Last Thursday smooth electronic production clashed with fiery passionate story telling in a haze of hip hop at the smoky Handlebar. Local artists Sincere Logic and a Band of Saints, Maverick, Dee Villian and St. Pete the Beatman opened for the Dolo Jazz Suite which included AF THE NAYSAYER, Hop Box, Gilead 7 and Phantom Thrett.
In a world of Mac Miller, Waka Flocka Flames and Jay Z, a Band of Saints collaboration with Sincere Logic was a refreshing cross genre blend. Sincere Logic offered plenty of energy and movement to get the show going and Maverick kept the ball rolling.
Dee Villian's smooth flow, generosity and swagger reminded me of Kid Cudi before his music became so unappealing and sub par.
Gilead 7 opened the Dolo Jazz Suite and his raw, explosive flow grabbed my attention. His lyrics kept it. Not once did he boast of materialism or blatant sexism. His rapid firing tongue and piercing eyes made it clear to the audience that it was time to check out if you can't swim in the depths of the emotions he would be exploring. All this I found refreshing from the stagnant collection pond of boasts about shiny possessions, greed and empty sexuality that is modern mainstream hip hop.
The most enjoyable part though of the evening was definitely the calm complex sounds of AF THE NAYSAYER. This was my second time seeing him and once he got started I couldn't remain still long enough to take a good photo. I became distracted by the desires of my feet to move along the swirling path his music has to offer. I followed my feet all the way to the end when he offered the crowd a Riff Raff remix for an encore. It was the first time I found myself enjoying the music of Riff Raff.
All in all it was a great evening thanks to all the artists. A special thanks to Pass the Good and Stew for letting my broke ass in so that I could capture some of the energy that evening.
Photographs by Jack Kunning, words by Kengir
