Stadium Status
I’m just coming in the crib (Midnight on a Sunday) from this emcee (hip hop) showcase featuring talents from Niagara Falls, Ottawa (Canada), Albany, NY and Buffalo, NY and it’s got me doing some thinking. Not many people are familiar with the many things that go on in Buffalo..HELL!!..The people that LIVE in Buffalo aren’t even familiar with what goes in Buffalo…which most times explains low head counts for stuff like this. Anyways, I was hosting or emceeing this particular showcase, you know, just to get the people involved and keep everything moving, plus i enjoy it..its one of the more fun things I get to do. So, there is all about say…30 people, and its a very small place, so the capacity was at about 20 – 25% by the time the first act came on…I’m guessing. Now, follow me..because I know that you ALL will be able to relate to why this blog is entitled STADIUM STATUS! Here are some things to consider for most (but not ALL) showcases or small venue performances: 1) Most times…or nearly ALL of the time, you can trust that no one knows your rhymes, except for the few people you brought along. 2) Sound systems are usually pretty questionable, stage monitors don’t work, one mic is always louder or softer than the other…and even if all of the above are working correctly…You are a lucky S.O.B, if the people care what you are saying anyways…(and good luck with trying to not scream and lose your voice considering all the above issues) 3) The later the show starts, the higher the chances that people will slowly or abruptly bounce from the venue…even during your performance, so don’t beg and ask them to stay,,,It’s a bad look fam. 4) If you don’t rock or go on first…you are in jeopardy of performing in front of NO ONE! You may literally be rapping over a beat off of you own laptop, while the bartender is cleaning the bar tops so he can get the hell out of there too! 5) After emceeing and hosting the night, when people had certainly moved on…I decided to have some fun and perform one of my tracks for the hell of it…and guess what…(see bullet #4..because it wsa surely in effect at this time) ..LOL..word up!
My point is this, I believe whether you are a performer or a supporter/attendee that we all know very well that what I am saying is true. I even left out some other realistic facts and tidbits. This show that I hosted tonight, just reminded me of why small venues just aren’t my thing anymore. Without arrogance I can say that my dues have been paid, and paid to the degree that I am probably owed a credit actually. I have been the performer to whom which no one is listening and I have also been on the other side of the mic as a patron and member of the audience who didn’t put his hand in the air and say “Hoooo!” I have left joints during other artists performances, and felt bad about it, but like I said, its not to be taken personally because I have had people walk out on me too. Part of the problem is…most of the people that are at these venues are artists as well…so the vibe is like…”Are you finished yet? Because I’m waiting to get on the mic and kill it.” Then, in classic rapper/emcee fashion…even though you weren’t feelin their show or their material…there is always the obligatory DAP! BearHug with Shake and then…”YO! Word ..you ripped it son,” as the mic is exchanged and your turn is up.
MUCH respect to the cats that rocked it tonight though. I just wish there were more people and more support to make small joints/bars/whole in the wall spots etc…”The place to be” and revive the art of Hip Hop.
So…with that said…STADIUM STATUS! I’m only in the big kids sandbox from now on. We’ll see you soon.
Peace to DTR, TrevThorne, Cutler, LoPro, Press, Camacian, ECMC, Kool Taj, Tomorrow, H2O + Masterpeace, No Hand Outs Ent., Dood Computer and Dez Matic, and Atherton!
Peace
