Not only was the Spanish Moon home to some of the best old school hip hop this past Friday, but they also brought the best rap and fresh funk sound that I’ve heard at a live show in quite some time. I got the chance to interview Reverend Redbeard of Syllable 7 and Akil the MC of Jurassic 5 in addition to meeting MC Fi3ld of Kladni Figues and DJ T Minus One and I must say that these guys are just as real with their music as they are in conversation. I have never met a group of such down to earth, humble guys.
Tiny Arch and Kladni Figures opened the show, bringing some respectable hip hop to the table. Kladni Figures is comprised of Scooter Jackson DJing and MC Fi3ld on the mic. These guys brought some original beats and lyrics that proved respectable. The duo definitely have an old school, 90s feel. I think that this is what a lot of people that go these shows look forward to, especially the J5 fans present that night.
Syllable 7 was carried the bulk of the show, seeing as it was their CD-release show. They played their new album, Psychoacousitcs, from beginning to end, only stopping to chat with the crowd. They sampled a couple of other local artist including local hip-hop celebrity, Shoelace. I feel certain that Shoelace enjoyed his birthday both while on stage and dancing in the audience. They overlying feel was funk, but they did not hesitate to throw in some punk and reggae. I even tilted my head a little bit questioning the presence of a ‘ska’ sound, only to be reassured by people ‘skanking’ in the audience. The crowd, though consistently on the smaller side, seemed to enjoy the entire show.
Akil the MC of the now dissembled group Jurassic 5 got on stage, started rapping, then promptly left the stage. In an effort to get closer to his fans, Akil got off the stage on the same level as everyone and then started getting the fans involved. There is nothing better than going to a show and feeling a part of the music. Akil captured this in a very unique way. I’m not sure if it was him getting on the floor or him making us yell, but by the end of the show I felt as if all of the people present were musicians. Akil spoke very empowering words in what now feels like a dream. My favorite part was when he painted this picture for us; telling us to imagine living with someone who we don’t get along with. Akil said this person might make you feel like a nobody. He suggested that we wake up earlier than our roommate and yell “I am somebody” repeatedly. The result was a very uplifting message that is at the foundation of funk and hip hop.
Overall, the show was amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would recommend checking out any shows that these guys put on in the future. I will be airing the exclusive, uncut interview that I had with Akil the MC and Reverend Redbeard during my show, The Funky Styley Freak Show, on Sunday, December 9th at 10pm.
