To many the golden age of hip hop occurred during the 1980’s and carried over in force into the 1990’s. De La Soul helped define the genre of music as a powerful force in modern society and was one of the beloved acts to take the mic back in 1987. Representing Long Island, NY three friends going by the names Posdnuos, David, and Maseo helped develop a unique sound blending clever lyrical content, jazzy beats, and a unmistakable style. Their debut full-length album 3 Feet High and Rising( 1989) now celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2014 and the guys are out celebrating it with a international tour through September. After spending some time in the UK playing shows, De La Soul had Wednesday July 16th circled on their calendar marking their visit to their home state to play at Irving Plaza in NYC. Selling out in a flash, the theater was full of excitement as longtime fans, friends, and even family gathered to see the legends perform.
Warming up the room first was up-and-coming Brooklyn-based rapper Dillon Cooper. At the age of 21 Cooper has already accomplished a great deal, combining the best elements of hip hop’s classic era along with a tight delivery. Showing complete confidence in his abilities Cooper controlled the stage moving from side to side. Completely on point and on a roll, Cooper had everyone moving and digging his sound. He is set to release a new EP in 2014 on DJ Maseo’s label Bear Mountain Entertainment.
Next up, Maseo,himself, came out to his DJ station to hype up the crowd for Billy Ray, the newest member of Bear Mountain Entertainment. From Harlem, NY Billy Ray has been on the scene for a long time developing his skills as a master lyricist and exciting live performer. Picking things up directly where Cooper left off, everyone’s hands were in the air as Billy Ray blasted through powerful rhymes backed by tight beats. Providing a small sample size of his talents in a four song set, it was clear Billy Ray definitely knows how to keep a crowd on their toes.
With the party-like atmosphere in full swing, the time had come for the main event and Irving Plaza was buzzing with fans of all ages and ethnic background ready to go. Receiving a roar of cheers, Posdnuos took the stage flowing into “Eye Know” as Dave stepped out moments after and De La Soul was ready to rock this party into the next galaxy. Immediately having the audience smiling and enjoying themselves,the band had everyone put their hands in the air moving to newer tune “The Grind Date”. Showing this was more than a 25th anniversary celebration of their landmark debut,they kept the set balanced with a variety of tracks from their entire discography including “Oooh”. With excellent showmanship and stage presence, all the members engaged the audience and Posdnuos even jumped down off the stage leaning over the barricades to reach the people on a more personal level.
Moving along at a steady pace the energy did not fade one bit as other great De La Soul classics like “Potholes in My Lawn” and “Ego Trippin’ (Part Two)” were mixed into the set. They took the audience back in time with their great hooks, crisp vocal delivery, and lyrics that everyone remembers. With enthusiasm flowing through the air, De La Soul stated Irving Plaza was in fact the first venue they ever played. This fed the adrenaline of everyone on the floor as other songs like “Breakadawn” and hit “Me Myself and I” pumped out. Proving the trio’s influence as pioneers in hip hop, a surprise guest hopped onto the stage, as Common proclaimed how much De La Soul meant to him. Blasting through the 1996 track “The Bizness” with authority, Common and De La Soul had everyone bouncing with their cellphones in the air recording the special moment. That was not the only guest appearance of the night, as Tribe Call Quest star Q-Tip joined them on stage with Common for the song “Buddy”. Posdnuos, in high spirits, applauded Q-Tip for being still on top of the moves fifteen years later.
While it was a midweek day that did not keep the celebration from continuing late into the night. This was particularly evident during “A Roller Skating Jam Named “Saturdays”” when Q-Tip was joined by Dres of Black Sheep with both bouncing about the stage with mics in hand. Relishing in the guest appearances, the crowd were completely enthralled in De La Soul’s performance checking their troubles at the door, letting loose, and having a good time. Those good vibes could not be denied and fittingly De La Soul concluded the set with 2005 Gorillaz tune “Feel Good Inc.” Cheering ever so loudly in appreciation it was clear this was a show for the ages. More than a trip down memory lane for nostalgic purposes, Irving Plaza was clearly taken by the great performance put on by De La Soul. With their first studio album in nearly a decade titled You’re Welcome on the horizon there is no sign of this hip hop treasure slowing down.
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