Scion Presents: Brand Nubian
Posted: 12/6/2007

In a venue befitting for music legends, St. Andrews Hall once again played host to some of Hip Hop's biggest contributors. The venue saw the birth of local-made-national legends such as Eminem and the late Proof, and has been the home to all Hip Hop coming through the city. One can say that East Congress and Brush Street is our version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The essence of Hip Hop was in the air. There was no half-stepping at this show: either you were on your Hip Hop A-Game, or you should not have been in attendance. From the break dancers to the "J Dilla era" consummate Hip Hop heads, Detroit was in full effect.

To the sounds of classic Wu-Tang and Big Daddy Kane, The Keystones took the stage to warm up the crowd. Fully equipped with guitarists, horn players, and several percussionists, they ripped through classic catalog, after classic catalog. The break dancers were in full effect as well, as Stones Throw Records artist Percee P took to the stage to open up the show. A former battle-rap opponent of Eminem, he gracefully ripped through his set.

As Percee P and The Keystones held the crowd over, on the corner of Monroe and Brush sat the men themselves: Lord Jamar Allah, Sadat X, and Grand Puba—otherwise known as Brand Nubian. Finishing up a meal at Fishbones, Brand Nubian headed down Brush by foot in true Detroit and Hip Hop fashion, walking through the front door of St. Andrews Hall and to the staging area.

There may not have been many in attendance, but those who were in attendance make all the difference. From local Hip Hop scene favorite and Subterraneous Records artist, One Be Lo to the Artist Development Representative to the Midwest for Island/Def Jam Records, some of the local elites made their presence felt.

Brand Nubian then took the stage with the same chemistry they had since their formation in 1989. Delivering songs like Slow Down from their first album One for All, they kept the hands waving and the heads knockin'. If you weren't able to make it out this time, "Don't Let It Go To Your Head." Just be sure to get your "Back up Off The Wall" next time.

- Marcel Friday

Marcel@detroitfashionpages.com

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