Do You Want More?
» Published by Ace Six
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.
June 27th, 2008 at 5:27 am
GodDAMN. I have never heard of Malik B being at a Roots show.
I don’t mean that in a snarky, insulting, bullshit internet kinda way–it’s just that I’ve seriously never heard of that shit happening. You are a lucky man.
July 1st, 2008 at 9:44 am
Oh you’ve got to post more dude, you can’t just leave it there…
July 10th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Nice insight man. I felt the same way the 1st time I saw the Roots back in 99 with Gangstarr and newcomer Macy Gray. They had everybody including Malik B and Mos Def. The Rahzel/Scratch shit blew my head. I couldn’t believe how they did that.
They’re one of the few who still put on dope shows. But that night was memorable. In the words of Kid n Play “last night changed it all”.
September 25th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Man this show was insane. The whole drive home to Collingwood we were just blown away by the roots live show and we were convinced Razhal isnt human.