was based on thier age. I was amazed at the differenct nationalities and women spitting line for line Rakim lyrics. Rakim let Styles P get on stage with him and Styles spent a large portion of time sweating the "R". Ra it was well deserved.

I know I just got there but I was kind of ready to leave. I like common a lot but I just saw him weeks ago at the Roots show. I waited to get some flicks to add to the blog but I ended staying. Besides I had to wait for Pablo. Com performed his $%# off. It was way better than I have ever seen him and I have gone to a lot of Common shows. He performed a new song and it was bananas. He freestyled with Rakim and it was crazy. I think he is the only cat that I have seen that can really spit some wicked line off the top. His band was very good and his DJ is disgusting!! He did some routine with "It takes two" by Rob Base and DJ EZ rock that was completely incredible. Com is the last of dudes that can bring all the elements of hip-hop to his show. he was plain, great! Godd thing I stayed.

Another great show in Central Park and no rain. At least I have a poncho in reserve. I did miss the artists I wanted to see Lupe and Rhymefest but they will be in Brooklyn on June 25th. I have no excuse for that one its on a Saturday. With all the mishaps I had a good day.