Posts Tagged ‘Events’
A Night at the Garden with Maxwell
This is a Guest Post from Denise Campbell
It came as an utter surprise. The best kind: sweet, absolutely no reason, and out of the blue. The hubby procured two tickets to Maxwell’s BLACKsummers’night Concert at Madison Square Gardens. A coup he’d managed to pull off without triggering even a smidgen of suspicion. It promises to be a fabulous night out: Erykah Badu is opening for Maxwell, which sounds like a We’ll follow up with dinner at my new downtown favorite, Qi.
Maxwell performing at Madison Square Garden
Erykah’s performance was underwhelming and uninspired, with a lackluster delivery of songs that said I’d rather be anywhere but here. Gone were the glory days when she weaved a hazy blazy spell over audiences with almost tantric precision. Lyrics interlaced with nuggets nuggets of wisdom and truth-telling delivered in Southern cadence. That was then. These days audiences will have to settle for a subdued Badu banging beats in a chic black overcoat, impressive Ferragamos and a top hat over spiraling blond curls. Thanks, but no.
At last, the stage is set: big band style, complete with sultry backup singers, saxophone, trumpet, bass, percussion and other accoutrements. The opening scene unfolds – the moon colliding with the sun and the resulting eclipse. His silhouette appears to the familiar strains and evocative promise of Sumthin’, Sumthin’. Then the man emerges from the shadows: Bespoke white shirt under a sleek, fitted black retro suit, eyes shaded behind dark sunglasses. We can toss the iPhone version we’ve been forced to settle for during his extended sabbatical. Maxwell announced his return with a medley of crowd pleasers that so many of us have dimmed the lights to. The single and Fortunate, This Woman’s Work and Lifetime from the album Now are as sublime as I remember.
The effortless seduction is reminiscent of a subtly seductive Marvin. Gyrating with a feline grace and almost tangible sensuality, his style evokes shades of the 60′s when understated showmanship and sly insinuation were more provocative that the hammer over the head technique of today. The honeysweet falsetto still as intoxicating as an aged Bordeaux, now mellowed with age and experience; but still as sensual as a long drip of sweat down your naked back. He killed with several favorites from the Urban Hang Suite album: feverish women mouthing every word of, Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder), ‘Til The Cops Come Knockin’, and ‘Suitelady’ (aka the Proposal Jam). His rendition of Al Green’s ‘Simply Beautiful’ sent shivers up my spine and made me remember why I went on an Al Green binge at 15 that lasted months.
From the capitulation of the line “I can’t control the feeling…” of ‘Bad Habits’ to the naked honesty of ‘Fistful Of Tears’ eager, panting were women happily losing their minds. One woman – a brave, not-to-be denied soul – threw caution and fire-engine red panties with dead aim into the singer’s hands. Not missing a beat, the two-time Grammy Award winner caught the itty bitty thing, and with a slight, unobtrusive gesture, tucked it into his pocket. Yep, still got it. But not for him the overt bravado, outlandish claims and unimaginative maneuvers of the teeny bopper set, Maxwell understands the art of subtlety; the gradual peeling of layers rather than a mad dash for the goodie box. No, the men in the audience (the hubby excluded, of course) were not pleased with him. His passion for women – and theirs for him – is too naked and absolute. The laying down of arms before our feet, the poignant whispers, feels like too much concession of power. Guys could do themselves a favor and forget the cloak and dagger game playing and the oneupmanship for a minute, as Maxwell sang, “that’s a punk move right there.” Besides, the adoration is a two-way street and it shows in his performance and appreciation for his legion of fans and in their love for his music.
Maxwell giving some love to the audience
Maxwell closed with the ethereally beautiful gem ‘Pretty Wings‘ from BLACKsummers’ night, a treat for the many who waited for the very last drop. Worth it for them? Maybe. Beloved and I left skid marks on our way out. But for me? Oh yeah.
Are you a Maxwell fan? If so, which is your favorite album? Leave a comment and let us know.
Is Hip Hop Really Dead?
Is Hip Hop really dead? Sorry Nas, you’re my man and all but I think not. Wounded maybe but dead no. As long as events like The Hip Hop Honors exist ‘real’ Hip Hop will forever live on. As a true hip hop head from the golden era (early 80′s to mid 90′s, I know I’m showing my age) I’d have to say that Hip Hop has definitely changed, for the better in some ways and in many ways negatively.
L to R: MC Lyte, Big Daddy Kane & Black Thought of The Roots
Hip Hop has changed for the better because it is now a viable means of financial wealth and opportunity for young artists and entrepreneurs. It’s negative in it’s lack of accountability for it’s lyrics and portrayal of our culture. Bottom line is hip hop as we knew it will never be the same. But what ever is? Change is inevitable. There may be some light at the end of the tunnel though. If the recent successes of artists like Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco & Common are any indication, I’d say that gangster rap is starting to show some serious signs of fading (finally!).
“A child is born, with no state of mind, Blind to the ways of mankind, God is smiling at you but he’s frowning too because only God knows what you go through. You grow in the ghetto, living second rate and your eyes they sing a song of deep hate…” Melle Mel – “The Message”
I miss the days of lyrical substance. Artists like Grandmaster Flash & The Furious 5, Public Enemy and KRS-One all made statements with their lyrics. As someone who grew up in the Bronx during the time of street jams and block parties I feel privileged and honored to have actively participated in the infancy stages of a culture that has become a worldwide phenomenon. I would like to see it claim it’s rightful place in mainstream culture as a positive source of creative inspiration for inner city youth.
The Hip Hop Honors Concert
It was a pleasure to photograph the 2007 Hip Hop Honors concert in New York. The crowd fully participated and the performances were great. The event was held at New York’s Nokia Theater in Times Square and the line up included MC Lyte, Big Daddy Kane and The Roots. Events like these are what keep the original flavor of hip hop alive.
L to R: Guitarist backs MC Lyte, The Roots
My Top 5 Rap Albums
I know everyone is not going to agree with me on this and that’s cool but I decided to include a short Top 5 list of some of my all time favorite rap albums. These are not only classic albums in my opinion but monumental in terms of music production and lyrical content.
- Nas – Illmatic
- 2Pac – Me Against The World
- Public Enemy – It’ll Take a Nation of Millions..
- Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five – The Message
- Run – DMC – Raising Hell
What are your top 5 Rap Albums? Do you think hip hop is dead? Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts.
