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TALIB KWELI @ HUNTER COLLEGE
 By now, we’re all familiar with Nas’ hotly-debated proclamation
“Hip-Hop Is Dead.” The Hip-Hop fans who packed the Assembly Hall of
Hunter College on May 2nd, however, may think otherwise. That’s because
they were treated to a great concert headlined by Brooklyn’s
outstanding wordsmith, Talib Kweli.
The sold-out concert also featured the celebrated DJ crew Ill
Insanity, formerly known as The X-Ecutioners. Accomplished DJ’s Rob
Swift, Total Eclipse and Precision (the U.S. champion of 2007’s DMC
competition) make up the super-group of turntable specialists. Ill
Insanity’s Fat Beats-distributed album, Ground Xero, is an
acclaimed gem that features the trio (and other prestigious spinners
such as Q-Bert and former X-Ecutioner, Roc Raida) cutting and
scratching over neck-snapping, boom-bap instrumentals. The LP’s lone
vocalist, Long Island-bred rapper Dashah, shines brightly on the track
“Decorated Vets.”
Ill Insanity opened the concert with a set full of turntable
theatrics that wowed the audience. With their well-timed routines and
lightning quick hands, Ill Insanity mixed and manipulated the vinyl to
do their bidding. The trio worked like an orchestra, chopping and
scratching in unison; the DJs also had solo moments as well. After Ill
Insanity received a standing ovation for their 22-minute set, four-man
breakdance crew Supreme Beings attacked the stage with their
gravity-defying moves. The group’s energetic headspins, handstands and
backflips electrified the Hall. Much to the crowd’s delight, Supreme
Beings unearthed a seemingly forgotten element of Hip-Hop culture, and
did it extremely well. Crazy Legs of the Rock Steady Crew would’ve been
proud.
With the hyped-up fans on their feet and ready for the main course,
Talib Kweli finally touched down and brought the energy level to fever
pitch. Kweli’s fourth and latest solo album, Eardrum, has
sold 251,500 copies, making it his highest-selling LP to date. Kweli
performed hits from all of his solo albums and reached deeper into his
catalog for “Definition,” the single that put him and Mos Def on the
map as the duo Black Star. Not only did Kweli perform his own songs, he
also got the crowd to sing-along as his DJ spun 80’s hits like “Sweet
Dreams” by Eurythmics. Kweli even had Supreme Beings accompany him
onstage to flaunt more of their breakdance routines to the
oldies-but-goodies. It was an improvised moment that embodied the
spirit of organic Hip-Hop; a spirit that was alive and kicking at
Hunter College.
Much to the disappointment of the stone-faced cops waiting to crack
skulls outside, the elated fans were orderly and there were no arrests
to be made when the concert was over. There would be no episodes of
violence for the local tabloids to put on blast… too bad for them.
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