Hip-hop dead? Roots prove otherwise in S.F.

Hip-hop dead? Roots prove otherwise in S.F.

3 hrs ago | San Jose Mercury News

In a perfect world, all hip-hop acts would be as good in concert as the Roots. But the world is far from perfect, and the vast majority of hip-hop artists are far better in the studio than on the live stage.

Hip-hop dead? Roots prove otherwise in S.F. PHILLY RAPPERS PUT ON A GREAT SHOW By Jim Harrington MediaNews

In a perfect world, all hip-hop acts would be as good in concert as the Roots.

But the world is far from perfect, and the vast majority of hip-hop artists are far better in the studio than on the live stage.

That's why the Roots are so special.

Everything that is frequently missing from hip-hop shows -- a sense of spontaneity, an ability to take the music higher, a solid understanding of fundamental stage dynamics, among so many other things -- was present and accounted for during the Roots' show at the Fillmore on Wednesday night.

The band's music sounded even stronger live than it does coming from your home stereo, which is a true anomaly in the rap world. That's not to say that Philadelphia's finest doesn't make great music in the studio. Indeed, the Roots have been nominated, deservedly so, in the categories of Best Rap Album and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for Sunday's Grammy Awards.

The Roots are touring in support of their ninth record, last year's ``Game Theory,'' a work that failed to make much of a mark on the charts. The tour, however, is posting big box office numbers. The group sold out its two-night stand at San Francisco's most fabled venue less than a week after tickets went on sale.

During opening night of the run, the band thanked local fans for their support by delivering a 2 1/2-hour show of exhilarating hip-hop music.

The concert started in dramatic fashion as the 10-member musical ensemble made its entrance from the back of the building. The players banged percussion instruments and blew their horns as they marched Big Easy-style through the crowd and onto the stage.

Once under the bright lights, the group immediately went about showcasing the new album and performed inspired versions of ``Game Theory'' and ``Long Time.''

MC Black Thought, as usual, was a dynamic force as he rhymed and rocked his way through the sensational ``Act Too (Love ofMy Life)'' from 1999's masterful ``Things Fall Apart'' CD.

``Is hip-hop dead?'' asked Black Thought, alluding to rapper Nas' latest album, ``Hip Hop is Dead.'' ``Or is hip-hop alive?''

Black Thought would answer his own question as he led the band through a strong medley of tunes, including Justin Timberlake's ``Sexyback'' and Biz Markie's classic ``Just a Friend,'' that had this crowd acting mighty lively.

Overall, the music sounded even more alive than during past Roots outings. Credit that in large part to the work of the four-piece horn section, which really jumped into action during a super funky tribute to James Brown. Drum-kit king Questlove also delivered a bounty of highlights, especially during the old-school Brown number ``Funky Drummer.''

In addition, the Roots provided more than a fair share of surprises, not the least of which was a cover of Bob Dylan's political anthem ``Masters of War'' that was partially set to the music of Jimi Hendrix's ``Machine Gun.'' The group would follow with a shockingly faithful take on Led Zeppelin's ``Immigrant Song'' and a wild ride through Kool and the Gang's ``Jungle Boogie.''

Yet, none of these covers overshadowed the band's own catalog. Closing the show with superb takes on such nuggets as ``The Next Movement,'' ``Don't Feel Right'' and ``The Seed,'' the Roots left very little room for debate as to what's the best live act in the hip-hop game.