burnt_hiphophead

Ice Cube [A+]. He rocked the crowd and it got me listening to and loving all his old and new albums. I got threatened by a big biker because I was jumping around, so pumped, and kept bumping into him. I would travel to see Cube again.

Snoop Dogg [B-] and [F]. Saw him twice. First time, he kept the crowd waiting like 90 minutes after the last opening act but he came out and was pretty solid, put on a decent show. Second time, he came out and I think he was either way too high (unlikely) or super burnt out/hung over. He couldn't carry a tune, basically I could've done a better job with his songs and that is by no means saying much. Earned the F and I'll never pay to see him again, sorry D o double G.

Kanye [A]. I know, he's more of a producer, but I'm putting him here anyways. Saw him while touring after Late Registration and he was amazing. Went for a good hour and a half straight with very very little down time. Played with an orchestra and backup singers. Played the piano while he rapped on a couple songs. Expensive ticket but well worth it. I wouldn't go out of my way to see him perform his new shit but at that time, wow.

Reflection Eternal [A]. At Rock the Bells this year. I've heard live recordings of Kweli where his voice is extra raspy and not sounding so hot but that was not the case. He was probably the best sounding rapper I've ever seen, in terms of vocal clarity and not missing lyrics. They were great, lots of sing along parts for the crowd. I forgot how many great songs Hi-Tek has produced.

Big Boi [B+]. Had some technical difficulties but came through. Very funny on the mic in between, didn't sound forced or anything. Played his hits. Thumbs up, only downside was the lack of Dre 3k.

Cypress Hill [C+]. Good show, bonus points for getting super baked on stage in front of cops who were throwing people out for doing the same in the crowd. B-Real's awesome. A highlight was the drummer who played almost a full kit (including cymbals) with his hands. For some reason I wasn't as into it as other acts I've seen, but they were still very fun to watch.

Nas and Damian Marley [A+]. Headliners from Rock the Bells. Unreal. Check the videos on youtube. Highlights were 'one mic' (Where they dimmed the lights and it was just Nas and the best djembe player I've ever heard), the big rasta who just waved a flag in a circle on stage for their whole set, and the One Love/One Love medley.

GZA [C+]. He spent a good deal of time complaining about the sound system at the venue. Thought he was kidding but he kept at it so clearly he wasn't. Great voice, crowd was really into it singing along, but his complaining kind of bummed me out, I thought it sounded alright.

Classified [A]. This grade includes his crew that generally tours with him, like J-Bru, Mic Boyd, Chad Hatcher, etc. I've seen Class four or five times now and will go again when he tours this fall. Can't wait. They always rock the crowd and what really stands out with these guys is they hang out and party with the crowd afterwards. I'm usually incoherantly drunk and exhausted by the time they're hangin out but nonetheless it's a great time. Couldn't recommend seeing them enough, ticket prices are always cheap, and his albums just keep getting better.

2pac [A+++]. I wish. Only saw his 'live at the house of blues' DVD. Safe to say it would've been the best show ever? I'm leaning towards yes.

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Wildcard, bitches! - Charlie Kelly