'THIS MIGHT NOT WORK'

“Like the E-Double, or the PMD / He drives a Corvette,

I drive a Samurai Suzuki” – Strictly Business – EPMD

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Strictly Business by EPMD is one of my favorite Hip-Hop tracks of all-time. Naturally, when I had the opportunity to catch them live, I jumped at the chance. As luck would have it, my buddy Malcolm, and his son Justin, decided to meet me at Ram’s Head Live in Baltimore, Maryland. Apparently, Malcolm had offered Justin a choice as to how they would spend their Friday night: Watching the new movie Dr. Strange, or taking in the EPMD concert.  Justin made the right choice!

Malcolm, Justin, and I met before the show, and immediately began talking top-five, sharing stories, and making a point to appreciate that these guys come around to perform their quintessential catalogs. We continue to show up, because they continue to show up. Whether it’s Rakim, Public Enemy, Big Daddy Kane, or EPMD, we never want to take for granted that another live performance provides us with a jolt of nostalgia and an opportunity to perpetuate the genre.

This time around, I brought no new artwork, although I’m planning to prepare something for another show in December. Having empty hands provided me with the ability to move close to the stage.  It was a great perspective, and I was truly able to enjoy the view.

After a great opening performance by Sugar Bear from E.U. (Yeah, you remember Da’ Butt), Erick and Parish opened with Strictly Business, and moved through several of their classics songs:  Rampage, The Crossover, Gold Digger, The Joint, You Gots to Chill, and a great rendition of Jane.

They are high-energy, and they seem to enjoy their reunion and their place in the Hip-Hop family tree.  Join us in December for their show at the Howard Theatre in DC.  I’m sure it will be another memorable night!