Three MCs & One DJ..... ………Mr Lingo what ya got to say?? article 0066 added 28.03.03 words Mr Lingo Since the dawn of time, DJ's have been where it's at. Francis Grasso, the very first guy to put together and use his own mixer and fader to cut between records started it off at the infamous 'Loft' in New York. From there the craze grew. Slowly at first, but soon it was reaching out all over the country, and the world. It reached DJ Kool Herc, & Grandmaster Flash who battled it out with their MC's at block parties all over the Bronx, and inspired people like Grandmaster DST (now DXT), who gave us scratching, and inspired a whole new generation of Turn-tablists. People took what they heard, or saw and developed it, putting their own spin (quite literally) on things. Hip-Hop was born, and it moved from the streets to the club. In da club… people wanted live hip-hop, with "DJ's cutting and scratchin' like they're working with fractions." It reached out to the UK, France, Germany, Japan, it became truly global. Hip-Hop had evolved. Up to a point. In some ways, the way hip-hop is performed has stagnated, is no longer the fresh product it used to be. A DJ, and the MC's. Maybe a backing group? It works. No doubting that, but how do the up and coming acts break through and show the love they have, to the heads out there?? Maybe the old way is getting a bit tired, and needs a rest? As part of a 'sound system' with Vee-Kay, and Shook-Yaa, we find it real hard to bring something new to the show (especially when we're scattered about the southeast…. Kent, Harrow, and Hackney, and rehearsals are non-existent!). What can we do that's really gonna make you out there nod ya head, and go… "that's tight…" "lovin that…" The secret to success is elusive, and although you probably think we're a bunch of no-hopers, the fundamentals are all there. Lyrically, both Vee-Kay & Shook-Yaa are refreshing and innovative… they've got a presence on stage that people notice……. but that's because they sweat too much. We play good beats, my scratching isn't bad, and there are not too many mistakes……. but it's still same old, same old. I'm not saying this is boring, or crap. I love this set up, but I know too many people who complain about the lack of innovation in live hip-hop. Maybe there is something missing, something small and un-noticeable, but at the end of the day makes the difference. Maybe we should flip the script, and try something new… Don't Hate, Innovate… It seems to me, that there seems to be two main routes to go down…. 1. Gimmicks 2. Bring more… Gimmicks. If you're the kind of person who likes to be different, really stand out from the crowd, and be the centre of attention then this is for you. Pitman. You heard his stuff, or seen his show, and I guarantee you still remember it, and sing his take on the lyrics… 'Witness the Pitness'…etc. What he does people remember, talk about with mates, and spread the word. But how long is this gonna last? When is that going to become boring, and just piss people off? Can you really pull it off and not look like a janky fool? If you've had the privilege to see the Majesticons/Infesticons, you'll appreciate what they did with the whole P-Diddy bling blinging feelo to the Majesticons, versus the dirtyness and ruffness of the Infesticons. From the intro, to stuff they wore, and the feel of the show. They were great, one of the best gigs I've seen for a long time. So, it seems a gimmick can work. My idea…. Get a whole shit load of those dancing flowers you could buy back in the 90's, and have 'em on the decks, on stage…dancing to our music (at least it guarantees more movement than I've seen in some places!) Hell, if it works, we'd dress up like those flowers too……..hmm. (and no, before you ask, it's NEVER gonna happen.) But where, or when does a cool gimmick become geeky? So, if the gimmick style isn't for you, then what is left? As Ms Dy-na-mi-te-hee would say, 'It takes more…' More shit going on. Give the paying punters more than simply a DJ, and his MC's. Give them what Mr Shook-Yaa wants; a live drummer, a bassist, guitarist… a flute player…, the fucking bagpipes… whatever. Now there is a case for this, bringing other live elements to the stage just livens that whole shit up. There is more happening than just the DJ laying studio beats for the MCs, and (hopefully) the crowd would appreciate this, being more energetic, and enthusiastic. Inspiring them to add a bit of Jazz to whatever beats, or tracks they're making. Adding more instruments makes the whole thing more of a 'live event'. If I'm totally honest, the period of hip-hop that grabbed me by the arm, and said 'c'mon god-damn it' was from '92-95. Pete Rock & CL, L.O.T.U.G, Tribe, Roots, Group Home, Black Sheep……man I could go on. I still see people on the forums trying to get hold of this stuff on vinyl. But why from this era? It's the jazzyness of the sound. Listen to 'Funky Child' (L.O.T.U.G), or 'T.R.O.Y' (Pete Rock), or 'We got the Jazz' (Tribe). You are overwhelmed by the sax, trumpet, or horn sound on these tracks. There are so many different layers to the music. THAT is why they are classics. Playing instruments live in hip-hop should bring together that blend of raw beats, and lyrics, and mix it with the smoothness of the sax, or trumpet. Or does it? It just depends on what your style is. When do a hip-hop group become a band? Is this what the heads really want? The only problem here is that what sounds great in the studio might suck live, and visa versa. Would 50 Cent be as popular if he had a sax player on tour? Would Mud-Fam have the same edge with trumpets? NO, I don't think so. Personally, I'm old skool. If it ain't broke don't fix it. I like live hip-hop the way it is, but if it's done well, with energy, and passion. If it has a gimmick, or live stuff, and it ADDS to the feel, all well and good. If not? Sort that shit out! Any ideas you have on this let me know (Burning an effigy of J'LO…there's an idea). Peas. - Mr Lingo

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