In Preparation for Rock The Bells

There was no chance in hell that I wasn’t going to do one of these. The biggest hip hop event of my life or any one else’s is about to begin this week with a show in the Windy City. Then comes to my home town the day after. In case you have been living under a rock the past few days, you’ll know that Rock The Bells was announced a few months ago with some pretty dope acts performing. (Note: The following is about the Toronto show) A Tribe Called Quest are the headliners, which I could not be more happy about, with Nas just below them on the bill. Then, yet another headliner proves to be the Pharcyde reunion. The group hasn’t been a whole four since 98-99 and kind of fell off the map. With two undeniable classics under their belt, they aren’t stingy for material to perform, so their reunion is especially something to look forward to.

Mos Def also contributes to this all star ensemble, but from recent performances, it appears that he will be performing plenty of new material from his upcoming The Ecstatic album. Last time he came to Toronto he didn’t perform “Mathematics” and I’m pretty sure a lot of fans were salty about that. The energy will be in full effect when Redman & Method Man hit the stage (see, my review was planned out) and rip it up. I have been waiting for the day to see Redman perform live and Meth on stage ain’t no slouch either. I really cannot wait for those 2 to hit the stage.

Veterans De La Soul will be cutting up the stage as well in typical De La fashion I’m sure. I’ve seen then plenty of times live and they never get old. It’s always a treat, and seeing Pos perform his first verse on “Rock Co. Kane Flow” live is ridiculous. I’m just hoping that De La and Tribe get together to kick “A Rollerskating Jam” or “Buddy”, but I could be dreaming. The God MC, Rakim (where the hell you been Ra) will face fans who will most likely be asking for a copy of “Oh My God” apparently produced by Dr. Dre. So, I’m pretty sure everyone stopped holding their breath for that, but Rakim has more than enough classic material to perform, I’m really looking forward to that.

Murs, who pretty much runs the RTB cousin festival, “Paid Dues,” gets his shine on and between his Felt, Living Legends and 9th Wonder material, he has plenty to choose from. He is the definition of pure hip hop this day and age, it will be dope to see him on and I’m sure he has a loyal fan base there to support him. The Cool Kids , Kidz In The Hall, and Jay Electronica all round up the ‘independent artist’ who will be in effect. But, consider the ridiculous success of The Cool Kids, the Duck Down signing of Kidz in the Hall, and the Nas co-sign on Jay E, these 3 acts have plenty to offer and are worthy to be on a bill with these legends.

Other shows will see Ghostface and Raekwon as top acts, which will be tremendously dope. Ghostface live should be one hell of a show, but I haven’t heard great things about Rae live. MF Doom and Little Brother are making a select amount of dates, I believe MF Doom is going to appear at 3 shows and LB at 1 or 2. Immortal Technique will be dropping his politically focused rhymes to plenty of fans who will no doubt show him love. Dead Prez and Jedi Mind Tricks are other notables to show up at various dates during the tour.

B-Real of Cypress Hill, acclaimed freestyler Supernatural, and beat box extraordinaire Scratch, formally of the Roots, will be the host to keep the crowd into it through the day long event. Some venues will have 2 stages, one for the main acts and one for the independent acts. It will no doubt be packed, full of hip hop fans (and yes, your occasional faker, but be nice, they can at least learn) and full of surprises. A surprise to me this morning, it will be rain and thunderstorms on Sunday… Sh*t.

Anyways guys, feel free to drop your experiences when you get the chance. Email me how it was and I’ll include it in my write ups here. I would love to hear from fellow RTB fans and hear about your experience. But enjoy, have fun and listen to Midnight Marauders.