They call the early 90s the golden age of hip hop, and based on the records coming out in those days, it’s a totally understandable turn of phrase. While some leading lights of that classic era have retired or passed on, many are still making great music to this day–and two of the most important will be taking the stage at U Street Music Hall in Washington DC on Tuesday, March 10.
They call the early 90s the golden age of hip hop, and based on the records coming out in those days, it’s a totally understandable turn of phrase. While some leading lights of that classic era have retired or passed on, many are still making great music to this day–and two of the most important will be taking the stage at U Street Music Hall in Washington DC on Tuesday, March 10.
Pete Rock is often considered one of the most important producers of hip hop’s history. He started out as one half of the duo Pete Rock & CL Smooth, laying down the beats behind Smooth’s raps. This collaboration produced what is still probably Rock’s best-known hit, “They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.),” from 1992’s Mecca & The Soul Brother.
Since splitting with CL Smooth in 1995, Rock’s made a variety of solo albums, both instrumental and featuring vocal contributions from many other hip hop luminaries. He’s also contributed production to artists like Ghostface Killah, Common, Nas, and Redman, among many others, and remixed singles by artists as diverse as Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, and The Black Eyed Peas. He hasn’t released a new album since 2011, but this year promises the arrival of both instrumental compilation PeteStrumentals 2 and rap album Soul Survivor 3.
Slum Village has a much more tempestuous history. Originally formed by MCs Baatin and T3 and producer J Dilla (another one of the greatest of all time) in 1996, the group struggled to release music in their early years, finally making their official debut in 2000 with Fantastic Vol. 2. By 2006, Dilla had passed away, while Baatin had to leave the group due to medical problems; Baatin passed away in 2009. Meanwhile, T3 has carried on with Slum Village; the group is currently rounded out by Illa J–J Dilla’s younger brother, who joined Slum Village in 2003–and recent addition Young RJ. Their most recent album is 2013’s Evolution, which featured the single “Braveheart”:
Pete Rock and Slum Village both had strong connections to J-Dilla while the producer was alive, and they began their current tour with a performance in Miami at 2015’s Dilla Day celebration. The spirit of Dilla will no doubt be in the heart of all these performers when they take the stage at U Street Music Hall next Tuesday. Be there and celebrate the golden age and the eternal rebirth of hip hop.
WHAT: Pete Rock & Slum Village take over U Street Music Hall!
WHO: Pete Rock, Slum Village, Hanif
WHERE: U Street Music Hall, 1115 U St NW, Washington DC
WHEN: Tuesday, March 10, Doors open at 7 PM
ADMISSION: $25 in advance–order tickets HERE
And hey, guess what? You could see this show for free! Just enter your info into the widget below. Each method of entry gives you another chance to win–but enter quick, because we’ll be shutting down this giveaway and picking a winner on Friday at noon. Good luck!
Pete Rock Slum Village giveaway
PLEASE NOTE: All prizes are non-transferable. Winners will be announced on RVA Magazine’s twitter and facebook pages. Winners will receive confirmation emails.
