Prior to just a few short weeks ago when I was asked to go to this show for review, I had been sleeping hard on Sa-Roc. I don't pay close enough attention to underground hip-hop the way I do with reggae but after last night's show that's going to change. As I started listening to her catalog I quickly realized she was an MC to be reckoned with. Her live show only further solidified that thought. Song after song she commanded both the stage and the crowd with her conscious lyrics, gravitational stage presence and smacking beats delivered by Sol Messiah on the turntables. Her lyrics were crystal clear, her breath control flawless and she was all over the stage, making every audience member feel included throughout her entire set. I can't believe I've been missing out on her for so long and I'm indebted to Sensimedia's very own Primo for putting me on to her music.
Speaking of missing out, I've always known that Seattle had a thriving hip-hop scene and a lot of real MC's but I haven't spent much time digging in. After last night's opening acts, that's definitely going to change.
Shakiah was the first MC of the night to really catch my attention. This lady's got bars for days and she is as passionate about her performing as I've ever seen. She even performed a new song she didn't have fully memorized and delivered the last verse while reading the lyrics off an iPad. It came off as flawless.
I was also struck by Abyssian Creole and their energetic performance and tight flows. Khingz and Gabriel Teodros both demonstrated their craft extremely well and it was clear they take it very seriously.
Rell B Free was nice with it as well. While his style is not necessarily my favorite, he rocked the crowd and it was easy to feel him. His expressive delivery was fun to watch.
I know for certain I will be looking for more shows with every artist that performed. The e tire undercard kept talking about how they were an unnamed crew and that night felt like a turning point for them. I hope it's true. At the end of it all, I left with my live hip-hop cup entirely full.
You can check out footage from Sa Roc's performance below.
