Backstage at ROCK THE BELLS '09

This past weekend I hit up Rock The Bells Boston. My first introduction to Rock the Bells was 2 years ago in San Bernardino; 2007. The year some might consider the peak of the festival’s popularity and success thus far (wooing super-groups Rage Against The Machine and Wu-Tang Clan to the same venue and the appropriate super-crowds to cheer them on). Needless to say, things have kind of dropped off since then (something along the lines of “nowhere to go but down”).

However, this Rock the Bells was significant for me personally because it was my first time backstage. Trust me when I say, it was equally as humbling as it was underwhelming. There were the one-hit sensations, now fallen off, only really there for the groupies and the free brew. Case in point: the douche bag of the rap game Joe Budden. With his shirt off, of course; he’s on fire. Then there were the timeless, die hard musicians like Common, Talib, and (dressed first in an army jacket before swapping it for his Cleveland Brown’s Jersey) the Man himself, Everlast. Yet, no Rage. No Wu-Tang Clan (although RZA was there as always). The headliners were much more modest - Nas and Damian Marley.

That’s not to say there wasn’t ANYTHING fresh. There’s always something fresh at Rock the Bells. And they do usually do a great job of mixing it up year after year. This is probably what makes it the most sojourned modern mecca for hip-hop on the planet. MTV’s own breakout artist K’naan was there for example. (I think he makes my video below). Honestly, though, that was about it. I’m still waiting for the day we get the likes of Sweatshop Union, Unknown Prophets and our NH boys Granite State on the ticket. Maybe I’m dreaming.

Regardless of whether Rock The Bells 09 met my expectations, there were still highlights. And one of those highlights was sitting down in the green room with recently reunited duo Talib and Hi-Tek to reflect on their influences (when we asked Hi-Tek is favorite DJ/producer, the first name out of his mouth was Premiere - interesting) and on eternity. The Talib interview comes out exclusively on KarmaloopTV later next week so I can’t divulge too much.

Of course, it would be daft of me not mention how DOPE it was to watch Common and Talib perform from backstage. Check out the video below. Although, I advise turning OFF the sound - bass was out of control and my digital camera unfortunately doesn't come equipped with a limiter.

Forever Young

The Elitist Rebels are back at it again. Our holiday was sick, including a wicked 2-day Electric Daisy Carnival featuring a heavy world-class line up. Basspod rocked! Looks like summer's here to kick it for a while. Verbal is still finding his inner child down in South America somewhere. Last he checked in, man was posted up in Salvador for Bahia's Independence Day, bumping some Immortal Technique in the moment: "Viva La Revolución!" Once he's back in he mix, I'm sure he'll have some wicked material and insight into the massive culture popping off in Brazil and the rest of the Southern Hemisphere. But for now you'll have to deal with me.

First things first, the death of Michael Jackson has shocked us all and captivated our thoughts. EDC had some amazing tribute sets throughout the weekend. The remixes and clashments of his tunes exploded worldwide in literally every genre you can imagine. This man was truly an extraordinary musician and person. I feel blessed to have been able to live in the same era, and breathe the same air of such legend who will never be replicated. What's disappointing to me is the perception of Michael in the eyes of my generation (Gen Y Millennials). That's why I feel his London comeback would have been something absolutely amazing; a chance for a rapidly changing world to once again witness his incredible talent and energy, many for the first time. The perception of Michael to the majority of my generation portrayed the rather unfortunate circumstances of his later life. As a result, so many people in my age bracket, unknowingly caught up in media interest, quickly mocked or insulted this extraordinary individual based on baseless charges and slander.

It saddens me to think the message and soul of his music, which positively empowered million upon millions of people the globe over, will potentially be lost on rising generations who were not of age to have felt Michael's magic for themselves. Instead many will associate MJ with a series of confusion and circumstantial conflict within the man's tumultuous personal life. Like most of us, he just wanted to be a child again, hoping to recapture the youth he was never blessed to have. I'd like to end this post with the final stanza of Santa Barbara's poet laureate and my personal English professor, David Starkey. I'll also be following that up with Sway's touching MJ tribute. So big love for the King of Pop who must now kneel before the King of Kings. Today he will be laid to rest as the world becomes a little less special. Never to be forgotten and forever to live on. Michael Jackson, I hope you have finally found your solace. Rest In P.E.A.C.E.

"All that's left now is to take
your first step into timelessness,
that magical kingdom
you've longed for since childhood
where no one ever grows old."
--Excerpt from David Starkey's "Prayer for MJ"

Sway - The King Full Stop (Michael Jackson Tribute)