Post and photos by Nocturnal Charm
Theatrics and Hip Hop performances are usually NOT two concepts you see paired together. The majority of hip hop shows tend to be one or two main performers posing and posturing while throngs of hanger ons, hypemen and groupies chill onstage. Thats why the 12 Reasons To Die show featuring Adrian Younge and Wu-tangs most relevant touch bearer, GhostFace Killah, came as such an entertaining and refreshing experience for this 30 something year old hip hop fan.
The concept was complex and amazing. The project is the brainchild of Younge, who is most prominently known for scoring the Blaxploitation Reboot, Black Dynamite from a few years ago that was a surprise hit in both theaters and cult circles. He's taken samples, references and the overall feel from 70's Italian gangster and horror flicks, thrown the one and only RZA in on production, and has MY fave Wu Tang member, Dennis Coles spitting tales of streetlife, betrayal and revenge like only he knows how. To tie all of that together, he's created an elaborate stage show that tells the story of the making of the Ghostface Killah with the use of illuminati-style robed women, a KILLER band featuring a charismatic Merlow swilling band leader and a male/female lead vocal duo who steamed up the stage with more lust filled and sultry vocals than the Baltimore Soundstage has seen in sometime.
Despite the thematic feel of show, Younge made sure that the audience got a HEALTHY dose of that old Wutang magic as he allowed time for GFK to run thru a slew of his hits and jostle with the crowd. Younges' tight ass band pulled off the RZAs' classic creations with effortless efficiency. Tracks like "Apollo Kids", "Run" and "Nutmeg" never sounded so amazing. Hell, there was even an appearance by one of the more popular Wutang offshoot members, Killah Priest. Needless to say, this writer was impressed not only with what he heard or saw, but what he experienced.
To get the album (we suggest purchasing the limited edition vinyl!) click HERE and to see more pics click HERE.
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