As soon as I touched down in New York, it was back to work. My vacation was over and within no time it was New Years. I decided to go to Questlove’s holiday party at S.O.B.’s. He instructed the crowd to stop staring at him and just dance. He took the night to experiment with his mixing and spun some classics with some new hits testing the crowd’s responses. We danced the night away and although I would have stayed till the sun came up, I had to be in the office early that morning. I left the dance hall to the fading sounds of classic Prince only to find myself back at S.O.B.s two days later.
It almost feels like I’ve built my own Hip-Hop home in S.O.B.s by this point. I went to see Curren$y perform and I was warned that the show was sold out and would be packed, but when I saw that line wrap around the corner I was glad my name was on the guest list. I stood posted up by the VIP as the crowd began to spill in through the doors. I was unaware of who would be making an appearance and only knew Curren$y was headlining and had not even landed in New York as his fans were waiting in anticipation for him to perform.
Jack Thriller was the host of the show and was surprised when a few unknown rappers from the crowd jumped on stage to try their hand at the mic. There were more boos than applause just as much as there were more rehearsed verses instead of freestyles. I’m starting to think some people might have forgotten the definition of freestyle. Jack introduced Gramz and the show had officially begun. The young emcee brought out his block and had them all on stage, but he set the vibe of the show when he brought out Flatbush Zombies and the crowd was jumping. I was trying to enjoy the show when all of a sudden this man being carried by one of his (very pissed off) friend, reaches for the bar separating the crowd looking faintish and starts throwing up into the feet of some people. I quickly jumped back, luckily not hit by the puke all over floor, and head over to the door to stand and continue watching the show.
As I stood there, I was greeted by a publicist (who seems to frequently keep in touch) with a strategic large smile on his face. He offered to buy me a drink. I went with him over to the bar to get my regular Jamo and Coke. We headed back to our post by the door. Gramz had finished his set and few other openers were on stage including Chase N. Cashe who had brought out Smoke DZA to contribute to his performance. As I stood there talking to the publicist I see Action Bronson who comes to stand next me. We say hello and quickly the crowd around us recognizes his familiar beard and presence. Fans came to ask for photos and he was beyond gracious to take them as we tried to watch the show. Curren$y was about to come on stage as some of the acts made their way for the door. Juice and Meech from Flatbush Zombies came over to say hello. I start to notice people looking at me a little strangely until I hear a guy behind me ask, “Who is she?”
Curren$y stepped on stage with no sign that he barely made it on time and tore it up. The crowd was swaying to his west coast styled beats and southern hospitality. Through the cloud of smoke, he brought to the stage Styles P, Action Bronson, and Smoke DZA. Lupe Fiasco also came out on stage, but didn’t perform and come to think of it, didn’t say much at all. Curren$y put on a great show and when it was over I was on my way out the door when the publicist stopped me and asked me to talk to the MC before I left. With the fans crowded around asking for autographs, I let him get to business and said good bye for the night knowing I would be hearing from him real soon. I guess I could call him Mr. S.O.B.’s, maybe it’s too soon for all of that. I guess this is to be continued…
-Music Junkie
