by Nick Kulyoom Alatool

With an all star cast in one small little venue, what other excuse do you have for missing the biggest Hip Hop explosion to ever happen at San Diego Music Foundation’s North Park Music Thing? There is none. If there was one event that was an unexpected summer sleeper was the big show that led all the way to tonight’s evening smash top biller, Deep Rooted.

I actually arrived on the final two acts of Concrete Project. My apologies for missing out on any show performance prior, but even the Friday night excitement can be cooled by same ol’ traffic congestion from Southbound I-5. Nonetheless, Concrete Project was keeping a crowded room in Kadan’s dark corner busy with high energy and live band performance with their own deejay, percussion and keyboard.

Vision Complex made the best with some technical fade, but still held true to her original “Street Sweeper”.  On her last two sets, she let her stage partner, Joey Dixon,  finish off with his noteworthy solo, “Thank Me!”

Of course, San Diego wouldn’t be properly represented without the Armory Massive signature, but the marquee could have been better headlined San Diego’s OG duo, Tony Mansini, and partner,Tarantino (aka TNT). Their music showcase was clean, beat heavy and business, with no technical complaint.

But the group that stole the show, was Deep Rooted, who rolled in with dancing entourage and promised only two tracks. But their performance was anything but a cameo visit, killing the stage, dance floor, and crowd with unanimous concert quality showmanship. The photos should tell it all.

More review to come once Nick clears the spell check.

Thank you, NPMT, for blowing up my ear drums.

Original post: http://www.starintheskyphotography.com/?p=4187

Much respect to Nick Kulyoom Alatool for dropping this well written article on the Hip Hop aspect of the North Park Music Thing. Also a special shout out to all the acts we performed alongside with that night. Good times indeedy deed!!