July 24, 2007
Thoughts on Slick Rick
The thing about having a hip-hop legend in town is that some part of you, a small, insecure but pragmatic part of you, worries they won’t live up to your expectations.
Slick Rick is one of the originators of hip-hop as we know it today, but he’s mostly associated with the music’s "Old School" era. What if he’s lost a step, what if the thick gold ropes have lost their sheen?
"But tonight on this very night you're about to hear/We swear the best star rappers of the year."
Slick Rick owned the Big Easy last night, show once again why the man is called "The Ruler."
This wasn’t some tired, washed-up star looking to cash in on a greatest-hits (and run) job.
Rick the Ruler rhymes were still as ferocious, funny and memorable as the first time you heard them.
To hear him, live, makes you realize just how much modern hip-hop owes to him, from the storytelling lyrics, bravado and bling, and heavily sampled beats.
With DJ Chaos on the turntables and backing from Boston’s The Eclectic Collective, Slick Rick had the crowd from the minute he strolled in, blinding the crowd with enough jewelry to put a yacht in down at DiMillo’s Marina.
The Ruler kept the energy up throughout the night, starting off with "The Ruler’s Back" and "Mona Lisa," and playing "La Di Da Di," "Teenage Love," "Street Talkin,'" "I Run This," and of course "The Show."
If there’s any one sign that you’re part of a generation, it’s when you look around and everyone is shouting out lyrics without a care about how they look.
Though I had never heard them before, the Eclectic Collective was a great surprise as the opener. The band, which has been on the limited tour with Slick Rick through the Northeast, might best be described as soul rock. What makes them stand out from most 311 or Sublime wannabe is the powerful vocals and harmonies from Noni Kai and Dua Boayke. They make the whole reggae/ska/funk/rap/soul thing work.
They’ll be coming through the Big Easy again on Aug. 10 and should be worth checking out.
As a master showman, Slick Rick knows how to keep the crowd moving, even taking time out in the middle of the show to break down Old School vs. New School albums – throwing in recent hits like "Party Like A Rock Star" and "Throw Some Ds" for fun.
But in the end, when you’ve got Slick Rick in the house, the winner of that match up is pretty clear. Near the end of the night when the band warmed up for "A Children’s Story," it was over. Maybe that's why he’s The Ruler.
Posted by at 10:58 AM
E-mail this entry to a friend
Great show last night. Worth getting out on a Monday a hundred times over.
My main question for people there - how much do you think Slick Rick's jewelry was worth? I have asked around and heard guesses ranging from $80,000 to $500,000.
My completely uneducated guess is 150,000??
Posted by mona lisa
July 24, 2007 02:01 PM
Those ropes were insane! After the show Slick Rick was going around shaking hands and the sound of him moving those things around was like a suit of armor.
Easily over $100,000.
Posted by
Justin EllisJuly 24, 2007 03:29 PM
The man is a true master of his craft. Completely at ease and grinning widely most of the night, Rick The Ruler effortlessly commanded respect from the crowd whilst contributing to the exceedingly good vibe.
It didn't hurt to have the energy of Ecelctic Collective and dj Chaos in the room either.
After granting some photo-ops for fans, I spoke with the Rickster for a minute and simply thanked him for coming to Portland. It was a privilege to have him up there, rockin' the stage.
Phat Gold Ropes and medalions the size of dinner platters!!
Posted by
shAdeJuly 25, 2007 10:10 AM
Don't miss Slick Rick and De La Soul with Special Guest ICEE JAKE and the other winners of Essence Magazine and Berklee College of Music’s “Take Back the Music” contest this Saturday August 4th at the Peace Boston Hip Hop 2007 Fest
Mayor Thomas M. Menino has announced that the city’s fourth annual Peace Boston 2007, a free outdoor Hip-Hop Festival, will take place on Saturday, August 4, from 4 – 8pm on City Hall Plaza, featuring headliners Slick Rick and De La Soul.“Hip Hop is a powerful part of youth culture today and I want to ensure that the movement’s positive, peace-promoting voices are heard by the Boston community. Peace Boston Hip Hop Festival focuses on the positive messages this music genre has to offer and I invite everyone to join us,” said Mayor Menino.
Widely regarded as one of hip hop’s most creative groups, De La Soul has remained fresh and everlasting while hip hop has changed dramatically since their introduction to the music industry. De La Soul has often been synonymous with total artistic expression since the group released its stellar debut album, "Three Feet High and Rising" (1989).
The show will co-feature Slick Rick, also known as MC Ricky D and The Ruler, Slick Rick is a rapper from The Bronx. He is recognized by his characteristic eye patch and is best known for a series of rap recordings during the 1980’s, including “Children’s Story” and “La Di Da Di.” Other performers include East Coast beat boxer “The Human Orchestra” aka Kenny Muhammad, and local acts Mega Red, Ms. Aquarius, Four Peace, 3 4 Da Stripes, Frankie Wainwright, Sully and Golden Brown. Also performing will be the winners of Essence Magazine and Berklee College of Music’s “Take Back the Music” contest: Justin “Jae Guttah” McGibbon, Nicholas “Phantom” Garcia, and Jacob “Icee Jake” Bragg.
Peace Boston 2007 is produced by the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Tourism & Special Events and sponsored by Scion, and Metro Boston. The Mayor’s Office of Arts, Tourism & Special Events is responsible for advancing the arts, tourism and culture in the city of Boston by providing advocacy, support, promotional and technical assistance, and by producing special events and public celebrations that reflect the city’s rich diversity.
For further information call 617-635-3911 or visit www.cityofboston.gov/arts
Posted by
mbraggsterAugust 2, 2007 01:48 PM
Post a comment
Blog Index
Subscribe
Questions/Comments
