TheMeaningOfDope

Have you ever seen something so revolutionary and so incredible that every moment of it sticks in your memory for the rest of your life?

That was exactly the case at this concert.  The Roots, Rascalz & Saukrates 03.23.95 Opera House, Toronto.

Let’s forget about the fact that this was only a couple weeks after the show with Common and The Beatnuts.  Let’s forget about the fact that it was the first time they ever performed in Canada.  Let’s forget about the fact that Saukrates and the F.O.S.(Figures Of Speech) crew absolutely crushed their opening slot.  Let’s forget about the fact that the Rascalz also tore the shit down complete with an incredible display by their breakdancers(I see you Zeb Roc).

Let us focus on the fact that Malik B. was at this show.  I’m one of those guys who feels like The Roots without Malik is like Pharoahe Monch without Prince Po.  He brought an element to the group that they could not replace and I feel so blessed to have seen them perform as a whole with Malik and Tariq sharing duties on the mic.  They literally freestyled for close to 45 minutes combined during the course of this show.  Then Rahzel got up and did his thing and of course no-one there was expecting what he could do to be so powerful.  Hearing him do “Moments Of Love” live in a venue packed wall to wall with people absolutely amazed at his talent?  Few moments in my life will match the intensity of this show.

Anyways.  This clip has a bit of footage from this show, but it will never really capture how the whole night felt.  The interview footage is dope too.  This is probably the most special clip that I’ve posted so far because of the personal connection to that night and the impact it has had on my belief of what live performances and the exchange of energy that comes with them can and should be like.

New school cats, I feel for you.  The game done changed.