LimeWire Music Blog

At 7PM on Saturday evening rain pelted down on the streets of NYC. The Yankee game was canceled, people were running for shelter under canopies and those inside their homes, comfortable on their couches, were quickly making phone calls to push back prior made reservations. It was one of those nights where it was nearly impossible to catch a cab. For those who joined Duck Down’s roster of artists at Gramercy Theater Saturday night, even the torrential downpour was not going to stop their intentions of seeing an action-packed night of music.

At 8PM doors opened into the beautiful concert hall. With high ceilings, arena seating cascading behind the main floor, and a deep stage filled with an array of equipment, fans were greeted to the musical offerings of Da Beatminerz (DJ Evil Dee & Mr. Walt). Rotating images of the album covers from the Artists who were about to take the stage were projected brilliantly and largely against the black curtains that lined the back of the stage.

Atat 8:40PM the newest members of Duck Down Records, Team Facelift, introduced by co-hosts J-Hatch and Angela Yee, took the stage to perform an intense opening set capped off by their upcoming single “Paid 2 Rage.” Fat Jew, always ready to make a lasting impression, was dressed in a Budweiser jacket resembling the American flag. Next up was the MC/producer team of Marco Polo & Torae. With a heavy emphasis on the creation of his instrumentals, Marco Polo, on his MPC, dramatically brings out Torae to “Double Barrel,” by first constructing the beat on stage before Torae is introduced. Torae, donned in a S.W.A.T. team vest, delivered a powerful 15-minute set illustrating perfect breath control. Following Marco Polo & Torae was an exciting performance from Masta Ace & Edo G who combined both classic hits, including Ace’s verse from the “Symphony,” with newer tracks off their upcoming A&E album.

Than came an exciting set by Skyzoo who treated fans to tracks off his album, The Salvation. Skyzoo received a warm reception and had the theater screaming “HOW POPULAR ARE YOU” as he finished his time on stage with a performance of “Popularity.” Wasting no time in-between sets, it was Geo of Blue Scholar’s turn to bat. He quickly engaged the audience, captivating them with both the speed and clarity of his lyrics. With one hand raised towards the sky, Gramercy Theater was swaying back and forth to Geo’s movement and voice, chanting MY PEOPLE over and over again. When Geo was done he explained that everyone in the space was his people.

Following Geo of Blue Scholars performance, Kidz In The Hall took to the stage. With Double-O on the keys, a drummer on the MPC and Naledge on the mic, their set was both visually appealing, as well as musically sound. Kidz In The Hall combined both new and old catalog into their set performing hits from School Was My Hustle, The In Crowd and their upcoming album Land of Make Believe. Tim William joined the MC/producer duo on stage for “Lucifer’s Joyride,” while The Kid Daytona made a surprise guest appearance.

At 11PM, one hour before the venue needed to close its doors, Boot Camp Clik made their entrance. With DJ Evil Dee back on the decks, Ruste Juxx stormed the stage for his hit record “VIC FLAIR.” Moments later Sean Price stepped onto the scene with a momentous roar from the crowd. Price performed a mix of songs from Monkey Barz, Jesus Price Supastar, Master P and his newest mix CD, Kimbo Price, before bringing out Rock of Heltah Skeltah to their classic record, Operation Lockdown. The duo went on to perform music from their latest album, D.I.R.T. The onslaught of music continued as Smif N Wessun joined the madness on stage running through classics like “Stand Strong” and their Mary J Blige, “I Love You” remix. With the crowd bubbling, Buckshot and 5FT brought down the house performing music as Black Moon. Just as the crowd thought the evening’s long list of performers were revealed, Sadat X made a powerful entrance on the Sean Price feature track, “Da God.” Seconds later, Masta Ace was back on stage with Buckshot doing their classic hit “Crooklyn Dodgers.” Before fans had a chance to blink, Pharoahe Monch appeared screaming “GIRLS RUB ON YOUR TITTIES!!!”

Now midnight with the four-hour concert coming to a close, each artist who performed that evening was front and center on the stage. Buckshot, a true General and co-owner of Duck Down Records, reeled off an impressive freestyle incorporating each artist’s name. The show concluded and both fans and artists felt a sense of happiness. On October 24th at Gramcercy Theater, at Duck Down’s CMJ showcase, both the artist and the fan were united as one during an historic evening of music.

images by Chris Jaime