Then it was time for the band I had been waiting for. It began like a slow crawl, with drummer Max McTweety, bassist Headnotic (the man who produces a lot of their tracks), Woodstock on samples, and Kat Ouano on Fender Rhodes. It felt like entering a cool jazz club, with the band warming up with each other before Moe Pope, one of the two MC's in the group, came on to bless us. He was ready to move the crowd, and he did so alone for about two minutes before his partner in crime, Raashan, went in for the verbal kill. Just to watch these five guys and one lady gel within each other brought a smile to my face, and to hear this, an actual hip hop band, play with such precision was beautiful. There was no need to wait for audio cues from the record, I understand the importance of a DJ but when you're working with musicians, all rules are thrown out the book. Mission: threw the book out a long time ago to create the kind of hip hop they know we, as fans, deserve. I'm still a new fan so I didn't catch all of the songs, but I recognized "Contagious", "Hands Up", "Transit", and "It's The…".
The highlight of the show was when the band stopped and allowed Raashan to speak his mind. He talked about the current state of hip hop and said something to the effect of "everything you guys do, every action you do, you are representing me." He pointed into various members of the primarily-white crowd and made himself clearer. "You are representing me. You think this is a joke? You think this is part of the song?" The crowd didn't quite know how to react, but those who did understand his point could only nod their head in approval. He turned around to look at Headnotic, the band got back into the music, and the crowd was amped. Perhaps they knew exactly what he was talking about. At the point when they were moving the crowd quite well, they wished us all a good night. What?!? They left me hanging, wanting more. I then got a chance to talk with Kat Ouano, who is very cool. I had inquired about doing a remix, and she said she wanted to check out my music. So I passed her my CD, asked where they were going next (Salt Lake City) and wished her well. I had talked with Woodstock before talking with Kat, and told him I traveled 200 miles just to see them, and he was like "no shit? Oh man", before giving me a warm handshake.
If Mission: are in your immediate area, don't even think twice. Buy a ticket, check out this band and allow them to blow your mind. Rashaan and Moe Pope are some of the best MC's out today, back the power up with a tight-as-hell band and you got a group who need to be heard by the masses. This is my recommendation to you, take it as you wish.
I have been on a major vinyl kick as of late. I have always known that vinyl counterparts for albums existed. There was a time when you didn't even have to think about a "vinyl counterpart", you picked up your record, took it home, and enjoyed it. But lately I've been picking up stuff by The Angel, Res, Shuggie Otis, Blu Cantrell, and the new David Axelrod, all on vinyl because I feel that's the best way to listen to music. Vinyl is a necessity in life, maybe not like air and water, but hey. Along with a few CD's, here is a brief look at what I've been listening to as of late:
THE ANGEL
No Gravity
(SupaCrucial/New Line)
The Angel has been producing tracks in the underground for over five years, on her own (doing work with Monday Michiru) and under the name of 60 Channels. This is the first full-length album under her own name. If you enjoy hip hop mixed in with ambient and dub, you'll enjoy this. A lot of different textures found within this album, not for those who do not like booming bass. Includes Tre (ex-Pharcyde), Mystic, and Divine Styler. Also worth picking up is the remix 12" for "Selector".
DAVID AXELROD
S/T
(Mo' Wax)
David Axelrod in many ways is like James Brown, a man whose past work was once considered shit, but eventually was embraced by hip hop producers and eventually the fans. This album is a unique project, the majority of songs originating from old acetates from a project that was shelved, featuring brand new string arrangements recorded in 1999 and 2000. It almost feels like Axelrod is sampling himself, as you hear the classic drums and rolls of Earl Palmer mixed in with the quality of the orchestra of today. Ras Kass and Low Rawls contribute vocals to the two new songs on the album. With liner notes from Josh Davis.
THE BAMBOOS
Eel Oil/Blackfoot (45)
(Bamboo Shack)
While people continue to hunt down original pressings of "Baby Don't Cry", there are those who are seeking new groups coming out with quality funk in the 21st century. I had heard of The Bamboos through a UK-based funk site and it made me want to pick up a few copies. One normally doesn't associate Australia with funk, but I'll now have a gang of Steve Irwin's crawling on my back waiting to tell me "listen up, mate". "Eel Oil" and "Blackfoot" measures up to anything Soul Fire is coming out with these days, with drummer Scott Lambie creating the rhythms that will make you not want to stop dancing. These songs were done in one or two takes, I hope they will record and release more 45's in the future.
RES
How I Do
(MCA)
Res (reese) may be from Philly, but don't expect another Jill Scott-wanna be. Res has roots in rock & roll that helps give some of her material a bit of anger and hate. At the same time, she is like anyone else who is looking for love and hoping not to get burned, where she sings over some hip hop or reggae/dub tracks. One may argue that Res isn't "soulful" enough, but that's where you can shove that opinion up your ass. Well written and produced from a woman I hope will be around for more.
In the end, I live and breathe for the music. In fact, I am actually committing a number of sins by actually buying, listening, and enjoying… country music. OH NO!!! If you want to expand your mind, pick up the new CD's by Cyndi Thomson (Capitol) and Carolyn Dawn Johnson (Arista Nashville). They both have 45's, if you don't want to spring for the full compact discs.
If you'd like for me to review your music, e-mail me at JohnBook@yadig.com. I will listen to anything and everything, and give everyone my honest opinion. Vinyl always gets first priority, especially 45's. Send two copies, please. Thank you.