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.