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.
Big Boi Live w/ Killer Mike & Real T@lk @ Park West
Big Boi, Killer Mike, Real T@lk
Wed, 2013-05-01 08:00
Park West
Chicago
event producer
event sponsor
Straight out the A - Big Boi's "Shoes for Running Tour" comes to Chicago's Park West Theater Wednesday, May 1. With support from Killer Mike, and (one of our favorite's) Chicago's own Real T@lk, you can look forward to one hell of a show.
I'm going to start off by saying that The Talented Tenth 8.0 is one of my favorite projects of the year.
Real T@lk, a Chicago emcee and poet, is one of the most intelligent lyricists in the game, and proves such throughout a seemingly daunting 21-track mixtape. While it may seem like a lot to digest quantity-wise, there is in fact such a variety of concepts, storytelling, and overall sounds to keep you entertained throughout.
It all begins with your first audio and visual experience. One look at the cover, and you'll see a clear inspiration from W.E.B. Dubois - an inspiration that's carried out in track 1 - one of the more powerful intros I've heard on any project. How could that be? It's simple. Real T@lk cleverly explains who he is and what he's about in, essentially an a capella, that's accompanied by a soothing piano melody. It's a clear nod to his natural spoken word and poetry talents and it's hard not to catch a clever line, even if you're just casually paying attention. Real T@lk has a way of grabbing that attention with his delivery and punctuation.
Where Real T@lk stands out amongst a lot of upcoming rappers is through his wit, lyricism, and storytelling. The latter characteristic, when executed well, is in fact one of my passionate driving forces of why I love hip hop. I love when artists are able to communicate a perspective, whether it be first, second, or third, on a story that I become riveted to follow.
Real T@lk's storytelling is especially on display in "The Lady In The Green Dress" (be weary of the metaphors here), "Showtime!" (Real T@lk's trip on the El Train), "The Heist" (my favorite track if I had to pick one, and one that everyone can relate to), "Jealousy" (a story on some baby mama drama) and "Lonely People" (sampling the classic by some band named The Beatles).
If you're looking to get hyped while also appreciating a good message, then take a listen to the single "Black Dynamite!". This was the conclusion and an instant hit at The Talented Tenth 8.0 listening party we presented with New Era last week (more on this in a future post).
Lastly, The Talented Tenth 8.0 is not just an all-star solo display from Real T@lk. Producers like Authentik Made & Chris Mathien, combined with rap features from Lili K, Dave Coresh, J. Ivy, and Gemstones (who has the other top project of the month) are all top-quality and make for good collabs to keep your ears perked throughout the 21-track opus. The latter third doesn't miss a beat especially, and you certainly won't be remiss if you take the time out today to download and open your ears from the top. Real Talk!
Mixtape Tracks
01. "The Talented Tenth Intro" (prod. L)
02. "8.0 Intro" (prod. DayTheFresh)
03. "Showtime!" (prod. NOVA)
04. "Count It Up" f/ Sohje' (prod. Best Kept Secret)
Hope you have some energy saved from all your Thanksgiving and Black Friday festivities because tonight concludes a whirlwind of dope GWHH events during the past week with "Food 4 Thought" - presented by New Era & GWHH!
Bring your canned foods as tonight is the official listening party for Chicago lyricist Real T@lk's upcoming opus, The Talented Tenth 8.0. In addition to live music from Real T@lk, take advantage of some exclusive New Era giveaways, free food, live art, spoken word, and more from 7-10p over at The Silver Room!
Oh, and did I mention it was FREE?!
And did I mention #TeamGowhere will be in attendance?! Come say hi to myself and some of our lovely ladies at our booth during the jam-packed event! More info above and our fresh new commercial below. See you tonight!
Clear your schedules for Black Friday, ladies and gents! In the heart of Wicker Park this Friday night, come on out to The Silver Room where we'll be joining forces with New Era to present "Food 4 Thought" - a canned food drive and listening party for talented Chicago hip hop and poet, Real T@lk's upcoming project, The Talented Tenth 8.0.
We got together with Real T@lk to shoot a fun and quick commercial, capturing his journey from spot to spot, while previewing one of his lyrical heaters to come on the project. Take a minute out and press play above (and keep your eyes peeled for that good Sgt. Tibs cameo :))
The first single off the upcoming project, The Talented Tenth 8.0.
Super fresh flow, clever references, and great melodies in the female vocals from Sohje on the hook and the production by Best Kept Secret. I got the preview of the project at the office with Real T@lk recently, and while this joint is an instant add for your rotation, he's got even more heat to come soon...
Real T@lk & GWHH: Food 4 Thought @ The Silver Room
Real T@lk
Fri, 2012-11-23 19:00
The Silver Room (1442 N. Milwaukee)
Chicago
event producer Gowhere Hip Hop
event sponsor
Keep the Thanksgiving spirit going and come out for a canned food drive and listening party for Real T@lk's upcoming project, The Talented Tenth 8.0, powered by Gowhere Hip Hop!
