The 2008 Rock the Bells show was something I had been looking forward to for awhile. In the midst of all the bull shit shows we get it is nice to bring a lineup here that infuses hip hop with a touch of politics. The lineup this year was definitely exciting and I was looking forward to seeing most of the artists on the lineup like: Immortal Technique, Dead Prez, Murs, and the headliners themselves that solidified the show like The Pharcyde, Method Man, Redman, Nas, Mos Def, and A Tribe Called Quest. With so many legendary artists gracing the Bayfront Amphitheatre it was hard to find a dull moment. Click the link below to read the rest of the review.
P.S. Pictures of the event are forthcoming. Lackner has been busy cleaning his house in an effort to find his Mini Pin.
I found the weather to be both bearable and decent as the energy levels remained fairly consistent throughout the day which was quite the feat since mostly everyone started getting high when the doors opened. This however did not stop the artists from engaging the audience and bringing the energy level up ten notches while on stage.
Method Man and Red Man got everyone going with many of their classics like "Blackout" and "Rottweiler" and represented the Wu with no disappointment. They also paid homage to ODB and throughout the entire show encouraged the audience to sing along with them and to basically get as loud as possible. The dynamic between the duo is always an interesting sight as there are moments of laughter and seriousness but never dissatisfaction. They also surprised everyone with a guest appearance by N.O.R.E. who is currently living in Miami and performed "Nothin" which also helped get everyone hyped up. Surprises are always the best!
When Nas hit the stage it was a highly anticipated moment. He performed just a couple of songs off his newer album and didn't forget to include hits like: "One Mic", "Hip Hop is Dead", and "Hate me Now". He also seemed incredibly politically driven chanting "Fuck Fox News" and encouraging the crowd to do the same. He proclaimed their racism and bias take on news and bashed them in the most appropriate ways. I say that because hey, Fox is a piece of crap. The more people that become aware of their corporate shortcomings the better.
Personally, the venue was the worst part about the concert. I cannot stand the Bayfront Amphitheater! I wish and pray for a decent venue where the Miami concerts can move to where there is more greenery and less concrete ESPECIALLY for festival like shows.
Does anyone remember that one Bob Marley festival that was in Key Biscayne? Well, that venue was amazing. What happened to it? Why can't more festivals be there?!
The venue isn't that bad. No lines for food, drink or the bathrooms. View was great from any part of the lawn. If only people would actually used the trashcans as opposed to the floor it might have been a bit more comfortable.