On April 23, thanks to the efforts of UNIQUE Programs, Sacramento State was graced with the presence of one of the hardest working independent hip-hop groups, the Living Legends. Also on the lineup were special guests DJ/Producer Exile, Sacramento natives the Live Manikins and Random Abiladeze.
The night started off with the empowering and intellectual rhymes of Random Abiladeze, who represented the 916 properly. With a heart felt delivery of lyrics pertaining to struggle, positive change and loving life it was clear that the crowd felt the message Random Abiladeze broadcasted.
The crowd then welcomed back Sac State alumni Linguistics and DJ Rated R, two members of the group "Live Manikins" that includes Self, Flavius and Runt Rock. The partygoers were feeling the vibe and were reacting with enthusiasm, which escalated as the "Live Manikins" gave T-shirts and CD's to "broke college students" and the most animated members in attendance.
Taking the onlookers to the next level was DJ/Producer Exile. As he let the extremely influential electronic sounds of "Planet Rock" engulf the University Union Ballroom, people were drawn to the stage. Even Bicasso of Living Legends couldn't resist the temptation and headed to the floor. It was obvious that Exile was "At the Helm" of his MPC as he flipped the classic song by Del the Funky Homosapien. Exile's musical prowess was apparent to all as he switched up beats from the prototypical funk song to a classic video game. He even showed that he is fully capable of being a rapper stepping up to the microphone and spitting a few bars.
Then the stage grew dark. Shadows could faintly be seen walking around and positioning themselves like statues, back to back. As keys of the piano started tinkling, the fanatics started screaming. The Living Legends (Eligh, the Grouch, Sunspot Jonz, Bicasso, Luckyiam.PSC and Scarub) were about to indulge in an unbelievable catalog of hip-hop anthems. A faint spotlight focuses on Eligh as he starts the song "Never Falling Down," then disappears off stage. The others stand motionless as the Grouch now steps up to the microphone. As each member finishes his verse he leaves the stage for the next artist to bask in the spotlight.
Due to a prior engagement MURS was missing from the Living Legends line up but they didn't seem to miss a beat. The only time it was slightly clear that a member was missing was when they performed "She Wants Me", which has a conversational style and the members were paired off. Each verse sounded like a conversation. The Grouch looked a little lost since MURS wasn't there to reciprocate, so their verse was left out of the song.
Most large musical groups seem to have difficulty letting the talents of each member shine, but for the Living Legends it is as if they are fans of each others music. Each member or pair treated the audience to at least one track off a recent or future release providing a wide range of style. From Bicasso's motivational "Think Big," to the hard core Afro Classics "Rap-Fanatic," to the hyphy sound of G & E's "Boom," there was something to get everyone up and moving.
All in all it was a positive experience for all involved. As Aesop expressed after the concert, he enjoyed the fact that it wasn't a drunk show. It was a safe event for music lovers of all ages.
Even the usual punk concertgoers like Jessica Perry,senior government major, was impressed by her first hip-hop show and the display the Living Legends presented. Giving a good Randy Jackson impression, "the Living Legends rocked it out, dude."
Guest writer Daniel Krostosek
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