I’ll kick things off.
The first rap concert I attended was the Up In Smoke Tour in Detroit, Michigan featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Ice Cube (who came down from the cieling in a giant ice cube), Warren G, Xzibit, Daz, Kurupt, The Eastsidaz, etc. This marked the first time my nostrils were introduced to ganja among other things. After the show Kim Mathers, who was in the crowd that night, attempted suicide. The way Dre and Snoop commanded the crowd was incredible, though; And seeing Em make his ‘homecoming’ in Detroit just weeks after debuting #1 with The Marshall Mathers LP was really cool.
I was supposed to see Em and D-12 do their thing at the Warped Tour (up close and personal) since they were on the road promoting Devils Night. Unfortunately D-12 got kicked off the tour for beating Esham to a pulp. Kool Keith tore it up, though.
I did get to see Em and D-12 again in Detroit at Ford Field. This time Mr. Mathers was the headliner with opening acts 50 Cent, Obie Trice, D-12, G-Unit, and more that I can’t remember. I think I was 15.
Rock The Bells in Miami (summer ‘07) featured Nas, Wu Tang Clan, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Common, Jedi Mind Tricks, Pharaoh Monch, Immortal Technique, Supernatural, and others. INCREDIBLE show at an outdoor venue; I’m pretty sure a few people passed out/died from the heat, though.
The following December I witnessed Lil Wayne put on an impressive performance in Columbus, Ohio. I can’t take anything away from his ability to entertain, even with other peoples lyrics coming out of his mouth. Gucci Man opened up the show with no shirt, 40 dudes, and a iced out Bart Simpson chain. Ohio showed both of the southerners mad love!
Last summer I was in NYC and caught a bunch of shows. Check out my Footage of Wale, Blu & Exile, Skillz and DJ Jazzy Jeff.
I also took a trip to Boston for the weekend (shout out to the Bolt Bus with free WiFi!) and caught a Snoop Dogg show with the O.G. Tim M. I understood a lot more of the content compared to when I saw Snoop do his thing at the Up In Smoke Tour at age 13.
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I saw Run-DMC/LL Cool J/Houdini/Beastie Boys and a couple of others on the ‘Raising Hell’ (‘Radio’ for LL and pre-’License…’ for BB) tour in Grand Rapids. I also saw Public Enemy at the 9:30 Club in D.C. Can’t remember which record they were working, but it was 1990.
I haven’t been to any rap shows since. But had two of the best times I’ve ever had at 1,000+ concerts at those shows. The first one was a huge social outing. The second not nearly as political as I was afraid it might be.
I was a distinct minority at both shows (like 2% or so), but NEVER in this country have I been in a crowd so willing to just hang out, have fun, and get down. It’s the same way UK rock shows feel to me, but US ones very rarely do.
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Hip-Hop shows are a one of a kind experience. I love going with people who don’t listen to rap on the regular cause they’re usually blown away with the peaceful party-like atmosphere.
I forgot to mention Jedi Mind Tricks on my list.
I saw Equan from Quancheye Recordz perform @ Poprox in Miami before. Excellent stage presence.