Spank Rock @ Highline Ballroom 5/15/07

You need to make Spank Rock one of your favorite MCs. I'm not talking about nominating him the greatest of all time or granting YoYoYoYoYo top 25 status. That would be too much praise. But I'm talking about putting Spank Rock on your short list of artists to see live. Forget your preconceived notions concerning Spank Rock’s image, which genre they comfortably belong in and whether their sound fits in the overall hip-hop landscape. Live and direct all that nonsense falls by the wayside. The electronic bleeps, burps and stutters kept the crowd moving but didn't overpower the sound system, which gave everyone enough time to ponder the eternal question, one that should be asked more often, which is, can he rhyme? Not only can Spank Rock rhyme but he can dance too. That’s the total package. But more than rhyming and busting a move, Spank Rock can move a crowd, which according to Rakim is essential.

Spank Rock came out and performed four or five songs, including Rick Rubin, for an eager crowd. After Spank Rock got the crowd hyped and cemented a nice foundation, they handed the stage over to Ghostface and his cronies for twenty-five minutes of pure energy. More on that later (check my Ghost and Rza photo over at BV). Right before Spank Rock came back on stage for his second set, Ghostface applauded his effort and led the crowd in a Spank Rock chant, prompting Spank Rock to comment that the last year has been crazy but opening and closing for Ghost is the craziest thing to ever happen to them. Their second set, propelled by Ghost's energy, built off of their first set and was accompanied by more dancing, something rare for a New York City show let alone a hip-hop show. Good times all around, Ghost and the crowd would agree.

Download:
MP3 Spank Rock - Bump
MP3 Spank Rock - Rick Rubin

More Photos: Spank Rock @ Highline Ballroom 5/15/07

Comments

[Jeff]

You and you alone, AC are the only reason why i will give these dudes a second chance. I heard their record. Headache in three seconds or less. But I trust your judgement. i will let you know my thoughts on these so called Spank rockers.

[AngryCitizen]

Jeff,

I've talked to a lot of people who can't stand Spank Rock and look at me like I have two heads when I try to explain why I like the album. So I can see why you didn't like the album at first. Also, i feel like these guys are more of a live band. The songs have a different context when the dance music is pumping and the crowd is going wild.

[floodwatch]

Great write-up and pics, AC. I'm somewhat indifferent to Spank Rock's music but I could see how it could work in a live context.

[Shadecontrol]

AC,

how you gonna compliment me on my pics when you know yours are blowing mine out of the water?

gracias man,
such a dope show.

fu

[Dart_Adams]

I have not ever even attempted to listen to Spank Rock's "YOYOYO" album, but today I may give it a listen just because of this article. One.

[AngryCitizen]

Floodwatch,

Your opinion seems to be the prevailing one. I admit it's hard to get into a few songs in the confines of your home or on the Ipod.

SahdeC,
C'mon man, you're doing your thing and it was a dope show all around.

Dart,
What's up Dart?? Spank Rock might not be your cup of tea but a quick listen wont kill ya. Nice comic book drop. I went digging through my boxes for some of those titles but I think those are the books that I disrespected and eventually tossed in the garbage can. wish I hadn't.

[Li]

Shadecontrol -- my thoughts exactly. Me giving Spank Rock a chance comes ONLY after reading this write-up.

Floodwatch -- AC's snaps continually have me saying, "Wow, AC really does take fine photos!"

AC -- Job well done dude. You and your camera for hire? Great pics, all the time!

[evan]

um, did u notice john brown from the white rapper show? "ghetto revival"?

that shit was pathetic.

[AngryCitizen]

Evan,

I think he was supposed to perform a few more songs but they yanked him off stage when everyone started booing, rightfully so.