Some of Buffalo's finest in hip-hop joined legendary MC Kool G Rap on Thursday night in the first of a series of hip-hop shows known as the Throwback Series.
The series, presented by Black and Blue Arts Entertainment, premiered at The Icon downtown. African-American studies professor Kush Bardwarj hosted the show and introduced all the performing MC's.
Rhyson Hall, a UB undergrad, rocked the crowd with his plain, white Henley shirt and blue jeans. DJ Cutler, a pioneer disc jockey of the '90s, and Tight Nice, who played the drums, accompanied the young artist who pleased the crowd with every lyric.
Hall, a senior psychology major, was accompanied by Leah Hall in their song "The World is Changing." Her strong voice complimented Rhyson's empowering lyrics and poetic sound, adding a touch of R&B.
Rhyson Hall engaged the crowd by jumping into the audience and touting out rhymes. He stole the show with his single "What's His Name?"
In an effort to keep the show moving after Rhyson, the crowd got a dose of unsigned MC's from Buffalo Soldier Entertainment including Torcher, Third Son and Peepin' Tom. They gave a good improvisational performance, highlighted by catchy songs like "Put 'Em Up."
The concert almost came to a complete pause when they ran out of freestyle rappers who were willing to get up on stage.
Finally, old-school rap artist Kool G Rap came onstage and silenced everyone in the Icon. The legendary rapper is the self-proclaimed "first one to spit about it" and "the first one to write about it," according to his lyrics. He was also the only artist to be surrounded by tight security on and offstage.
One thing was for sure-everyone's head was bobbing in complete unison and the crowd pooled around the stage.
Smaller acts like Long Island native and established underground rapper RA the Ruggedman gave a performance that could be compared to hip-hop artist Bone Crusher. He chased the ladies away with his jelly-filled belly and rough looks.
Ruggedman considered himself to be "the loganberry," on the level of legendary rappers like Jay-Z and Run DMC. He also paid tribute to fallen rappers Biggie Smalls and ODB.
The first act was a dual group called X-Now The Last MC. They warmed up the audience but seemed nervous, even in front of the small crowd. They compensated later by putting on an energized encore.
The rappers, both wearing Hateraid shirts in honor of those who dislike their lyrical content and style, rapped mainly about getting psyched for the next performance.
X-Now needed more rehearsal time. They both were out of tune with each other and seemed to have forgotten the rhymes. Although their performance came first, it did not live up to the fervor of the following acts.
As the crowd increased in number, the acts became increasingly entertaining.
