I had about two, almost three opportunities to see Gang Starr in the late 90s. The first time was at Darien Lake at Smokin Grooves 1998, I admit to being only 17 at the time and only being a very small Gang Starr fan back then. It was over the next year or two that I would really understand how much of an impact this group would have on my life. My next opportunity to see them wasn't really an opportunity, but more of an "awe fuck man Gang Starr is playing HERE soon?" I was in Montreal visiting some friends that had ridden bikes there from Rochester. We were walking around Montreal one day when I vaguely recall seeing Gang Starr posters plastered all over town for an upcoming show that would occur after I was already back in Rochester. Strike two. About a month or two later, I was going to visit my friend Ben in Buffalo. He had recently gone away to college so I figured I would go visit him for a couple days. The day before I was to leave, my friend Scott called me and told me Gang Starr was playing at UB that weekend. I was stoked, I just had to convince Ben to go. Since Reel Big Fish was on the bill, that never happened. We ended up riding bikes to Discovery Records instead. As fun as that LONG bike ride was, I will never forget that I had an opportunity (my last real one) to see Gang Starr in my own backyard. Within four years, the group was feuding heavily (allegedly) and would never reunite again.
I must say, I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Keith Elam aka Guru aka Baldhead Slick on April 19, 2010. A lot of amazing and important people in our culture have passed on in the last few years, but I think this one probably hit me the hardest.
Hip-hop lost one of its greatest MCs, but more importantly the world lost one of its real great people. Fortunately, Guru will always live on with his music. When I first came up with the idea of doing this piece, I knew it would end up being almost two months out of date. I figured what might make it worthwhile would be to include a sort of discography of sorts to all of Gang Starr's videos. Even I didn't realize how many videos they really had. I was expecting to find around 10, not twenty! I know the Militia isn't on here, that is because I am planning a separate piece for this weekend with the usage of that video. So just know it will be on here shortly. i didn't include any Jazzmatazz either, something I really need to catch up on.
Finally, I realize the last video isn't an official Gang Starr video, but that clip defines my generation. In fact if I were to contribute to a 14607 1990s time capsule, that and photographs would be my only contributions.
As always, this blog is a work in progress. Please feel free to e mail me at ninetyfourfeettoglory@yahoo.com with any constructive criticisms. Enjoy the videos!
6.12.2010
Beastie Boys January 19, 2009 DC
This ended up being one of only a handful of shows the Beastie Boys played in 2009. I had no initial intention of attending the inauguration. Around the first of the year, I got the idea of attending the Anti-Flag, Darkest Hour, United Nations, Ruiner gig at Black Cat. I figured I would ride a greyhound down to DC and get there sometime early morning on the 20th. Less than two weeks before the 20th, I happened to be looking at the Rock The Vote website when I noticed that Beastie Boys, Sheryl Crow, Citizen Cope, and some other dude would be playing a special show at the 930 club in DC. I waited around the next morning and to my surprise I was able to obtain one ticket online.
I had seen the Beastie Boys before, but never in a venue as intimate as 930. Less than 1000 people packed that club that night (a local told me "around 700??") for what proved to be an amazing concert. Sheryl Crow was actually fairly entertaining herself.
Seeing my favorite band in a small club and being around for the inauguration were both phenomenal experiences to say the least. I realize some of this information is a bit dated, but I've wanted to get these photos out here like this for a while. I took all of these photos, so if you use them please give credit where it is due.
Beastie Boys Setlist 1-19-09 (Last night Bush was in office)
Root Down
Shake Your Rump
Sure Shot
Triple Trouble
Pass the Mic
Flute Loop
Super Disco Breakin'
Do It
Right Right Now Now
No Sleep Til Brooklyn
High Plains Drifter
Ch-Check It Out
Body Movin'
3 MCs and 1 DJ
So What'cha Want
Intergalatic
Gratitude
Sabotage
6.10.2010
Rock the Bells announces second list of acts
As of you didn't already want to attend this...press release below. rockthebells.net
"JUNE 8, 2010
ROCK THE BELLS 2010 FESTIVAL SERIES ANNOUNCES
ADDITIONS TO THE ALL-STAR LINE UP:
SNOOP DOGG PERFORMING DEBUT ALBUM ‘DOGGYSTYLE’
A TRIBE CALLED QUEST PERFORMING ‘MIDNIGHT MARAUDERS’
PLUS DJ PREMIER PERFORMS TRIBUTE TO GANG STARR
AND VERY SPECIAL GUEST: MS. LAURYN HILL
TICKETS ON-SALE BEGINNING JUNE 12 AT TICKETFLY.COM
MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED!
Guerilla Union, the promoter for the ROCK THE BELLS 2010 FESTIVAL SERIES, has unveiled the latest artist additions to the previously announced stellar line-up of performers featuring headliners Wu-Tang Clan, Rakim, KRS-One, Slick Rick and more.
Making his first ever appearance on the ROCK THE BELLS stage, Snoop Dogg will co-headline in San Francisco, New York and Washington, D.C. performing for the first time his debut album, Doggystyle, in its entirety. The 1993 Death Row Records release went quadruple platinum and has since made influential albums lists including Rolling Stone Magazine’s list of Essential Recordings of the 90’s and The Source’s 100 Best Rap Albums. This historic set will feature guest performances by Warren G,Tha Dogg Pound, Lady of Rage and RBX. Alternative hip hop luminaries, A Tribe Called Quest, are slated to perform their coveted third album, Midnight Marauders, from beginning to end. The 1993 release was the highly anticipated, up-tempo follow up to The Low End Theory achieving critical and commercial success. Legendary producer, DJ and co-founder of revolutionary hip hop group, Gang Starr, DJ Premier will make a special appearance to celebrate the life and work of fellow Gang Starr collaborator, MC Guru. This special tribute comes in the wake of Guru’s untimely passing to cancer on April 19, 2010. The innovative duo is largely credited for pioneering the hip hop sound of the 90’s mixing jazz, funk and soul. As a very special guest, Grammy Award-winning recording artist, musician and actress, Lauryn Hill will take the stage in Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C. A unique set will be prepared exclusively for ROCK THE BELLS featuring songs from her critically acclaimed album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, spanning through her work with The Fugees and more. In 1998, Lauryn Hill set record-breaking sales with the release of Miseducation. Going on to set a new record the following year, Ms. Hill became the first woman to win five Grammys in one night. Tickets for all markets will be available at www.TicketFly.com. An exclusive pre-sale for Guerilla Union newsletter subscribers will begin this Friday, June 11.Tickets for Los Angeles and New York will go on sale to the general public June 12. Tickets for San Francisco and Washington, D.C. will go on sale the following week on June 19. Please check www.rockthebells.net for exact line-up and ticketing information for each city.
“This is one of those rare shows that lives up to the promise,” states Chang Weisberg of Guerilla Union. “It’s such a massive blessing to have all of these amazing performers embrace the opportunity to celebrate and unite everyone that loves Hip Hop. I woke up this morning and asked my son to pinch me because I could not believe it myself. This kind of show happens only once in a lifetime. It’s a serious piece of live music history. All these records in one day? Some of the greatest records ever. I can’t wait to see it!”
“Festivals the size and caliber of this year’s ROCK THE BELLS are rare and difficult to assemble,” adds Weisberg about the decision to visit four cities this year. “We know that there are a lot of fans from other markets disappointed that ROCK THE BELLS isn’t stopping in their city this year. Hopefully, those fans can travel to one of the four destination cities or support one of our more intimate shows that we’re planning for the fall.” Guerilla Union encourages fans to stay tuned as there will be more announcements in the coming weeks."
"JUNE 8, 2010
ROCK THE BELLS 2010 FESTIVAL SERIES ANNOUNCES
ADDITIONS TO THE ALL-STAR LINE UP:
SNOOP DOGG PERFORMING DEBUT ALBUM ‘DOGGYSTYLE’
A TRIBE CALLED QUEST PERFORMING ‘MIDNIGHT MARAUDERS’
PLUS DJ PREMIER PERFORMS TRIBUTE TO GANG STARR
AND VERY SPECIAL GUEST: MS. LAURYN HILL
TICKETS ON-SALE BEGINNING JUNE 12 AT TICKETFLY.COM
MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED!
Guerilla Union, the promoter for the ROCK THE BELLS 2010 FESTIVAL SERIES, has unveiled the latest artist additions to the previously announced stellar line-up of performers featuring headliners Wu-Tang Clan, Rakim, KRS-One, Slick Rick and more.
Making his first ever appearance on the ROCK THE BELLS stage, Snoop Dogg will co-headline in San Francisco, New York and Washington, D.C. performing for the first time his debut album, Doggystyle, in its entirety. The 1993 Death Row Records release went quadruple platinum and has since made influential albums lists including Rolling Stone Magazine’s list of Essential Recordings of the 90’s and The Source’s 100 Best Rap Albums. This historic set will feature guest performances by Warren G,Tha Dogg Pound, Lady of Rage and RBX. Alternative hip hop luminaries, A Tribe Called Quest, are slated to perform their coveted third album, Midnight Marauders, from beginning to end. The 1993 release was the highly anticipated, up-tempo follow up to The Low End Theory achieving critical and commercial success. Legendary producer, DJ and co-founder of revolutionary hip hop group, Gang Starr, DJ Premier will make a special appearance to celebrate the life and work of fellow Gang Starr collaborator, MC Guru. This special tribute comes in the wake of Guru’s untimely passing to cancer on April 19, 2010. The innovative duo is largely credited for pioneering the hip hop sound of the 90’s mixing jazz, funk and soul. As a very special guest, Grammy Award-winning recording artist, musician and actress, Lauryn Hill will take the stage in Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C. A unique set will be prepared exclusively for ROCK THE BELLS featuring songs from her critically acclaimed album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, spanning through her work with The Fugees and more. In 1998, Lauryn Hill set record-breaking sales with the release of Miseducation. Going on to set a new record the following year, Ms. Hill became the first woman to win five Grammys in one night. Tickets for all markets will be available at www.TicketFly.com. An exclusive pre-sale for Guerilla Union newsletter subscribers will begin this Friday, June 11.Tickets for Los Angeles and New York will go on sale to the general public June 12. Tickets for San Francisco and Washington, D.C. will go on sale the following week on June 19. Please check www.rockthebells.net for exact line-up and ticketing information for each city.
“This is one of those rare shows that lives up to the promise,” states Chang Weisberg of Guerilla Union. “It’s such a massive blessing to have all of these amazing performers embrace the opportunity to celebrate and unite everyone that loves Hip Hop. I woke up this morning and asked my son to pinch me because I could not believe it myself. This kind of show happens only once in a lifetime. It’s a serious piece of live music history. All these records in one day? Some of the greatest records ever. I can’t wait to see it!”
“Festivals the size and caliber of this year’s ROCK THE BELLS are rare and difficult to assemble,” adds Weisberg about the decision to visit four cities this year. “We know that there are a lot of fans from other markets disappointed that ROCK THE BELLS isn’t stopping in their city this year. Hopefully, those fans can travel to one of the four destination cities or support one of our more intimate shows that we’re planning for the fall.” Guerilla Union encourages fans to stay tuned as there will be more announcements in the coming weeks."
One for the ages
Stephen Strasburg once again lived up to the hype in his MLB debut on Tuesday evening. He threw 65 of 94 pitches for strikes (most of the dazzling variety) and struck out an amazing 14 batters in seven innings. You know all of the numbers by now. To me, the most amazing thing about this kid is that he is still just that: a kid. At 21 years old, he displays poise far beyond his age. One of the other fun things about watching his debut was seeing people like Bob Costas, John Smoltz, Jim Kaat, and Orel Hershiser act like little kids seeing baseball for the first time again. That is how amazing this kid is, in a way you have to feel kind of bad for him at this point. He has a lot to live up to.
I am not sure if I can post MLB-owned photos or not, so here are a couple from the game he pitched in Rochester a few weeks ago. I hope to see him pitch in a MLB park this season.
Videos will be posted this weekend. I realize some of this is dated. I am catching up on all of it though.
I am not sure if I can post MLB-owned photos or not, so here are a couple from the game he pitched in Rochester a few weeks ago. I hope to see him pitch in a MLB park this season.
Videos will be posted this weekend. I realize some of this is dated. I am catching up on all of it though.
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