Days away from the highly anticipated release of Lupe Fiasco‘s highly anticipated album, L.A.S.E.R.S, concert dates are popping up and holding a ticket to any date is like holding Willy Wonka’s Golden Ticket. I was one of the lucky to hold a ticket to the last of his four ssold-outshows at the world famous Blue Note Jazz Club where he was a guest of the Robert Glasper Experiment on Saturday, February 24th.I have seen Lupe Fiasco perform at countless venues around the tri-state area, and to see him perform at the intimate Blue Note was destined to be a special event. Even with the announcement of a free show in Brooklyn the following day, I was still willing to pay top dollar!
The Robert Glasper Experiment gave a two song introduction, an original track For the Foundation and a cover of Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit, then Lupe Fiasco took the stage. Lupe opened with a jazzed up version of I Gotcha from his first album Food and Liquor. If any one questioned if a rapper like Lupe belonged in a Jazz setting, he proved that hip hop music is an extension of Jazz music. He wowed the audience with a new twist to his songs I’m Beaming, Kick Push and Paris, Tokyo. What was more impressive was Lupe’s spoken word break that further validated that he felt right at home at the historic jazz club.
Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, Lupe and Robert Glasper welcomed Mos Def and Kanye West onto the stage. The excitement that filled the Blue Note was as if Miles Davis and John Coltrane were grooving on the stage and were joined by Dizzy Gillespie. Those in attendance were well aware they were witnessing something rare and special. The Robert Glasper Experiment, made up of Derrick Hodge, Chris Dave, and Casey Benjamin, jammed away as the three MCs with completely different styles, and created an unbelievable freestyle. To say I got my money’s worth would be an understatement.
As much as I love the Blue Note for its intimate atmosphere—that no matter where you sit you feel like you have the best seat in the house—the Blue Note does have its draw backs. Prior to every show I have attended there is an announcement that there is no photography or video taping of any kind. I have attended amazing shows: from Bilal and Rochelle Farrell to Reflections Eternal, and this particular show. I can understand not video taping the show, but not being able to snap photos in this digital age is as if you were never at the event. When I used to hear announcements like this at shows, I thought they were performer driven, but now I have a change of thought. After the performance, I had a chance encounter with Lupe Fiasco. After an exchange of compliments, I asked Lupe for a picture with me. As we were about to pose for the snap shot, the show’s promoter jumped out of nowhere rudely yelling “No photos! Respect the artist! No photos!” Lupe confirmed he had to respect the boss’ rules, shook my hand and was rushed out of the venue. I left crushed, confused, and photoless. Maybe venues and promoters need to rethink their rules. Lupe didn’t seem to mind having his picture taken after this show.
Be sure to get Lupe Fiasco’s new album L.A.S.E.R.S out March 8th and if you missed his performance, Lupe will be performing at Roseland Ballroom on April 24th.
Image via Okayplayer
Lupe Fiasco freestyle with Mos Def and Kanye West [AUDIO]
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[New Post] Concert Review: Lupe Fiasco + The Robert Glasper Experiment – http://johnsimondaily.com/2011/03/concer… bluenotenyc @robertglasper @lupefiasco @danab_
RT @JohnSimonJSD: [New Post] Concert Review: Lupe Fiasco + The Robert Glasper Experiment – http://johnsimondaily.com/2011/03/concer… bluenotenyc @robertglasp …
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