Rhymesayers Does It Right [Fresh Air Tour Coverage]

Filed Under: News, Exclusives, Concerts by DJ Z on Nov 20, 2009

Chicago, Ill. -- On Wednesday evening, DJBooth.net was invited to Chicago's Metro for Brother Ali's Fresh Air Tour. Featuring additional performances by DJ BK-One, emcee and show host Toki Wright, and Dilated Peoples alum (and the newest signee to Rhymesayers Entertainment) Evidence, the show was a non-stop rush of the rawest, uncut hip-hop I've ingested in quite a long time.

Every stereotype about what a rap concert is supposed to look and sound like was thrown out the venue doors. The show started within 15 minutes of its scheduled time (which in hip hop is basically on time), there wasn't a single break between any of the sets, all three emcees avoided starting their sets with the dreaded, drawn-out opening monologue, and no chain-dangling posse members were within a quarter-mile radius of the stage. True to form, however, the house security guards did take their job too seriously, and were nothing but trouble for most of the evening.

According to Brother Ali's Twitter timeline the day after the show, "The Chicago [show] was truly incredible. Pretty sure it goes in the most memorable shows category in my mind." Honestly, I couldn't agree more.

Watch performances from Toki Wright, Evidence, and Brother Ali below: