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Live DC: Madlib @ The Cat

By Patrick December 10, 2007 | 9:15 am
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January 2nd 2007
DC’s anti-smoking legislation comes into effect.

December 6th 2007
Madlib fans at the Black Cat are deprived of a truly uplifting musical experience
because they cannot blaze under the cover of cigarette smoke.

I'm not suggesting that the work of Madlib, or any artist on Stones Throw, is more enjoyable when you're high. But if you've ever smoked a blunt with some friends while listening to Madvillainy or The Further Adventures Of Lord Quas, then perhaps you can see where I'm coming from…

But hey, it’s all about the music, right?

Percee P, J. Rocc, MadLib, Peanut Butter Wolf, Stones Throw IMG_9817.jpg

The Arabian Prince (a one-time member of NWA) started the evening with an assortment of classic cuts. Every song he played made a small contingent of Serious Hip Hop Enthusiasts in the front shout “Oooooooooo, YEAHHHHH.” Towards the end of his set, he decided to have a little fun and challenge the audience to a game of “Name That Sample.” Unsurprisingly, the dudes in the front nailed every question. (Which is a good thing, because according to The Prince, crowds in Boston and Las Vegas don’t know their shit).

Percee P, J. Rocc, MadLib, Peanut Butter Wolf, Stones Throw _MG_8938.jpg Percee P, J. Rocc, MadLib, Peanut Butter Wolf, Stones Throw _MG_8970.jpg Percee P, J. Rocc, MadLib, Peanut Butter Wolf, Stones Throw _MG_9002.jpg Percee P, J. Rocc, MadLib, Peanut Butter Wolf, Stones Throw _MG_9031.jpg Percee P, J. Rocc, MadLib, Peanut Butter Wolf, Stones Throw _MG_9024.jpg

I think that things really got moving when J-Rocc took over the tables. For those of you who don’t know, this founding member of the Beat Junkies is the one of the most talented DJs in the game. He was also responsible for a EP tribute to J Dilla, the furiously prolific producer who passed away from Lupus in February 2006. J-Rocc, along with MCs MED and Guilty Simpson, devoted a significant portion of the set to their late friend and label mate. It was pretty moving to hear the crowd singing along to “People,” one of my favorite songs from Donuts, the album Dilla completed on his deathbed.
Next came Percee P, who was bustin’ his ass both on and off stage. When he wasn’t on the mic, he was in the crowd with an old Jansport bag hawking remixes of his latest album. I’m sorry; I have a soft spot for artists who are unashamed of their hustle.

Percee P, J. Rocc, MadLib, Peanut Butter Wolf, Stones Throw IMG_9798.jpgPercee P, J. Rocc, MadLib, Peanut Butter Wolf, Stones Throw IMG_9767.jpg

Madlib finally took to the stage around 11:15PM. And he was looking super fly!!!!!! The man was sporting dark glasses, a long black t-shirt and a crisp pair of jeans. Accompanied by the fucking incredible Kareem Riggins, The Beat Conductor led the crowd on an eclectic voyage through his vast back catalog. It was a bit surreal seeming him be so comfortable on the mic, as I always picture him as just a producer. I’d also heard from friends that he was a total weirdo on stage, but the only thing that would count as “strange” was the fact that he was sipping Hennessy from a plastic cup.

Percee P, J. Rocc, MadLib, Peanut Butter Wolf, Stones Throw _MG_9050.jpg
Percee P, J. Rocc, MadLib, Peanut Butter Wolf, Stones Throw IMG_9901.jpg Percee P, J. Rocc, MadLib, Peanut Butter Wolf, Stones Throw _MG_9039.jpg Percee P, J. Rocc, MadLib, Peanut Butter Wolf, Stones Throw IMG_9891.jpg Percee P, J. Rocc, MadLib, Peanut Butter Wolf, Stones Throw _MG_9046.jpg

I had noticed Peanut Butter Wolf chillin’ around the stage for the better part of the evening. He reminded me of that one cool white dude that you always see hanging out in rap videos. But I don’t think that that Stones Throw would be where they are today if PB Wolf just laid in the cut all the time. Towards the end of Madlib’s set, he got behind a set of DVD Turntables and treated us to a hip-hop sensory overload. I was just started to get into it, when I looked at my watch, and realized that I had to make moves, otherwise I’d miss the last train. (I would later find out that I could’ve stuck around because Metro hours were extended because of the Redskins game)

Percee P, J. Rocc, MadLib, Peanut Butter Wolf, Stones Throw IMG_9941.jpg
Percee P, J. Rocc, MadLib, Peanut Butter Wolf, Stones Throw _MG_9121.jpg Percee P, J. Rocc, MadLib, Peanut Butter Wolf, Stones Throw _MG_9116.jpg Percee P, J. Rocc, MadLib, Peanut Butter Wolf, Stones Throw _MG_9070.jpg

all photos: Joel Didriksen http://www.kingpinphoto.com/

Previously in Live DC:

God loves a cheerful giver.

COMMENTS (2)

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4 years ago 100dBs said

pb wolf always kills it with those pioneer dvd turntables. ridiculous.

j-rocc is my favorite dj right now. i don't think there's anyone that's touching him as far as rocking doubles.

madlib is crazy awkward live, but whatever. percee is a living legend... riggins is such a complete musician... stones throw is killin it right now.

if you haven't copped any j-rocc mixes lately, do so. his command of the crossfader is unbelievable.

4 years ago Abby said

PBwolf is my new hero. he spun my favorite bat mitzvah party montage, ending at like 1:30 with an 'encore' of wu tang's 'triumph.' go royals.

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God loves a cheerful giver.-- 2 Corinthians 9:7

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