22.5.11

Blackstar, De La Soul & Rakim - 10/05/11 Hammersmith Apollo, London

The chance to see 3 such innovative artists of hip-hop does not come around too often, and one which i was certainly not going to miss - although due to lateness i did miss Rakim.

So with missing out on Rakim, De la soul opened the show for myself, and i have never seen a support act get the crowd pumping so much. Hitting us with such classics as "Buddy" and "Me, Myself and I", De la Soul proved that they're still ahead of the game, even after 22 years.


The main act then.....Mos Def & Talib Kweli, formally known as BlackStar. With both going separate ways in their solo careers they were back together to do what started their careers off and arguably what was one of the defining moments in shaping alternative hip-hop back in 1998. The stage was set; the crowd was ready; and they did not fail to disappoint with their opener "History".

As they went on to shift through their catalogue in their matching suits, ties and differing hats performing such hits as"Supreme, Supreme" & "Brown Skin Lady", Mos Def took control of the stage with his dance moves, with Talib in tow. However, there was something lacking at points, i'm not sure whether it was the sound, a lack of spark between the two after all these years or my terrible positioning; but they're was a sense of awkwardness at points between the crowd and themselves.

The night was nearing to an end and with this, Mos and Talib came at the crowd with a barrage of classics; 'Definition', 'RE: Definition', 'Respiration' and finishing with 'Get By'. Each and every one of them getting the place jumping and singing along. Definitely saving the best until last and well worth the wait for that matter.

It was a privilege to see such a great act, was great support from De La Soul, and a great night, shame JACques couldnt be their after bottling it at the last minute.

LazyK

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