Mos Def @ Highline Ballroom 5/26/07 | MP3s

When did Mos Def start hating hip-hop? Was it during the filming of the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy or his run in Broadway's, Topdog/Underdog? I know, it was his turn in the inspiring and highly underrated, Carmen: A Hip Hopera. Either way, the guy hates hip-hop. Despises it! And why not? Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to imply that his performance was lackluster. On the contrary, his performance was one of the livelier and inspiring performances I've seen this year. His stage presence is on par with that of a rock star. He's a true personality, one you can't avert your eyes away from. The ladies in the audience lost their shit when he winked or gave a slight shimmy. But all panty-wetting aside, have you listened to his latest mix-tape/album? It's not as bad as you've heard, but it's not close to representing what M.D. can do. He sounds like he's done with rapping, but something (record company?) is forcing the bars.

The feeling of hip-hop fatigue was hammered home when Def's special guest, Q-tip climbed on stage. Phife is practically beginning Tip to get the old gang back to together and Tip has refused (aside from their little reunion tour last year and some Rock the Bells rumors). Why? It's probably due to the fact that Tip's tired of A Tribe. Look at it from Tip's point of view. He's a legend who has influenced countless artists (Mos Def), placed two albums in the top 25 and he can't get his solo work released!! Everyone wants their favorite artist to take chances and grow. But when Tip records an album with a live band, consisting of five-to-seven minute jazz influenced songs, the label shuts it down based on a perception that it wont sell (a most definite perception). But fuck it. If I was Mos and Tip, and I'm not, I'd be bored out of my mind! Shit, If I saw Phife or Kweli running at me I'd run in the other direction, double time. Again, I’m not trying to imply that Tip was lackluster on stage. Far from it. He produced great energy but seemed unsure of where to channel it. Watching them interact on stage was a trip but at the same time a little depressing. It's as if their music can only get burn on a Saturday night in a little club in front of 600 people. Oh well. Save your money the next time Mos Def puts out a mix tape/album. Use it to buy a concert ticket and get your fix that way. Lord knows it's not coming in album form.

DOWNLOAD:
MP3 Mos Def - Undeniable

MP3 Q-Tip - Abstractionisms

More Photos: Mos Def @ Highline Ballroom 5/26/07