Irving Plaza was filled with hundreds of true hip-hop heads ready for classics, rim-filled drinks called “Money, Power, Respect,” and the scent of weed.
The Filthy America … It’s Beautiful tour repositions The Lox where they belong – in the forefront. The evening wasn’t set for mainstream gimmick lyrics or trendy viral hip-hop dances. The Lox is from the era where you really had to live it in order to say it on wax.
Today, the new Roc Nation members appear as prolific as they did in the ‘90’s and the early 2000’s but made sure to open the stage for young rappers on-the-rise. The late Big Pun’s son, Chris Rivers, is following in his father’s footsteps and got the crowd rowdy with his “Twinz (Deep Cover 98)” cover. He didn’t miss one of his father’s legendary lyrics, making it clear he too, is a lethal lyricist. Rivers’ heightened the experience further by freestyling a capella. In an effort to pay homage to emcees whose songs don’t include trap-like hi-hats or finger snaps, Rivers ran through a medley of definitive records, including “Ante Up,” “Ruff Ryders Anthem,” “I Really Mean It,” and more.
Still, there was another emcee with a point to prove, Don Flamigo. The New Orleans spitter may have inked his name as the latest Roc boy running with the paper plane gang – but he fought to win over the NYC mass. Historically, New Yorkers are stingy with their applause. But, he didn’t lose his enthusiasm, and as soon as, “Slanguage” dropped, Irving Plaza gave him his just due.
After Flamingo dropped the mic, DJ Mister Cee began talking that talk, as he tends to do. “This is before Rick Ross got on Weight Watchers,” he screamed. The venue exploded! A slew of street hip-hop anthems spun off his table, and not one commercial rap newcomer was acknowledged. “Put your right fist in the air,” he commanded before M.O.P.’s beats banged through the venue. Now that everyone from every hood had a battery in their back, it was only right to bring out D-Block.
“Fuck You” is as raw as it gets, and The Lox performed with the type of enthusiasm that only comes when artists are in their hometown. In their element, Sheek Louch, Jadakiss, and Styles P. bullied the stage. Hits like “Dope Money,” and “The Family,” overwhelmed the frantic audience. They held no punches, and even honored Biggie Smalls with their featured track, “Last Day.” The rap vets still embody the realness that true hip-hop is supposed to be – gully.
“I want ya’ to touch some chandeliers and shit,” demanded Sheek Louch. Their individual features of the 2000’s, such as Styles P’s “Locked Up,” and Jadakiss’ verse on “Made You Look,” turned the occasion into a moment. Being a king, Louch made sure the women in the audience knew they were appreciated with song “Good Lovin.” But ahead, there was someone no one anticipated – Freeway.
The audience raved as Freeway, destroyed the stage and all sensibility with, “What We Do.” The nostalgia continued from the Philly emcee once everyone recited, “It’s B Sig in the place with Young Free, and I got what it takes to rock the mic right.” Still, The Lox made sure no one outshined the masters. “Money, Power, Respect,” was still the key to life, and “It’s All About the Benjamins” had the crowd nuttier than it did in ’97 – making the smash single the perfect musical nightcap. As The Lox tour soon comes to a close, their fans and the younger generation being put on their greatness will be left hungry for more. With decades under their belt, those on the radio are forced to respect the architects before they posture themselves alongside them on airways.
