We're a Yankees blog, but something as dope as this going on in New York will always get coverage by us.For at least one night, we were reminded that there is still life and talent left in hip-hop. It’s been 20 years since the release of Paid in Full and the current state of rap is a reminder of how much changes over two decades. Synthesizers are replacing samples, lyrics have lost any depth or substance they once had and wardrobes have gone from Coogi and Adidas to Louis Vuitton and BAPE.
Billed only as The 18th Letter and The Leader, Southpaw in Brooklyn subtly advertised the show with a ‘know the deal or don’t show’ attitude. After an hour and half wait, Rakim graced the stage at 2:00AM to a packed house. The material was what you expected, tracks from his extensive catalogue ranging from ageless Eric B. classics like “Paid in Full” and “Don’t Sweat the Technique” and solo singles “When I B On the Mic” and “It’s Been a Long Time.” More impressive than Rakim’s setlist however was his incredible stage presence, unmatched by anyone else and a fine example of how you earn the title The Master.
Rakim’s breath control is simply remarkable. So many great artists on record are a disappointing live act because of their lack of breath control. While many rely on a hypeman to finish a verse or pickup during a loss of stamina, Rakim went on stage with just a mic in hand. Each rhyme came off seamlessly and made everything seem easy. Although the entire show was full of energy and the crowd was live, the place nearly exploded when he brought out KRS-One. Everyone in attendance knew that they were going to be catching one of the greatest of all time but its unlikely anyone anticipated being presented with two of your favorite rappers on one stage.
Billed only as The 18th Letter and The Leader, Southpaw in Brooklyn subtly advertised the show with a ‘know the deal or don’t show’ attitude. After an hour and half wait, Rakim graced the stage at 2:00AM to a packed house. The material was what you expected, tracks from his extensive catalogue ranging from ageless Eric B. classics like “Paid in Full” and “Don’t Sweat the Technique” and solo singles “When I B On the Mic” and “It’s Been a Long Time.” More impressive than Rakim’s setlist however was his incredible stage presence, unmatched by anyone else and a fine example of how you earn the title The Master.
Rakim’s breath control is simply remarkable. So many great artists on record are a disappointing live act because of their lack of breath control. While many rely on a hypeman to finish a verse or pickup during a loss of stamina, Rakim went on stage with just a mic in hand. Each rhyme came off seamlessly and made everything seem easy. Although the entire show was full of energy and the crowd was live, the place nearly exploded when he brought out KRS-One. Everyone in attendance knew that they were going to be catching one of the greatest of all time but its unlikely anyone anticipated being presented with two of your favorite rappers on one stage.
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