We're proud to premiere the latest episode in Real T@lk's "Memoirs of a Modern Day Griot" called "The Opening Act", documenting the Chicago emcee's successful opening set for Big Boi last month at Park West. Our own Who Dough was in attendance and had this to say at the time:

"Real T@lk is that breath of fresh air - with a calculated flow, the smooth pipes of Sohje, a band dressed flyer than they have to be, and dancers who remind you its okay to dance at a rap show. This is more than just rap - this is art. And with an inspiring performance of "Count It Up" off The Talented Tenth 8.0, Real T@lk set the bar higher than most opener's could imagine."

- Who Dough (from "Rap Meets Class")

And if that doesn't further entice you, then take my word for it as well. Real T@lk has been an artist we've been supporting since the beginning and his growth, skill, and presentation is at an all-time high seen in the video above. Sit-down with this documentary as Real T@lk narrates a day in the life from soundcheck to the bright lights of the performance. This includes a very intriguing behind the scenes conversation with Killer Mike & Big Boi prior to the show in their trailer, plus the problems that come up that you can't predict prior to showtime. Then of course, we get a look at the ensemble and energy of Real T@lk's performance of "Count It Up" from The Talented Tenth 8.0. To sum it up in a word: fresh.

Below are more words on the episode from Real T@lk himself and, to find out even further about him, episode 1 "The Listening Party", where you'll see us involved as well. Shoutout to Eric Seals & Sani Cole for the job well-done filming and editing. Artists, here's the bar for day-in-the-life, documentary-style episodes.

Episode 2: "The Opening Act" (Take a look into the day Real T@lk opened for Big Boi + Killer Mike on 5/1/13 at Park West in Chicago, IL for The Shoes For Running World Tour)

Griot = a West African historian, storyteller, praise singer, poet and/or musician. The griot is a repository of oral tradition. Real T@lk identifies as an African-American and most African-Americans are descendants of slaves in America that were taken from West Africa he identifies as a Modern-Day Griot...changing the world one rhyme at a time. These are his memoirs.

Episode 1: The Listening Party

Real T@lk (Photo by Tom Olson)

 Big Boi, Killer Mike, & Real T@lk at Park West 5/1 [Recap]

When I think of rappers, I generally don't picture them in bow ties or suits, nor would I expect one to be accompanied by a full live band with dancers who reflect a kind of style and class seemingly lost in a game saturated with mediocre djs and scantily dressed go go dancers. But Real T@lk is that breath of fresh air - with a calculated flow, the smooth pipes of Sohje, a band dressed flyer than they have to be, and dancers who remind you its okay to dance at a rap show. This is more than just rap - this is art. And with an inspiring performance of "Count It Up" off The Talented Tenth 8.0, Real T@lk set the bar higher than most opener's could imagine.

Killer Mike (Photo by Who Dough)

The surprises continued though, as Killer Mike took the stage. Despite the name, Killer Mike ain't no killer - he's a lover. It quickly became evident how Killer Mike loves hip hop, his fans, and his family - at one point taking a moment to say how much he respects his wife, knowing how difficult it must be for her with him on the road - that's love. His love for hip hop - never more evident than in his bare bones approach to the night. It was just him and his dj on the dark stage, a couple of times abandoning the beat to go a cappella on "Untitled" and "Reagan." Its a sign of passion behind his words - because sometimes the message shouldn't be clouded behind a headnotic beat. The crowd has most definitely feelin' it too - chanting "FUCK RONALD REAGAN" during "Reagan," and "I AIN'T NEVA SCARED" as he covered Bone Crusher's classic. And before his time was up, Mike Bigga actually jumped off stage and into the crowd for a transcending performance of "God In The Building."

Big Boi (Photo by Who Dough)

As Big Boi took the stage, I wasn't sure how he was gonna top Real T@lk and Killer Mike, but Big Boi is a crowd pleaser - and Outkast fans were definitely catered to. The majority of Big Boi's time on stage was actually focused on Outkast anthems ("So Fresh, So Clean," "The Way You Move," Player's Ball," "Ms. Jackson") with the help of Killer Mike in Dre's absence. The rest of the set touched on their colabs ("Thom Pettie" and "Kryptonite") as well as highlighting the bangers off Sir Lucious Left Foot and Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors. Although Big Boi's performance lacked the style of Real T@lk's set, and the intimacy of Killer Mike's, it was certainly a good time - just ask one of the dozens of girls invited to be on stage for the last couple songs.

Killer Mike & Who Dough